We love to soak in the sun but don’t realise that in the process we also make it susceptible to damage. The harsh sun rays work their way in many ways to harm our skin, the most common being skin tan, where the skin loses its moisture and glow to look pale and dull. Treating skin tan at the earliest is very important to prevent further damage. Sun screens and other agents do protect the skin from damage to some extent but since UV ray index is always on the higher side, it affects the skin irrespective of sun guards and sun screens.
One can find a variety of products that claim to treat tan and damage caused by exposure to the sun. However, I feel that the best way to get rid of tan is to use natural products or ingredients as the products available in the market could have somgheee chemical components that might affect the skin in an adverse way. The best way to get back your supple skin is to use ingredients that are natural and are easily available. How about ingredients straight from your kitchen or garden? Using ingredients from our kitchen or garden is a practice that we all have seen our parents and grandparents do. For example, ghee or honey was used to treat chapped lips and to smoothen the skin. Perhaps it’s time to get back to basics.Here are some tips and ways to treat tan and get rid of it.
1. Tomato
I personally feel that tomato works extremely well as a tan removal agent. It not only removes tan and dead skin but also consists of properties that bring back the glow in the skin. Tomato also acts as a natural sunscreen, prevents sunburn, repairs skin damage and helps in reducing the ageing process. It has been an age old remedy to treat skin ailments especially when one has pale skin that lacks luster.
It is available easily in the market and the best way to use is to take out its pulp and apply it on the face like a mask. One could also use the skin of tomato and simply apply it on the skin and then wipe it off using a tissue, cotton or water.
Tomato has mineral complexes that reveal fresh and sparkling skin along with great complexion even after the skin has been damaged by sun and pollutants
2. Yoghurt
Another dead skin removal ingredient which is very effective and natural is yoghurt or curd. Curd mixed with wheat flour can be applied on the face, hands and feet and then rinsed off once it dries up. Curd and flour when combined act as a scrub and remove dead skin and tan easily. Regular use of this mixture will ensure clear, soft and supple skin.
3. Lemon
Lemon contains Vitamin C in abundance, which is a great tan removal agent. One can simply slice a lemon, rub it on the skin and wipe it off once it settles on the skin.
The citric acid present in lemon helps not only in the removal of tan but also in the removal of acne and lightening of the marks. One can also apply a mixture of lemon and curd for severe tan.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is an integral part of Indian cuisine. It contains more than 300 antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health of an individual. It also helps fight acne, skin tanning, pigmentation, etc.
One could simply mix turmeric in water and apply it gently on the skin and then rinse. Regular use of this mixture will make the skin healthier and bring back the glow.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, these days has emerged as an elixir for every ailment. However, it has been available all this while in our gardens, parks and neighbourhoods. Aloe vera is a one stop remedy for almost all skin and hair ailments. It is a great cooling agent.
One can take aloe vera pulp and apply it raw on the skin to get rid of tan, sun burn, etc. It helps in not only reducing the effect of tan but also soothes burns and acne.
6. Gram Flour
Gram flour is very useful in treating tan. It removes dead cells leaving behind a healthy and glowing skin. Mix gram flour with water and apply the paste on the skin. Wait for it to dry and rinse your face. Try using rose water instead of regular water, which will add to the glow.
