Removing tan is not a one day process, you need to religiously follow a routine to get rid of the two tones and repair sun damage.

What is a tan?

When you get tanned, it means that the skin has suffered damage to some extent. When we go in the sun our skin produces melanin to prevent damage. This melanin pigment causes changes in skin colour.

How to get rid of tan?

Exfoliation is the best way to fade tan. When the top layer is gone, it reveals new skin which is of your skin colour. Do not forget to apply sunscreen to prevent further tanning.

What should we do immediately after getting a tan?

You can apply fresh aloe or such soothing creams to get rid of irritation, redness and burn. Once your skin is free of such issues you can go ahead with your de tanning routine.

You can keep these creams in the refrigerator and use when needed.

face and body soothing gel line of juju aloe

Fresh lotus soothing gel from Jeju 

How to calm you skin from sunburn?

If your skin is easily irritated then use skin repair creams to soothe and heal. I have written another article on  the natural at home recipes to treat tan, uneven skin tone and hyper pigmentation. All three recipes are my absolute favourites and my go to face masks.

Dermatologist recommended skin healing, skin repair and Post precedure creams

Is it possible to get tanned even if we apply sunscreen?

Yes it is. Why is that? It all depends on the spf factor in a sunscreen. Spf 15 blocks 93% of the radiation, Spf 30 blocks 97% of the uv radiation while spf 50 blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful radiations. You need to reapply sunscreen every 2-4 hours depending on whether you are in the sun during peak hours or swimming. There is not a sunscreen that gives a full day protection.

Why should we use a broad spectrum Sunscreen?

A broad spectrum sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays of the sun. UVA radiation accelerates ageing causing lines and wrinkles while UVB rays causes sun burns. You need protection against both UVA and UVB radiations. Make sure your sunscreen has three ‘+’ on them like Spf 50+++.

How long does a tan last?

The skin cells are renewed every 28 days. So if you apply sunscreen and prevent further tanning and damage the tan should fade in a month’s time.  It also depends on the skin colour. Tan on fair skin usually  fades by a month’s  time. While dark skin may take up to three months to fade.

This process can be sped up using hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, antioxidants like vitamin c, retinol and sunscreen. You can use one of these or a combination of the products.

Now let’s see how dermatologist’s way of treatment works. By the way this is what i have been following for some time now.

1. Glycolic acid face wash :

Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that increases skin cell turnover, therefore removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin faster. This helps in keeping the pores of the skin unclogged and prevents acne. It also lightens brown marks through exfoliation. It is a fruit acid derived from sugar cane.

Choose a low concentration to begin with and work your way up as your skin starts tolerating it better. Limit using these face washes to once a day to avoid the risk of over-drying and peeling. Use a mild cleanser at all the other times to avoid drying out your skin. My favourites are mentioned in these posts too.

List of glycolic face wash  available in the market

2.Sunscreen:

There is no need to stress the importance of sunscreen. Using sunscreen prevents further darkening of the skin and protects the new layer of skin. When you are at home, it’s fine to use something below 30 spf but if you are going out then use a sunscreen with an spf above 30+++ . Reapply it at least twice if you are outside for more than 6 hours.

List of sunscreen as per skin types 

Cover you hands using long sleeves or gloves while driving and your face with a hat or scarf/ shawl. Those sunglases you own are not only for fashion. You will look like a terrorist but it’s worth it. Dont depend on sunscreen alone as we usually do not apply the recommended amount of sunscreen. You can try the below type of variation if you don not like layering too many products.

The Faceshop Waterproof BB SPF50+, PA+++
The Faceshop Oil Control Water Cushion SPF50+, PA+++

I use this particular variation of  Vaseline lotion for my hands when I am at home and Nivea spf 50 when I’m going out during peak hours ie, 10am – 4pm.  Neutrogena sunscreen is my go to sunscreen when i am going outside under the sun.

I usually skip moisturiser during summer season and just mix sunscreen and liquid highlighter, finishing my look with compact.Personally i like the glow that this routine gives. This routine is not heavy on my skin either. I do not use foundation on a daily basis.

3.Vitamin c serum :

Essentially, vitamin C serum contains highly concentrated amounts of vitamin C mostly in the for of L- ascorbic acid. They are light sensitive and highly unstable. Serums are different From other products with vitamin C because of the significantly higher concentrations, which allow us to get the most out of the product and see more noticeable results.

why use it?

Promotes collagen production
Protects  skin from sun damage
Reduces under-eye circles
Speeds  up healing
Reduces  skin discoloration
Improves hydration and moisture
Creates brighter, healthier skin
Reduces inflammation

Dermatologists advise that best way to use a topical vitamin C is to simply apply a small amount of it in the morning along with sunscreen. It should be applied before you begin applying your makeup. After applying serum, simply continue with your regular makeup and skin care routine.

Layering is not an issue when it comes to this ingredient. Once applied,the effects of vitamin c stays for about 72 hours on our skin. But there are people like me who use it at night as it goes well with retinol creams. It gets absorbed and your skin will be ready to fight free radicles the next day you go out in the sun. Debates go on about this. After reading many articles on this, i decided to add vitamin c to my night skin care routine.

List of Vitamin C serum available in the market

At home DIY Vitamin c serum recipe

4.Retinol :

Note : Use only if you are above 25.

Why Retinol? Retinol is a form of retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A. It’s commonly used to give your skin a healthy boost by minimising fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing texture, and diminishing hyper pigmentation and dark spots. Retinol encourages skin cell turnover. As the new skin is delicate so it should not be exposed to the sun.

i repeat,use night cream with the miracle ingredient of anti ageing retinol only if you are above 25. Do not use on irritated skin or sun burned skin. If you are using dermatologist recommended retinoid creams, then use a good moisturiser with it to sooth your skin. Don not use a cream with too many ingredients which may clash with retinol and cause breakouts, irritation or allergy. Settle for a light moisturiser until your skin gets used to retinol.

When on retinol, go for mild cleansers and deep moisturisers. you can use skin repair creams which promotes healing.

List of mild cleansers available in the market

If you are going to use prescription retinol creams, start by using it twice a week and gradually increase it to once in two days after a month. After a month, you can use it on alternative days. You are supposed to use only half a pea sized amount, keep in mind not to overdo it. I have written another article on retinol. I will link it down below.

Over the counter retinol creams are not really potent, they have less concentration of retinol so they rarely cause redness or irritation but the results will also be slower or not that visible.

Retinol ingredients are only be found in products intended for night use as they react with light. Vitamin A derivatives are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Retin-A and retinol can leave you looking radiant when applied properly, but make sure to use it as recommended.

Everything to know about retinol and product recommendations

5.Nightcreams:

If you are not ready for an anti ageing cream, you can go for brightening creams like L’Oréal Paris white perfect cream .Loreal day cream works by inhibiting melanin production. They work well in removing tan although i felt that the night cream by itself does a better job in removing tan. You can just use any sunscreen that has spf 50 or above in the morning to prevent further skin damage. The loreal day cream leaves a white cast if not massaged properly and it comes off with sweat. So its kind of messy but it definitely worked for me.

The below creams are the ones i prefer. Somehow i am really skeptical when it comes to the ingredients in these creams and their link to cancer. So i wont be linking products that have suspicious ingredients in them even if they are from well known brands.

Olay night cream
Olay day cream
The Faceshop day Cream, 50ml
The Faceshop Brightening Lotion, 130ml
Olay Intensive Skin Lotion, 75ml

Olay Fairness day cream and night cream might not suit dry skin types as they dont provide deep moisturisation. If you have sensitive skin or acne prone skin then stay away from brightening cream as most these have comedogenic ingredients in them. The korean brands that i have mentioned above might suit all skin types i think because it suited my sensitive skin. I have sensitive skin that flares up to comedogenic ingredients. Make sure to remove makeup before going to sleep. Don’t skip any of the steps , you have to continue the routine for three months . Be consistent. If your skin react negatively to any product stop them and use healing creams like,

The best antiageing Ingredients to look for in a night cream with recommendations

6.Face mask sheet/ facial:

Use any face masks that you prefer according to your skin type twice a week. I prefer Innisfree / Faceshop face masks and capsules which gives results. If you are using glycolic acid /retinol products don’t use masks with harsh ingredients instead go for one that has skin soothing and healing ingredients like aloe, oats rather than whitening masks.

These face masks are paraben free.

• Blueberry face mask helps regain skin suppleness and prevent skin oxidation
• Acai berry face mask Improves skin resilience and provides moisturized firmness to skin
• Kelp face mask for clarifying and purifying the skin
• Olive face mask provides ultimate moisture to soothe dry, rough skin
• Honey face mask for glowing radiance

Dermatology treatments to get rid of tan and hyper pigmentation:

There are times when we feel like nothing works. There are also times when we want perfect looking skin in a short amount of time, like your wedding maybe. We search for methods that give guaranteed results without all the hassle. Then, it is best to visit a dermatologist. They will definitely be able to help you get that radiant skin. The dermatology treatments include,

1.Chemical Peels:

Chemical peels make use of glycolic acids or lactic acid to peel off the outer layer of the skin. Over the course of treatment it reveals new skin which is bright and even toned.

 2. Microdermabrasion:

Microdermabrasion treatment is done using a mildly aggressive tool to take off the outer layer of the skin. It uses exfoliating crystals which help in removing the affected cells. This treatment  results in a smooth and lighter skin.

3. Laser:

Laser treatment is useful in removing older tan. They work on deeper layers of the skin and hence there is a recovery period before your skin is completely healed. You may need to attend multiple sessions.

You can read more about cosmetic treatments that give you perfect looking skin in the below article.

Anti ageing skin care with a little help from dermatologists

If you have any doubts or need advice on something please write to me. I have tried to include everything I remember in the post though.