We all look forward to a holiday imagining beaches, seaside, swimming, boat rides, food, and relaxing and sipping on some coconut water with garlands around us. Sounds like the ideal holiday indeed, being away from the routine life we follow every day. But hey, when it is time to come back, you realise you have caught a tan that can be very hard to get rid of.
A glossy tan look can be very appealing to some, and a terror for some who have caught it very severely, making them look much darker than their actual skin tone.
Dr.Niranajana Raj, Dermatosurgeon and Joint Managing Director, YCDC Clinic Bangalore and Trivandrum, recommend the best solution for getting rid of a tan on the skin is to avoid the damage and pigmentation, by not coming into direct contact with the sun in the wee hours (10 am to 4 pm). However, to get some natural source of vitamin D, try to gain natural sunlight but for not more than ten minutes.
There are medical treatments as well that the clinic offers such as skin toning and skin lightening, that can help you get rid of the tan. You need multiple sessions to notice the difference.
Your sunscreen was, is, and always has to be your best companion. Apply it liberally. Based on your skin type and consult your doctor, you need to check which SPF version suits you. Usually, SPF 15 and 25 is for mild skin, SPF 30 is the norm, and SPF 50 should be used for photosensitive skin.
If you want to get rid of your tan extremely quick, exfoliators are the way to go. One must use exfoliating lotions and brushes and cleansers with exfoliating properties. It is nothing but letting go of all the dead skin cells that have been accumulated on the skin, making way for new fresh layers to enhance itself. Be observant though on how these react to your skin, as it may have different reactions on different skin types. For example, if you have dry skin, use an exfoliator which is especially for dry skin.
Use chemical free products, to prevent further damage. Do not do any chemical based services such as bleaching or a facial as well, that can cause further damage to the skin. There are certain products though, such as makeup with sun protection, i.e., wear cosmetics that can literally fight the sun.
Wear cool clothing in the summers, cotton fabrics preferably, and not the silk and jersey materials that will stick to your body. Full sleeve clothing protects the hands from getting tanned. Cover your face with a mask or cotton scarf, wear your sun cap and sunglasses, and just continue to be patient, the tan will wear off slowly but steadily, and you will get back your original skin colour in no time.
