How to remove Tan from face and hands? (A guide)

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An imminent threat that always spoils the pleasure of basking in the sun is none other than sunburn or tanning.  It leads us to a vital question, “how to remove tan from skin?” 

tanning

How Does Tanning Occur?

  • The rays emitted by the sun mainly consist of two types of ultraviolet rays known as UVA and UVB.

 

  • Out of the two types, UVB is the one that is responsible for sunburns. However, it is the UVA that we need to worry about more.

 

  • These are the rays primarily responsible for tanning the skin. It is capable of damaging lower layers of skin by penetrating the epidermis.

 

  • One of the most prevalent misconceptions about sun damage that people have is that only sunburns are dangerous. Tanning is an equally dire issue if left unattended.

 

  • Exposure to UVA rays can cause irreversible damage to the immune system, making it challenging to battle illness. It can also lead to cancerous situations, of which melanoma is the leading skin-related cancer.

What Are the Ways to Fade Tan?

While looking for remedies, treat your face with care and caution as it is sensitive. So, thinking twice before applying any product is necessary. Always take a patch test on your skin to see its effect prior to actual application. Doing this ensures you are safe from any allergy or untoward reaction.

Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Tan

The most common ways that people resort to are natural methods of tan removal for mild cases. These ingredients tend to have skin lightening, bleaching and anti-inflammatory properties. However, bear in mind that these remedies are not suggested by doctors and may cause irritation if your skin is irritated or sensitive.

Orange Rind 

orange

 

For best results, dry the orange rind and use it in the powdered form. Make a fine paste and gently apply it to your skin. It contains natural skin bleaching properties that are capable of removing dark spots and tanning. 

Aloe Vera

A plant that’s a part of almost every Indian household is known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties. According to a study (1), aloe vera may aid in suppressing the release of melanin and reduce pigmentation.

Milk

It can influence the hormone known as tyrosine in the body and is responsible for controlling melanin production. Additionally, milk helps moisturise the skin and maintain an even skin tone.

Exfoliation

It is a process that helps in getting rid of dead skin cells and debris on the surface to reveal younger and healthier skin. Always use gentle scrubs that aren’t harsh on your skin, or else they can cause skin irritation. You can get store-bought scrubs or create your own with ingredients like papaya, tomato or oatmeal. People with acne or sensitive skin should be careful or can avoid using scrubs. After exfoliation, do not forget to apply a moisturiser.  

Depigmenting Agents 

Several depigmenting agents are available over the counter. They are helpful when it comes to lightening hyperpigmentation. It is safer to use it under the supervision of a dermatologist. They help slow down the melanin generation to prevent skin tanning. Avoid too many applications or too high of a concentration as it can lead to adverse reactions or skin irritation. Be cautious while using the product, as overusing such products can be harmful to your skin.

Can Skin Bleaching Remove Tanning?

Skin bleaching products available in pharmacies and over-the-counter are often jam-packed with strong chemicals. They may aid in lightening your skin tone in a shorter time, but they are far harsher on the skin. Furthermore, if misapplied, they can have disastrous effects on the skin, which includes burning.

Summing Up

The best solution to prevent tanning is by caring for and protecting your skin as much as possible. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear a hat, carry an umbrella and cover yourself up before stepping out. Stop using any product or home remedy if you experience burning or stinging. If you are unsure whether an approach to tan removal is safe, talk to a dermatologist before trying it.

Disclaimer

The natural remedies mentioned in the blog are the widely popular ones. It is in no way a substitute for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Avoid using these if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. 

Before trying any natural remedy, always test a small quantity on your skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergy to any particular ingredient. In case of emergency or any reaction, immediately connect with a doctor who can offer the proper treatment.

FAQs

1. How can you remove tanning from your face?

There are various techniques to remove tan from your face, including natural remedies, exfoliation and depigmenting agents. However, your condition, skin type and other factors play an essential role in choosing the proper treatment and results. Therefore, discuss with a doctor to suggest the ideal option for you. 

2. Can You get rid of tan overnight?

Unfortunately, you cannot get rid of tan overnight. It takes a certain amount of time which depends on your extent of tanning, cause and condition. 

3. How can you permanently whiten your skin?

You cannot alter your skin colour. However, some of the ways can help improve or regain your natural skin tone back. Also, this obsession with skin whitening is related to the perception that fair skin tone is superior. Hence, it’s crucial to accept that every skin colour is beautiful and unique. 

 

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Author

Dr Jisha Gomez

Dr Jisha Gomez

She is a highly skilled dermatology physician with strong expertise in improving skin & hair health through the development of corrective treatment combinations. She completed her Post-graduate Diploma in Dermatology from Cardiff, UK & Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine (FAM) from the Institute of Laser and Aesthetic Medicine, Delhi with over 5+ years experience treating skin patients. She has worked in Government hospitals in Trivandrum and Bangalore. She is actively involved in creating awareness for healthy skin, breaking the social stigma based on skin colour & stopping steroid abuse in our country.