Autumn and winter are the best opportunities to embrace the sun and unfreeze the chilling bones.
However, Owing to global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer, it is as dangerous to expose oneself to the sun in winter as in the summer.
The winter sun may not feel as intense as the summer sun, but it contains enough UV radiation to lead to the darkening of the skin, tanning of the skin, pigmentation, sunburn and skin aging.
So while the odd few minutes in the sun is great for skin and health, perhaps it is not such a good idea to stay out unprotected without a break for too long.
Does that mean you have to lock yourself up all winter to avoid damaging your skin?
Certainly not.
However, you have to avoid your skin from getting tanned, which is the most common scourge associated with exposure to the sun.
So, here are some measures that can be followed in plain and easy methods for sun tan preventing and minimizing. Also, in case you are interested in how to avoid sun tan, you can get the important tips for natural sun tan fade at home at the end.
But let’s begin with the fundamentals.
What Causes Skin Tanning?
Sun tanning is the darkening of the skin that occurs as a reaction to exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Sunlight makes your skin produce melanin, the pigment that gives colour to the skin, whenever it comes into contact with your skin.
Melanin is the body’s response to the UV radiation and sunburn. You are more prone to getting a sunburn if you don’t have melanin and you get sunburned much faster and much worse.
But the increased melanin production causes the skin to be darker than its normal colour or what is commonly referred to as a tan. Hence, the more time you take without applying SPF the greater the probability of you getting a tan!
Can The Morning Sun Give You A Tan?
It can; the morning sun also contributes to tanning of the skin. However, there is a big difference between the morning sun and the evening sun, the morning sun is gentle hence, it cannot cause deeper tanning or sunburn. However, don’t eliminate sunscreen regardless of the time of day you decide to let your skin bask in the sun.
Why Winter Tanning Should Matter To You?
On the contrary, you are exposed to the sun in winter, and it is just as strong, and its rays can go right through the clouds and snow and affect your skin. Besides, shiny, bright ice crystals and snow can reflect the sun and increase UV risks even more.
A study showed that 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through the clouds and tan the skin. Hence, it will turn out that you must undertake measures to protect yourself from the sun even during winter.
Before we get to know how to go about removing a sun tan, it is important that we learn how one could avoid getting a tan in the first place.
How To Prevent Sun Tan?
The most basic form of protection against a sun tan is simply to avoid going out in the sun at all; we realize this is not always possible. However, there are certain things that anyone can do in order to avoid getting a tan while basking under the sun during the cold winter.
Your skin is more vulnerable to tanning especially when you are out in the sun during the sun’s prime time; between 10 am and 4 pm. As such, minimize exposing your skin during these hours as this will cause tanning. If it is necessary, make certain that you are sufficiently protected.
Load up on sunscreen
Sun protection is the simplest and best method of avoiding the formation of tan and shielding oneself from damaging UV radiation.
It is quite common to forget sunscreen if it is not sunny or it is foggy, which is even more plausible in the winter.
However, unlike light, dangerous UV rays can easily go through clouds and glass and affect your skin. So, do not forget to apply the sunscreen daily. The sunscreen should definitely be at least 50 SPF and PA+++.
However, the most important thing is to apply the sunscreen not only to the face and neck but also on the other parts of the body such as the arms and legs. Sun tan and sunburn can be greatly reduced with sunscreen while allowing you to look younger.
A cream-based sunscreen will also faithfully protect you against the winter chills that would otherwise cause your skin to dry.
Avoid sleeveless dresses or blouses and low cut necklines
Choose full sleeves and overalls while selecting your winter wear. Indeed, it has double value – it warms one from the winter cold and shields one from the sun.
Try to choose fabrics that could be as dense as possible for creating an extra shield against the sun rays in winter and getting a tan. However, you can take it up a notch and bring your long winter coats, wide-brimmed hats, scarves, and sunglasses.
Be vary of Some medicines that may increase your risk of getting skin damage from the sun
There are so many medicines and drugs that trigger photosensitivity, which results in tanning.
Some medicines like antibiotics, antifungals, NSADs and others increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun’s rays and hence your skin becomes easily tanned.
Likewise, most substances utilized in cosmetics preparation also have an identical effect. Hence, if you are on any of these medicines, or use any such products, it is even more dangerous to go out and you should take extra precautions to prevent any harm to the skin.
Ways To Get Rid Of Tan On The Face?
Summer is the typical season to get a sun tan and the question of how to remove sun tan on the face often comes up. But sun tanning even due to winter increases the darkness in the skin.
Whether you get tan in summer or winter, here are some ways you can try to get rid of tan at home.
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Exfoliate
Some of the home remedies for sun tan removal are among the simplest ones, including cleansing and exfoliation. The process of exfoliation removes the dead skin cells and impurities settle on the epidermis which are effective in washing off tan from your skin. Clean your skin at least one time a week using a gentle exfoliate, scrub, or peel.
However, since it’s winter and your skin takes a relatively shorter time to dry up, be careful not to rub your skin too vigorously. Do not forget the routine that you practised during the winter: toner, serum, and the most nourishing cream.
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Be sure to look for active ingredients
Substances such as Alpha arbutin have been believed to help to fade tan and lighten skin tone. Alpha arbutin inhibits the synthesis of melanin in your skin and therefore prevents and fades tan.
If the maximum alpha arbutin benefits are to be enjoyed, it is wise to use only a dermatologically tested serum. It is also possible to search for products that contain a given active ingredient.
Moreover, it is also a worthy solution to incorporate niacinamide which can also address issues with dark spots and blemishes.
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Opt for DIY face scrubs
There are many ingredients that are found in our kitchen, that are very effective to reduce tan under home treatment. Potato and tomato juice has bleaching effects and is rich in antioxidants that can help to lessen the tan and bring back the natural fairness of your skin. Like with besan, gram flour and turmeric also have the ability to lessen the darkening of the skin.
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Consult professionals
For those who have a tendency to tan or get sunburnt even with using the listed products, it is recommended to address experts for advice on the subsequent skincare. AAYNA team comprises of expert dermatologists and aestheticians who will work closely with you to solve your skin problems. For any difficult tanning, redness or irritation they use sophisticated treatments and beauty programs that are aimed at the restoration of your skin’s natural glow.
How Soon Does A Tan Fade?
How long your tan will last depends on your skin and how tan you are. Suntan will require one to four weeks to fade off. But if you have some skin issues or if the sun tan is darker or deeper it will take a longer time for your tan to fade.
To achieve the results faster, one needs to stick with a proper skincare routine. Scrubbing takes off the dead skin and helps in erasing it faster while moisturizing helps in keeping the skin fresh and healthy all the time.
Also, other professional procedures such as chemical peeling, dermabrasion or laser treatment are likely to help in fading off tan. As always, it is best to seek professional advice on methods to use when the tan is hard to eliminate or when the skin becomes sensitive afterwards.
Conclusion
To avoid the effects on the skin in the winter for tanning it is necessary to protect skin from ultraviolet rays during this season properly. Routine practices such as exfoliation and tan-removing serums will help you avoid winter sun tan for the best skin. But when that is not enough let professional treatments at AAYNA be the answer.
Always count on AAYNA to give you the healthy skin glow you have always desired with bespoke treatments and solutions that meet your needs.
Do not allow yourself to get a sun tan this winter! Protect your skin from today and be free to enjoy the winter rays.
