Melanin is the natural pigment that is present in our skin and imparts color to our skin. It is produced by special pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. It offers protection against harmful sun rays and skin cancer. In response to sun exposure, melanocytes produce melanin which leads to darkening of the skin, commonly known as Tanning.
Tanning is a visible darkening of the skin involving exposed body parts like the face, neck, and forearms. It can be temporary or permanent. Tanning is commonly seen in Fitzpatrick skin types 3,4 and 5. It can also be seen in fair-skinned individuals who have been to the beach, hilly areas, or swimming pool. I am sure you must have had tanning once in your lifetime.
Detanning Remedies To Try This Summer
Are you one of those persons who frequently visit the salon for detanning treatments and end up spending hefty amounts of money? While detanning treatments done at a salon can be temporarily effective, here is what the best dermatologist in Vadodara suggests to prevent tanning and effectively treat tanned skin
1. Use Sunscreen Regularly
Most of us believe that sunscreen has to be used only when we are moving outdoors. Contrary to this belief, sunscreen should be used 365 days a year, even during monsoons and winters to prevent tanning. Using the right amount of sunscreen if of utmost importance, 1 teaspoon full amount is sufficient for your face, and 1.5 teaspoon full amount is sufficient for your arms. Reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours is important. For patients going to the pool and having excessive sweating, water-resistant use sunscreen. For patients who work on laptops and desktops, use sunscreen with a blue light filter.
2. Exfoliate your Skin
Instead of using scrubs, applying gentle exfoliants like glycolic acid can give you a rejuvenated and fresh look. For the face, use 6 % glycolic acid and for your arms, use 12 % glycolic acid creams. We don’t recommend the usage of loofahs and scrubs. Medifacials can be done to lighten your skin tone and complexion. They gently exfoliate your skin.
3. Use Depigmenting Creams
Use creams containing active ingredients like Kojic acid, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin, glycolic acid, and vitamin C. Creams should be prescription-based and should be used as best advised by your dermatologist. Creams can take at least 4- 6 weeks to show visible results, so be consistent with your skincare routine.
4. Go For Procedures At Your Dermatologist’s Clinic
You can go for chemical peels with Glycolic acid and combination peels containing a variety of agents like Kojic acid, arbutin, and Niacinamide. You can also mechanically exfoliate your dull skin with a procedure called microdermabrasion. Hydrafacials and carbon peel are other detanning procedures that are safe and give your skin a radiant look. For tanning, which is persistently present after usage of sunscreen and depigmenting agents, laser toning with Nd YAG LASER, also known as Carbon peel/ Hollywood facial. Nd YAG Laser destroys the excess melanin that is present in your skin and also improves your skin texture. This procedure also requires 3-4 sessions at monthly intervals.
5. Have Foods Rich in Antioxidants and Vitamin C
Citrus fruits like orange, sweet lime, and papaya contain vitamin C, antioxidants and Vitamin A. Coloured fruits and vegetables contain rich sources of beta carotene like carrots, spinach, and lettuce. Beta carotene is a natural sun protective agent. Your doctor may also prescribe you supplements containing bet carotene, lycopene, and alpha lipoic acid. So, the next time you have a tan, think twice before making a choice- is your beautician well qualified to be your skincare expert? Always trust your dermatologist for your skincare concerns.
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