There are upsides and downsides to spending time in the sun. The sun gives you Vitamin D, but its rays are also toxic to your skin.
Sun exposure not only tans the skin but also causes various skin disorders such as dark patches and hyperpigmentation. UV radiation depletes the skin’s moisture content, causing it to appear lifeless and lackluster.
Knowing this, we are constantly concerned about sun exposure, especially in tropical Asian nations like ours. Before going out in the sun, you apply suntan creams and lotions. When going to the beach, you take several measures.
WHAT IS TANNING?
You may have observed that your exposed body areas, such as your face, arms, hands, legs, feet, back, and neck, are often a shade darker than your non-exposed body parts.
Skin cells enter a defensive state when exposed to UV radiation from the sun. Melanin is transported from melanocytes to keratinocytes, which are the skin’s surface cells. Melanin pigment serves as a protective mechanism, limiting further cell damage from UV exposure. Melanin is stacked on top of the nucleus of the cell, this process occurs in all skin cells exposed to sunlight. As a result, tanning is noticeable on the exposed body parts.
Tanning is the process through which the skin pigment (melanin) in the skin grows following sun exposure, resulting in a darker effect. This is our body’s natural defense mechanism when it is exposed to the sun. It acts as a barrier to protect your skin from the sun.
People with lighter skin tones often cannot produce an appropriate quantity of melanin pigment, and the amount that is produced is inefficient, resulting in skin burn in exposed regions.
The sun is responsible for the majority of skin problems, including skin discoloration, early symptoms of aging, dry skin, and more. Excessive sun exposure causes a pale skin look and a loss of skin protective capabilities by compromising the skin barrier. As a result, photodamage intensifies wrinkles. The sun’s ultraviolet radiations, or UV rays, notably UVA, UVB, and UVC, hasten skin deterioration. Sunburn is one example of severe photodamage. In the case of solar dehydration, the extracellular water level decreases as cells move to the outside skin, resulting in dryness with pigmented patches.
Our body care routines should include before, during, and post-bath rituals, such as efficient body tan removal washes, scrubs, packs, and so forth.
CAUSES
Melanin is a naturally occurring pigment generated by cells known as melanocytes. Melanin shields the body from UV rays emitted by the sun. Natural exposure to the sun can cause tanning to occur. Although UV radiation causes sunburn as well as other direct and indirect DNA damage to the skin, the body naturally overcomes and strives to fix the problems and protect the skin by producing and releasing more melanin into the skin’s cells. Our skin color begins to deepen as a result of melanin production, resulting in increased dullness and dark spots.
The roots of suntan vary according to skin type. Few skin types always burn and never tan, whilst others burn readily but tan only rarely. Let’s find out what the primary issues are-
1. UVA radiation
This is the most hazardous factor that causes skin tanning. It penetrates deeper into the epidermal layers, causing damage to the cells. Melanocytes produce melanin, which is responsible for the burnt, darker appearance of the skin.
2. UVB radiation
These rays typically cause damage or burns to the outer skin layers. UVB exposure increases in the summer and drops in the winter months because the Earth’s Ozone layer filters the majority of UV-B rays depending on the weather. Unlike UVA, it does not stimulate melanocytes. It causes DNA damage, which increases melanin synthesis even further.
SYMPTOMS OF TANNING
- Darkening of the skin
- Skin tone that is dull and patchy
- Dry and rough skin
- Peeling skin in extreme situations
HOW TO REMOVE TAN?
The first and most effective technique to remove a tan is to keep your skin protected from harmful UV radiation. Tans normally fade on their own when your skin loses tanned skin cells and replaces them with fresh cells. However, if you wish to lighten its look, you can use body tan removal lotions or simple at-home cures. Aside from this, wearing a sunscreen lotion or cream to prevent additional tanning and protect the skin from dangerous rays is essential.
Body care for tanned skin requires the following actions to restore and regenerate your skin: https://www.pureoilsindia.com/product-category/bath-and-body/concerns-wise-products/ageing/
1. Cleanser
Because tanning depletes water levels, a gentle cleanser that does not damage the skin’s natural moisture is essential for maintaining skin hydration. Traditional cleansers, such as Ubtan, which contain skin-lightening herbs and natural Vitamin C, perform well as regular tan removal body washes.
2. Exfoliation
Exfoliation is a crucial stage in accelerating cell renewal and, as a result, reducing tan. Chemical exfoliators (AHAs and BHAs) can be used to exfoliate dead skin cells and make the skin smooth and clean. A body tan removal scrub, such as Suntan reversal scrub with moisturizer, is an ideal natural choice that is loaded with granules to gently exfoliate the skin without being too abrasive and side by side gives a soothing and moisturizing effect on your skin.
3. Sunscreens
Sunscreen can minimize the risk of skin cancer while also allowing you to spend time outside safely. To ensure that your sunscreen is effective, follow these guidelines:
- Make use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is one that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.
- Every day, apply sunscreen. Use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. Don’t be deceived by clouds. They have the potential to intensify the sun’s beams. Apply sunscreen in the morning to ensure all-day protection.
- If you go swimming, you must reapply. Swimming and sweating might reduce the effectiveness of your sunscreen. After each swim or sweat cycle, apply sunscreen.
- When the weather is scorching, try to avoid going outdoors. Stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
SOME DIY TIPS AND TRICKS TO REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF TANNING
Suntan appears to be a minor problem, and it is generally possible to remove sun tan using a variety of natural products and home treatments, although they are ineffectual in situations of pigmentation. When used correctly, home treatments can have a minor lightning effect.
With that stated, let’s take a look at some of the most popular natural tan removal methods:
1. Lemon and Honey
To eliminate suntan and even skin texture, use a layer of lemon juice mixed with honey and rosewater. You may also mix some sugar into the lemon juice and gently massage your skin to remove dead skin cells. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
Avoid rubbing lemon peel or juice directly on the affected area as its natural state is acidic and needs to be neutralized
2. Tomato and Yogurt/Curd
Tomatoes are high in antioxidants, which aid in skin lightening. Yogurt, on the other hand, has lactic acid in it, which moisturizes the skin. To make a paste, combine raw tomato juice, honey, and yogurt. You can apply this paste to your tanned face, neck, and face after 20 minutes, and then wash it off.
Many people believe that curd or yogurt is a natural suntan remover. It also includes lactic acid, which may aid with exfoliation.
3. Sandalwood
When it comes to removing tan off the face, sandalwood or Chandan works like a charm. It is also a one-stop shop for all other forms of skin problems. Sandalwood, being mild and cooling, eliminates tan from the face while also improving the texture and tone of your skin.
Mix ½ tablespoon of milk cream and ½ tablespoon of sandalwood powder. Add a pinch of turmeric (for natural glow) and little granulated sugar (for exfoliation). Now add a few drops of lemon juice and rosewater to mix all the ingredients. Apply this mixture for about 15-20 minutes on the affected area and wash it off with cold water.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Fortunately, the sun does not permanently tan the skin. The skin returns to its normal shade with the application of the proper treatments and care. Excessive sun exposure, on the other hand, may cause skin harm, resulting in sunburn, and may take longer to heal.
Cover yourself completely while going out, apply an efficient sunscreen, and use daily tan removal products such as cleansers or ubtans, as well as weekly exfoliators, ttactics to get rid of tans quickly.
