Taming tan

With the scorching summer heat comes a classic South Asian problem - tanning of the skin. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays accelerates the melanin production in the skin, thus causing tanning. While natural dark skin is rather beautiful, tanning is hardly a blessing.  

The consequences of tanning are actually more than 'just getting a little darker.' In fact, tanning can be the root of a lot of other skin problems such as acne, pimples, wrinkles, dark spots and even hyperpigmentation. Luckily, a few steps can go a long way in tackling the merciless summer sun.

Firstly, always carry an umbrella or a hat to protect yourself from the sun. The lighter the tan, the easier it is to remove! And do not, under any circumstances, forget to put on sunscreen in all areas of your body that will be exposed to the sun.

Direct eye contact with the sun must be avoided and so, now is the time for you to show-off your funky shades! 

For tan removal, popular choices include products that give an instant result such as bleach or other chemical laden cosmetic items. However, these may have damaging effects in the long run, as they ruin the delicateness of the skin and may even cause allergic reactions. This is where DIY home remedies come in. With natural ingredients that are easily accessible, these remedies will make it super easy to have healthy skin this summer! 

CUCUMBER, ROSE WATER AND LEMON JUICE PACK
Both cucumber and lemon are natural bleaching agents, as they contain vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant. The cucumber juice and rose water act as cooling agents to soothe the blemished skin. 

Mix equal amounts of cucumber juice, lemon juice and rose water in a bowl and apply it on the tanned spots with cotton. Then, wash it off with cold water after ten minutes. Refreshing on the skin, this pack can be used every day. However, remember to use sunscreen with high SPF as the acidic nature of the lemon juice can make the skin more sensitive to the UV rays of the sun.

GRAM FLOUR (BESAN) AND TURMERIC FACE PACK
Not only does turmeric reduce pigmentation and tan on the skin, but it also adds a healthy glow to it. Gram flour, on the other hand, works wonders in removing dead cells and exfoliating the skin. To make this pack, take two tablespoons of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric, one tablespoon of milk, and one tablespoon of crushed orange peel in a bowl. Then, add cold rose water and mix them to make a paste. Apply this paste onto the affected areas and wait until it's dry. Finally, remove the pack by scrubbing gently. Use this pack every alternate day for effective results.  

PAPAYA AND HONEY FACE PACK
We all know how amazing papaya is for the skin. Not only does it have enzymes with skin-lightening properties, but it also exfoliates and reduces scars and blemishes. On the other hand, honey helps in moisturising and softening the skin. So, for this pack, mash ripe papaya pulp and add a bit of honey to it to make a paste. Apply this on your clean face and let it dry for 30 minutes, before finally washing it off with water. You will be left with softer, healthier skin and this is perfect for even darker tans. 

TOMATO, YOGHURT AND LEMON JUICE FACE PACK
This face pack works wonders in removing dark spots and pigmentation from tanned skin. Moreover, tomato juice works as a natural toner to shrink open pores whereas yoghurt helps in moisturising the skin. Firstly, mix two tablespoon of tomato pulp, one tablespoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of yoghurt in a bowl. 

After applying it on the tanned areas, wait for 30 minutes before washing it with cold water. The tomato juice may feel itchy in the beginning, but with regular application, this will wane. This face pack is more suited to those with oily skin as it will also reduce the oiliness and leave a softer smoother skin. 

In case of severe tan, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist and have it checked out. The physician will be able to prescribe stronger medicines if needed and can identify any underlying problems if there are any. For a daily basis, though, these packs are enough to keep your skin protected while you go out there and conquer the heat! 

By Adiba Mahbub Proma
Photo: Collected