If there was a universal skincare concern we Indian women were fed up with dealing with, it’s definitely the devil that is tanning. I mean, we’re not talking about the tropical sun-kissed tan your skin glows with right after a delightful beach vacation. We’re talking about that dreadful tan that leeches onto your body after spending way too much time outdoors. Skin tanning is definitely a concern that doesn’t have a quick fix.
However, if you’ve been looking for a solution to this, you’re in luck! We got Dr. Jamuna Pai, a leading Cosmetic Physician, Author and Founder of SkinLab to answer all of our questions about tanning and what one can do to prevent it.
What really causes tanning? How exactly does the skin get tanned?
Our skin contains melanin (pigment cells) as well as collagen (which gives skin its elasticity); out of the plenty of other cells in it. Melanin is our body’s natural ‘suncoat’. The melanin pigment sits in the lowest sub-layer of the epidermis and shields our body from the extremely harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
When we tan, it is melanin’s way of protecting our skin from ageing. Before the sun’s rays reach the collagen layers in the dermis, melanin intercepts and absorb it in the epidermis, much before it can cause any collagen breakdown. The absorption causes the skin to turn darker. Without melanin, however, the sun will cheerfully go straight to the dermis and, over time, dent your collagen layer, causing premature lines and wrinkles.
Are there any preventive measures one can take for this?
Tanning is the body’s natural protective mechanism; and will happen even with sunscreen. The only way to try and prevent skin from tanning is to create a physical barrier between the sun’s UV rays and the surface of our skin. Wearing a hat, or putting on light-coloured cotton stole to cover the face could help prevent a tan. For the body, wearing full sleeves, closed pair of shoes can ensure that it does not tan. Having said that, the application of sunscreen is equally important to keep the skin healthy and youthful.
Could you tell us a couple of at-home remedies that could help in getting rid of tanning?
1. Gram Flour + Lemon Juice: Gram flour has been used as an anti-tanning agent for years now, we’ve all seen our mothers and grandmothers rub it over our bodies when we were lil kids, no? And it’s no secret that lemon juice contains Vitamin C and citric acid, both of which brighten your skin.
2. Sugar granules + lemon juice + honey: Sometimes gentle exfoliation can speed up the process of getting rid of a tan quickly. Sugar granules are great exfoliants because they’re not too harsh on the skin either. And let’s be real, we’re all aware of how great the duo of lemon juice and honey is for your skin. It nourishes and brightens.
3. Orange rind + Honey: Another ingredient that works effectively to make your skin radiate is orange rind. Mixing it with honey, a moisturising agent ensures that you’re removing your tan and keeping your skin healthy at the same time.
4. Green tea powder + lemon juice: Yes, we’re aware that green tea is a renowned antioxidant. But did you know that it also happens to be great at helping you get rid of a tan? When mixed with a brightening agent like lemon juice it calms your skin and also leaves it looking plumper.
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