Want to beat stubborn sun tan? Natural is the way to go!
The scorching rays of the sun can often cause skin concerns. Here are five natural ways to remove tan
Sunbathing at the beach might be a favoured pastime in colder climates, but in India, the very hint of a tan starts to ring alarm bells. Living in a country where summer temperatures are no less than blazing, it’s safe to say that many of us are hardly looking to get tanned.
WHAT IS TANNING?
Tanning is the body’s way of protecting our skin from the sun. Exposure to the sun also means exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. To safeguard our skin from these radiations, melanin (responsible for the skin’s pigment) is transferred to the surface of our skin cells to prevent damage. Therefore, areas that receive the most sun exposure are more likely to get tanned.
When you notice a difference in your skin tone, your first instinct might be to turn to treatments that claim to get rid of the sun tan. But these may not be healthy for your skin. Even products that claim to be “organic” and “natural” are chemically infused to cut production costs and increase shelf life.
Instead, try these natural ingredients to remove tan:
Potato
Rubbing potato slices on your skin is a tried and tested home remedy to get rid of sun tan or dark pigmentation. Potatoes are rich in an enzyme called catecholase.
Pineapple pulp
Rich in vitamins A and C, a mixture of pineapple pulp and honey will reverse skin damage and help lighten skin tone. Pineapples also contain antioxidants and the enzyme bromelain,which helps reduce free radicals.
Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in AHA (alphahydroxy acids) and vitamin C, and have natural skin-brightening properties. Apply a mixture of mashed strawberries and fresh cream for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Lemon
Lemon is a well-known bleaching agent and a star ingredient in most face packs.
Aloe vera
Rich in vitamin E, aloe vera has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin and remove tan. Use it as a moisturiser and you are good to go, all summer long!