The skin pigment
A pigment called melanin is responsible for imparting colour to our skin. More the melanin, darker is the tone. Melanin is responsible for protection of skin from damage caused by UV rays; it absorbs the sun rays. In response to prolonged exposure to sunlight, body produces more melanin thus giving darker tone to the skin. Sunburn is simply a more ferocious form of a tan.
Beating the tan
- Drink lot of water before going out in sun to prevent dehydration and peeling of skin. Carry a water bottle.
- Wrap your face while going out in sun to reduce exposure.
- Use sunblock or sunscreen. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you go out into the sunlight. Check for an SPF 20 and UV protect on your sun block label.
- Apply tomato juice daily to the skin especially in summer season. It makes the skin tone lighter.
- Mix one spoon each of milk, curd, ghee and honey. Apply it on face and wash after 15 minutes. This is a most efficient and easy way to remove the tan naturally.
- Turmeric and gram flour mixed with milk applied to face before bath instead of soap can give you a fair and glowing skin.
- Lemon juice can be applied to skin with honey. This removes tan and makes your skin lighter.
- Aloe vera pulp is the remedy for many skin conditions. Tan and sunburn too can be cured with it. Aloe vera has a cooling effect on body. You can even eat a small piece of Aloe vera.
Follow these tips, and you can actually be friends with the sun!
