The so-called ‘best remedy’ to remove suntan at home gets a thumbs down from experts

Tanning is the body’s natural defense mechanism to sun damage. As such, the tanning of various body parts like the face, feet, hands, neck, and knees is extremely common during the summer months. While tanning fades over time, many people resort to trying various quick fixes to get rid of it instantly. Among the many available solutions is using a mix of shampoo or body wash, ENO or baking soda, coffee powder, gram flour, and lemon juice — being touted as the “best remedy” in a viral Instagram video by a content creator suggests. But what do dermatologists say?

Before we answer this burning question, let’s understand the cause of tanning.

“When exposed to the sun, your skin increases the release of melanin to absorb the UV rays and shield from sun damage. The more you are exposed to the sun, the more melanin is released, which leads to more sun-tanned skin by the minute,” said Dr Kiran Sandeep Singh, ayurvedic consultant and cosmetologist, Beeshakha Health Centre, Andheri East, Mumbai. “Your face, neck, arms, and legs are the most prone to tanning when exposed to the sun.

According to Dr Niti Gaur, cosmetic dermatology, founder, Citrine Clinic, Gurgaon, deeper skin tones have more melanin, which is responsible for skin colour and protection from UV damage, “and is also the reason why people with brown skin tend to get more tanned than have sunburn”.

A tan, realistically, takes anywhere between two to three months to improve, but it may last longer, even up to six months, added Dr Gaur.

So, is the remedy effective?

One has to be cautious while trying home remedies as not everyone can benefit from them, cautioned Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics. “Baking soda is known to have a pH of 9 which is high and can cause problems such as dryness, irritation, and burning of the skin. Moreover, there is no evidence available regarding the benefits of baking soda or ENO on the skin,” noted Dr Kapoor.

Those having sensitive skin should be cautious as using lemon juice can create havoc. “It can cause burning, irritation, inflammation, and skin dryness owing to its high acidic properties,” said Dr Kapoor.

According to her, while coffee powder can exfoliate the skin, “there is no study to validate this claim”. “It is better to take the opinion of an expert before adding these ingredients to your skincare routine,” said Dr Kapoor.

Apply sunscreen every day (Source: Pixabay)

Many social media accounts offer advice on home care remedies for de-tanning, but not all of the advice is good, experts stress. “The skin is a delicate organ, so it is important not to apply products that are not intended for it. While home-based remedies are a cheaper and more convenient option, they are less effective compared to in-clinic procedures,” said Dr Gaur.

 

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Tips to prevent tanning

To prevent tanning, using sunscreen with SPF 50 is a must. “Don’t follow any random trend on social media that can be harsh on your skin. Laser treatment for tan removal can be beneficial for the person,” said Dr Kapoor.

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