What is sun tanning?

What is sun tanning?

Sun tanning is the purposeful exposure of one's skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun in order to darken the skin. Most often, this is done to achieve a more bronzed or tanned appearance since some people find this look appealing. The risk of skin damage, sunburn, and even skin cancer increases with excessive sun exposure, thus it can also be harmful. As a result, it's critical to restrict sun exposure and adopt safe sun behaviors, especially during the sun's peak hours.

Causes of sun tan 

A naturally occurring pigment created by melanocytes is called melanin. Melanin protects the body from damage by absorbing UV radiation from the sun. Tanning can be induced by exposure to natural sunlight. Even though excessive UV radiation causes sunburn and other direct and indirect DNA damage to the skin in addition to sunburn, the body automatically fights and attempts to heal the damage and protect the skin by producing and releasing additional melanin into the skin cells. Melanin production results in a tendency for our skin's color to deepen, as well as an increase in a dull and uneven skin tone.

Existing melanin is oxidized by oxidative stress brought on by UVA radiation from the sun, which swiftly darkens the melanin. UVA skin darkening does not significantly enhance melanin synthesis or offer sun protection.

How to remove sun tan from the face and body?

Here are some ways to remove sun tan from the face and body:

Exfoliate: 

Use a gentle scrub to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells that have been darkened by the sun. This can help reveal brighter, smoother skin.

Aloe Vera:

 Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe and cool sunburned skin. It can also help reduce the appearance of sun tan. Apply aloe vera gel on the affected area and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

Lemon Juice: 

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of sun tan. Mix equal parts lemon juice and honey and apply it on the face and body. Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

Cucumber: 

Cucumber has a cooling effect and can soothe sunburned skin. It can also help reduce the appearance of sun tan. Grate a cucumber and apply the pulp on the affected area. Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

 Yogurt:

Yogurt contains lactic acid that can help exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of sun tan. Apply plain yogurt on the face and body and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

Home remedies to remove sun tan 

Here are some home remedies to remove sun tan:

Turmeric and Milk: 

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening properties, while milk can help soothe and moisturize the skin. Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with enough milk to make a paste. Apply it to the affected area and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

Potato:

 Potato juice contains enzymes that can help lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of sun tan. Grate a potato and squeeze out the juice. Apply the juice on the affected area and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

Papaya: 

Papaya contains enzymes that can help exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of sun tan. Mash a ripe papaya and apply it on the face and body. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off.

Oatmeal:

 Oatmeal can help soothe sunburned skin and reduce inflammation. It can also help exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of sun tan. Mix oatmeal with enough water to make a paste. Apply it to the affected area and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

Sandalwood: 

Sandalwood has cooling and skin-lightening properties. Mix sandalwood powder with enough water to make a paste. Apply it to the affected area and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

How long will it take for the tan to go away?

The duration of a tan is influenced by a number of variables, such as the person's skin type, the intensity of the tan, and the rate at which their skin naturally sheds its outer layers. A medium to moderate sun tan typically takes 1-4 weeks to totally disappear. A more serious sunburn or a darker tan, however, can take several weeks or even months to fully go away. It's crucial to remember that trying to speed up the process by using harsh procedures or extensive exfoliating can actually damage the skin even more. It is therefore recommended to let the tan fade naturally over time and adopt safe sun habits to avoid further harm.