Tired of your skin getting darker every time you step into the sun? You’re not alone. The scorching summer heat brings more than just rising temperatures. For many, the most visible impact is uneven skin tone and dark patches on the skin. Skin tan is the skin’s natural way to act as a defence mechanism against UV radiation, primarily from the sun.
When your skin is exposed to UVA and UVB rays, the melanocytes in the skin produce melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of skin, hair and eyes. This pigment absorbs the radiation to prevent further DNA damage. However, excessive sun exposure can lead to an overproduction of melanin, resulting in a tan that can lead to premature ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer.
While a sun tan will fade naturally over time as your body goes through its normal cycle of shedding dead skin cells, playing the waiting game can be incredibly frustrating. With the right skincare routine, sun protection habits and science-backed natural ingredients treatments, you can effectively reduce tanning and prevent long-term skin damage. Here is how you can shed that summer tan safely and naturally.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is an effective natural remedy for removing sun tans due to its high lactic acid content, which acts as a gentle exfoliant, breaks down dead skin cells and brightens the complexion. Applying plain curd directly to the affected areas helps reduce tan and cool the complexion.
It also soothes sun-exposed skin, hydrates to restore a natural glow, and reduces pigmentation. The probiotics in yoghurt calm the skin by promoting cell renewal and repairing the lipid barrier in dehydrated skin.
Mix 2 tablespoons of yoghurt with a pinch of turmeric. Apply evenly and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Use 3 times a week for a natural glow.
Lemon and Honey Mask
Lemon acts as a natural exfoliant, while honey hydrates the skin. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and honey, apply for 15–20 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water 2–3 times a week. Lemon will gently exfoliate the skin and honey retains the moisture.
Mix one teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey and a tablespoon of yoghurt to make a smooth paste of equal consistency. Apply the mixture evenly to the face, neck and open area. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with cool water.
Avoid using lemon on sensitive, broken, or inflamed skin. Do not apply lemon before direct sun exposure.
Cucumber Juice
Cucumber has 98% water content, which means that it is quite helpful when it comes to hydrating your skin. It soothes the skin and helps brighten the complexion. The astringent property in cucumber not only helps in reducing skin tan but also gives a fresh glow to the face. Regular application helps rejuvenate sun-exposed skin and restore its natural glow.
Simply blend a fresh cucumber, apply the juice to your face, and leave it on for around 15-20 minutes. It will soothe sun-exposed skin while keeping the routine easy.
Peel the skin and grate a cucumber in a bowl. Squeeze all the water out. Apply it all over your face with your hands or a cotton pad. Let it sit for 20 minutes before washing it off.
Cucumber juice (or pulp) and watermelon can be mixed with two teaspoons of powdered milk. Put the ingredients in a blender for a smooth paste. Apply to the face and neck and rinse off with water after half an hour.
Mix the cucumber and ripe papaya pulp with curd and two teaspoons of oats. Lemon juice can also be added. Apply to the face and neck twice a week. Wash it off after half an hour.
Add a little turmeric (haldi) to gram flour (besan) and curd into a paste and apply daily. Wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes.
Mix one teaspoon each of honey and orange juice with egg white. Apply to the face and wash off after 20 minutes. It removes tan and also nourishes the skin, making it soft and smooth.
Add cream of milk, a pinch of turmeric, and oats to the tomato pulp and half a teaspoon of honey. Apply to the face to remove tan and nourish the skin.
Mix ground almonds with curd and a pinch of turmeric. Apply to the face. After 15 minutes, rub gently with circular movements. Wash it off with water.
Mix two teaspoons of honey, a little milk and rose water, dried and powdered lemon peels into a paste. Apply two or three times a week on the face and neck. Wash it off after 20 minutes.
Soak one tablespoon of moong dal in water for a few hours. Make a paste and add one tablespoon of tomato pulp. Apply to the face with a light massage. Wash off with water after 20 minutes.
Take one tablespoon of choker (wheat bran), one teaspoon each of orange peel powder and curd, and one tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Mix and apply to the skin, washing it off after 30 minutes.
Banner image by www.kaboompics.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-applying-sunblock-on-her-back-8363663/
Dehydration check a must during summer to take action in time
