How to get rid of tanning and uneven skin tone

Exposing your skin to the sun can cause damage to it. The summer heat can not only dehydrate you but also soak in the moisture from your skin, making it dry and frail. Our expert Dr Manjiri Patankar P

By: Dr Manjiri Patankar Puranik | | Updated: July 29, 2014 6:00 pm

Exposing your skin to the sun can cause damage to it. The summer heat can not only dehydrate you but also soak in the moisture from your skin, making it dry and frail. Our expert Dr Manjiri Patankar Puranik gives tips to remove tanning and rectify uneven skin tone caused due to the sun. Also Read - Shoo away winter tan: Natural ingredients that work like magic

Tanning Also Read - Tips to remove tanning from elbows and knees easily at home

Tanning of the skin due to sun exposure is quite common and there are a few home remedies that you can employ to get rid of it. However, one needs to keep in mind that there is nothing that can help remove a tan overnight. It will take at least a week. Also Read - Glycolic acid: Know why it can be your best skincare buddy

In order to get rid of their tan, some people opt for the harshest method available – they bleach their skin. But by doing so, they cause dryness, burning and further darkening. Bleaching also reduces the smoothness of your skin to a large extent.

Remedies for removing tan

Soak saffron in milk cream and steep overnight. Blend this in the morning with your fingers and apply on the affected area. This will lighten your tan effectively. It has the added benefit of adding a glow to your skin as well. If you also want to sanitise your skin, add a few drops of lime juice to this mix.

You can also exfoliate your skin to get rid of the dehydrated layer as this will give the illusion that the tan has lightened. Exfoliating your skin strips it off the dead skin cells that are on the topmost layer. This action stimulates cell growth and regeneration which results in a smoother, clearer and an even skin tone.

Another trick to hide your tan is by covering it up with light make-up. But note that this is just a temporary solution and should be used when you are in a fix and have no other option.

Uneven skin tone

Many a times, we suffer from uneven skin tone where some parts are lighter than the others. This is due to the overproduction of melanin. Sun exposure can aggravate this condition with its harmful UV rays. Here are some ways which can help get rid of uneven skin tone.

Microdermabrasion

The skin complexion can be evened out through the mechanical action of tiny beads. This procedure is called microdermabrasion. The scrubbing action not only acts on the surface but also cleanses and moisturises the skin.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels may be a little daunting considering that they can be a bit harsh when not applied properly. But under the right conditions, chemical peels can remove stubborn dirt and dry skin bringing out that fresh and rejuvenated appearance with a complexion that is evened out.

A word of caution with chemical peels is that you have to protect yourself better from sun exposure because the skin becomes more sensitive after use. Put on sunscreen that has a broad spectrum and an SPF of at least 30. You should also moisturise regularly to make so that your skin gets enough hydration after a chemical peel. A lack of it can result in breakouts which could create dark spots.

Laser

An aggressive approach to fixing uneven skin tone is through laser therapy. It basically works the same way as your other hyperpigmentation treatments – by removing the outer layer of dead and dry cells revealing a more even skin underneath.

The advantage of laser therapy is that it acts more precisely on the problem areas. There are different kinds of laser therapy, and the good thing about it is that the instrument can be programmed specifically by the doctor to get a therapeutic dose of the laser energy.

Tips

Wearing sunscreen every day will significantly cut back on accumulated sun damage. Load up on antioxidants, both topically and internally to avoid uneven skin tone. To nourish your skin internally, drink three to four liters of water daily, eat fruits rich in vitamins and minerals like citrus fruits, melons, and moisturise heavily at night.

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Published : May 1, 2013 10:49 am | Updated:July 29, 2014 6:00 pm

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