Avoid Tanning this Summer: Effective strategies and Home remedies

How to avoid tanning in summer 

Introduction 

How to avoid tanning in summer 


Summer is the best time for outings for many of us. Also it is the best time for tanning and skin damage due to sun exposure. So it is very important to protect our skin from sun damage and tanning as it can cause various problems like aging and skin cancer. 
In this blog we will discuss how to avoid tanning in summer effectively.

Table of content

Understanding tanning and its effect 

Tanning happens in the response of sun exposure or UV radiations to protect skin from further damage our skin starts to produce more melanin which causes skin darkening.
Tanning can cause several skin conditions like sunburn, skin damage, increased risk of skin cancer and hyperpigmentation.

Daily Skincare Regimen 

Step 1: cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser.
Step 2: Tone your face with a alcohol free toner.
Step 3: Moisturize your face with a suitable moisturizer for your skin type.
Step 4: Use sunscreen to protect your skin from UV radiations.

Effective Sun Protection Strategies 

Using sunscreen

How to avoid tanning in summer 


  • Apply sunscreen daily with at least SPF of 30 or more.
  • Reapply it every two hours.
  • Use good quantity for your entire body and don't forget areas like your ear, neck and feet.
  • Choose sunscreen according to your skin type e.g. gel based for oily skin type and cream based for dry skin type.
  • Apply 30 mins before sun exposure so that it has enough time for absorption.

Wearing protective clothing 

  • Wear full sleeved t-shirt.
  • Wear wide brimmed hat to protect face, ear and neck.
  • Use sunglasses to protect eye area from sun exposure.

Seeking shade 

  • Avoid staying outdoor when sun rays are strongest e.g. 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
  • Seek shade of trees when in sun exposure or use umbrella.

Stay hydrated 

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated which can protect skin from sun damage.

Dietry Consideration 

  • Consider antioxidants rich foods which includes vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, lycopene, polyphenols.
  • Drink at least 8 glass of water a day to keep body hydrated.
  • Eat water rich vegetables and fruits like cucumber, watermelon and oranges.
  • Eat omega-3 fatty acids rich food like chia seeds, flaxseed and walnut.
  • Eat food rich in zinc like pumpkin seeds, lentils and chickpeas.
  • Eat selenium rich food like brazil nuts, eggs, sunflower seeds and brown rice.
  • Eat food rich in probiotics like yogurt and other fermented foods.

Home remedies to remove tanning 

Aloe Vera 

Aloe Vera has soothing, cooling and healing properties. Apply fresh aloe vera directly onto your skin before and leave it for overnight. Repeat it daily for best results.

Cucumber 

Cucumber has cooling and soothing effect which is ideal for sunburn and sun tanning. Apply cucumber juice on affected areas and leave it for 20 mins before rinsing off it with water.

Tomato 

Tomato is helpful in removing sun tanning and helps lighten skin tone due to the presence of lycopene in it. Apply tomato juice on your face for 15-20 mins and then rinse it off with cool water. Repeat 2-3 times in a week.

Lemon and Honey 

Lemon has bleaching properties which helps lighten tanned skin and honey helps to moisturize the skin. Apply equal parts of lemon juice and honey on affected areas of skin and leave it for 20 mins before rinsing off it with lukewarm water. Repeat it every alternate day.

Yogurt and Turmeric 

Yogurt helps to exfoliate the skin and lightens the skin tone due to the presence of lactic acid in it while turmeric has antioxidants properties.
Mix two tablespoon of plain yogurt with a pinch of turmeric and apply it to the affected areas of the skin for 30 mins before rinsing off it with water. Repeat 2-3 times a week.

Gram Flour and Turmeric pack

Gram flour is a natural exfoliant while turmeric helps reduce tan. Mix two tablespoon of gram flour with a pinch of turmeric and milk or water to form a paste. Apply the paste on your skin until it dries then scrub it off with lukewarm water. Use this pack once a week.

Potato juice 

Potato juice is helpful in removing sun tan and lighten skin tone as it contains catecholase enzymes. Simply apply potato juice on tanned areas of the skin using a cotton ball for 20 mins before rinsing off with water. Repeat it daily for best results.

Papaya and Honey Mask 

Papaya exfoliates and brighten up the skin while honey helps to moisturize the skin. Simply mash few pieces of papaya and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture on your face for 20 mins before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Repeat once or twice a week.

Long-Term Skincare Strategies 

Healthy diet 

  • Have a nutritious and healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats. 

Drink plenty of water 

  • Drink at least 2-3 litres a day to keep body and skin hydrated from within.

Consistent sleep 

  • Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep every night to repair and rejuvenate your skin.

Stress management 

  • Practice mindful activities like meditation, yoga or exercise to keep body and skin stress free.

Avoid sun exposure 

  • Prefer staying indoors specially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as sun rays are extremely harsh during this time period.

Avoid harsh products 

  • Prefer skincare products which are free from harsh chemicals.

Regular skin checkups

  • Schedule regular skin checkups with a dermatologist at least once a year to address any skin issues early before they become serious.

Conclusion 

  • To avoid tanning in the summer season we need to understand what is tanning and its effect. 
  • Tanning occurs due to excessive sun exposure especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It can cause several skin problems like premature aging, skin cancer etc. 
  • To avoid tanning, we need to develop a consistent daily Skincare routine and should follow effective Sun protection strategies like using sunscreen, seeking shade etc. 
  • Dietry consideration, consistent sleep and stress management also plays a crucial role in maintaining better skin health. 
  • If you have already developed a tan, you can try some home remedies like potato juice and fresh aloe vera gel.
  • If you are consistent with these practices you will definitely get radiant and beautiful skin.
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