Summer sun is known to burn the screen. Exposure to sun’s harmful Ultra Violet (UV) rays can also trigger a variety of skin conditions. Sun tan also known as tanning is the process of discoloration of the skin. It is caused due to the dangerous UV rays of the sun that attack our skin and damage its beauty making the skin color change from normal to dark or black.
It not only darkens the skin but also gives rise to issues such as burning sensation, wrinkles, permanent damage, age spots, and other signs of premature aging. The main cause of sun tan is prolonged exposure of the skin to the sun. However, the usage of some chemical products can also lead to tanned skin.
However, all these trouble don’t necessarily mean you are destined to look dull all-summer-long. Nor do you need expensive tan removal creams either. Here are a few easy tips to avoid all these hassles, and to keep your skin glowing without any tan.
To begin with, we believe in the adage- ‘prevention is better than cure. Hence, we recommend using proper sunscreen while moving out with exposed skin. Always go for a product that has UVA and UVB and comes in SPF 30 and SPF 70. Use generously for your body and a full teaspoon just on your face. Reapply it every 1-2 hours that you are in the sun to ensure your skin doesn’t get burnt under harsh rays.
Tomato face pack: This can be used as a natural and homemade face pack. Take three table spoon of tomato pulp, and add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of yogurt. Mix them well. Apply the pack, and let it rest for twenty minutes. Tomatoes would induce natural glow into your skin and even your skin tone brighter.
Coconut Water and Sandalwood Pack: Mix coconut water with one tablespoon of sandalwood powder to make a paste and apply it all over the face. The cleansing and cooling properties of sandalwood and coconut would not only help get rid of the tan but also provide instant relief.
Lemon Juice: A pinch of lemon juice can come in handy for a host of your summer woes. Try rubbing a slice of lemon all over the spots if you want to remove tan. It works especially well on knees and elbows, where the tanner builds up and is darker than on the rest of the body. The citrus rich fruit has natural bleaching properties, which may help lighten the tan. You can apply lemon juice by mixing it with honey or gram flour on the tanned skin and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes before washing off the face.
Buttermilk or Malai: One of the most traditional remedies to remove sun tan, applying buttermilk or lassi on the affected areas could help get rid of sun tan. The healing property of buttermilk may help repair burning skin. Curd has natural bleaching properties which can help lighten the tan. Don’t have buttermilk? No problem, applying malai or milk cream on the tanned area could also give effective results.
Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is often called the ‘burn plant’. The wondrous plant has natural properties to cure sun burn. You can apply the jelly that comes out of the leaf directly on the burnt area, at least twice a day. It will soothe your tan and lighten the skintone if applied daily. The anti-inflammatory properties present in the aloe vera extract helps reduce swelling and calm skin irritation caused by the burn.