Tan removal vs Skin Lightening
We often hear of a wonder cream to get rid of tan or a magical skin lightening cream as a means to get “fairer skin”. However, there is a difference between how a tan removing product works and a skin lightening cream.
A skin lightening cream is a curative measure - it works on the skin’s layers to lighten blemishes and marks thus evening out the skin tone and as a result, the “fairer” skin becomes apparent.
Products like sunscreen lotion or sunblock are preventative - those products which contain titanium oxide or zinc oxide diffuse the sun rays and scatter them or absorb the UVA & UVB rays so that your skin does not need to produce extra melanin to protect itself. These require reapplication every few hours (usually not more than two) depending on the duration and degree of sun exposure.
Ways to get rid of a skin tan
Tan removal cream is a great way to get rid of a stubborn or particularly dark skin tan. This however will take some time and will not happen overnight. The trick is to include a tan removing product containing compounds like Kojic acid which helps lighten the skin by fading marks and tan lines thus leaving the skin closer to its original shade and tone.
There are several other ways like peeling solutions, peel off masks, etc. and also some DIY hacks like aloe vera gel mask, gram flour + yogurt mask which are also effective when incorporated into a regular routine. These natural ingredients help lighten darker skin and restore its original color and glow.
How to Prevent a Tan
Now this one is tough to follow through but if one is cautious and responsible, avoiding a tan due to sun exposure is absolutely worth it. To prevent a tan, make application of sunscreen lotion part of your skin care/ makeup routine. Using a good facewash for women, first cleanse your face thoroughly and then apply a liberal layer of sunscreen - preferably SPF 30 and up.
If you have an option, try making sure that you are wearing breathable clothing which covers your arms, legs and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when out in the sun. Reduced amount of exposed skin will help with tan prevention. Also make it a point to walk in the shade and carry your sunscreen with you so that you can easily reapply wherever you are.
Avoid any medications which are known to increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and you should be good to go!
FAQs
What is the quickest way to remove tan?
Opt for DIY masks at home with ingredients such as aloe vera, rose water, gram flour, turmeric, yogurt, etc. Repeat at least 3-4 times over a week for results. Tan removal face packs from a reputed brand will start to show results over a little time as well. The fact to remember is that while it may not take a long time for you to get a tan, removing it will not be as quick. There are other procedures like skin peeling, micro-abrasion, etc. but these are not advisable as they may adversely affect the texture of your skin in the long run.
What sort of facial or cleanup removes tanning?
A tan removal face pack is usually a great way to remove tanning while also restoring skin health by hydrating the skin which may have gotten dried out due to sun exposure. The D-Tan Facial Kit from Iba is a great 6-step routine designed to give salon-like detanning results in a few minutes in the comfort of your home and at a fraction of the price!
It has everything from a moisturizer to serum to face pack designed to reduce tan lines, darkened skin and to soothe inflamed and red skin due to sun exposure. It is infused with potent, natural ingredients and is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Should I apply different products for body tan and face tan?
Yes, ideally one needs separate products for face as well as body - as facial skin is much more sensitive and needs a little extra care compared to the rest of the body. However, certain home remedies work fine on both the face as well as the body since they are natural ingredients and do not harm the sensitive skin on the face yet are also effective on the tougher skin of the rest of your body.
Invest in one great sunscreen lotion or gel with no white cast and a light formula. For tan prevention, that’s often all you need - both for your face and the body.
