Why Tanning is a Unique Challenge for Athletes and Outdoor Trainers
As an athlete, training outdoors is quite the norm. While you are training to win gold for the nation, you cannot completely escape the sun’s rays. Sun rays can do more damage to the skin than you think. Consequently, your skin starts showing the aging signs like fine lines, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and open pores. Now let’s examine a survey done on athletes to see how frequently athletes follow the protective measures.
In a survey at mdpi.com, close to 697 runners were measured for sun-protective behavior. The survey study focuses on the following 6 sun protective measures—sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, long sleeves, training in the shade, and avoiding midday training.
According to the reports, between 54% and 84% of runners closely followed these protective behaviors, while 7% to 45% of runners occasionally followed them. And 75% of runners failed to apply the sunscreen, 49% of runners forgot to follow the protective measures, and 17.3% stated discomfort. Overall sun protection was generally followed, and the majority were females. Even though athletes are following the sun protection measures, they are not consistent with their skincare routine. It reveals a significant gap in knowledge, practice, and consistency.
There are many products in the market for sun protection. But what about tan? How to deal with tanning or the hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure?
Understanding Tanning: A Natural Response to Sun Exposure
What is Tanning in General?
Tanning is a natural response of your skin; your skin prepares melanin to protect against harmful sun rays.
If tanned skin is not appealing, one might question why there are tanning sprays, creams, and tanning beds on the market. There is a mix in people’s choices. Usually people from North America and parts of Europe opt for tanning treatments. Though such treatments are linked to health concerns, people still get these treatments. Aesthetically the value of tan is shifted. Tanning has shifted from the labor class to high-class individuals.
Can Skin Stay Permanently Tanned?
No, skin cannot stay permanently tanned. A tan is caused by melanin production, which makes the outer layer of skin look slightly darker. But the fun fact is your skin naturally sheds the outer layer (dead skin) and replaces it with new skin cells. The tan caused by sun exposure can stay for 7-10 days or even longer if your skin is sensitive. Especially in sensitive skin, even if the tan slightly fades away, excessive sun exposure can cause permanent damage to your skin and lead to hyperpigmentation.
How to Remove a Tan from Hands and Legs?
Follow these below tried and tested remedies to remove tan from hands and legs.
1. Almond, lemon and honey
- Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which helps in keeping your skin hydrated and soft, reducing pigmentation and dark circles, and exfoliating skin gently.
- Lemon is rich in vitamin C, prevents dark spots, and is a natural exfoliant.
- Honey brightens your skin, has antibacterial properties, and restores hydration.
DIY Almond, Lemon, and Honey Paste: Grind almonds into fine powder and squeeze a few drops of honey and one or two drops of lemon juice. Apply the mixture, and leave it for 5 mins, and then rinse off with water. (Tip: Use warm water to gently wash it off my body, as it comes off easily with warm water). Try this anti-tanning remedy 2 or 3 times weekly to see the results.
2. Tomato and Gram flour
- Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene; tomatoes help in soothing your skin from sun damage, reducing redness, and removing dead skin cells.
- Gram flour (besan) acts like a natural cleanser and gentle exfoliant, helps in reducing tan, and gives a natural glow.
DIY Tomato and Gram Flour Paste: Take gram flour, add tomato paste, and mix it well to form a thick consistency. Apply the mixture to your hands and feet, keep it on for a few minutes, and rinse it off with water. Try this DIY anti-tan hack twice a week for the best results.
3. Tomato, Raw Milk and Honey
- Tomatoes help in removing skin tan, dead skin and reducing acne scars.
- Raw milk hydrates and softens the skin, reduces pigmentation, reduces fine lines, and promotes youthful skin.
- Honey hydrates the skin, locks in moisture, and provides glowing skin.
DIY Tomato, Raw Milk, and Honey Paste: Take thick tomato paste and add raw milk and a few drops of honey. It is an amazing remedy that works effectively to remove tan and restores skin hydration and makes skin smooth. Try this remedy thrice a week to get amazing results.
How to Remove Tan from Face Immediately at Home?
Here are quick DIY face mask for immediate tan removal at home
1. Aloe vera, gram flour, and turmeric powder
- Aloe vera keeps your skin hydrated, calms your skin from rashes and sunburns, and has antibacterial properties.
- Gram flour acts as an exfoliator and removes the dead skin cells.
- Turmeric has antibacterial properties, which can help fight acne.
DIY Aloe Vera, Gram Flour, and Turmeric Paste: Take gram flour, add a spoon of aloe vera gel, add turmeric, and mix it well. Apply it on your face and leave it on for 15-20 mins. Rinse it off with warm water. Use this remedy every other day for best results.
2. Yogurt, Turmeric, and Rose water
- Yogurt is rich in vitamin B and antioxidants, helps in removing dead skin cells, and reduces fine lines.
- Turmeric can help with fading acne scars and balancing sebum levels.
- Rose water is a natural toner that calms sunburns, inflammation, and redness.
DIY Yogurt, Turmeric, and Rose Water Paste: Take yogurt, add turmeric, and add a few drops of rose water. This calms your sunburns and provides a cooling sensation. This remedy helps in fighting acne, removes facial hairs, and provides glowing skin.
3. Potato juice, Rice flour, Raw milk, Rose water
- Potato is a natural remedy that contains vitamin C and antioxidants and helps lighten up skin and dark spots. It can remove the dead skin cells and help reduce fine lines.
- Rice generally has brightening and skin-tightening properties. It can be used as a natural exfoliant.
- Raw milk is rich in vitamin A and essential fats, which helps keep the skin hydrated and reduces fine lines.
- Rose water keeps your skin glowing and protects the skin from sunburn.
DIY Potato juice, Rice flour, Raw milk, Rose water Paste: Take rice flour, add potato juice, add a few drops of raw milk, and add 3 drops of rose water. This amazing remedy can help you achieve glass skin and remove tan. You can also add turmeric to help remove facial hairs.
Tip: You can cook a little rice flour to make a smooth paste and avoid any rough scratching on your skin.
Best Tan Removal Cream Prescribed by Dermatologist
Here are a few of the best tan removal creams that are prescribed by dermats. Always consult your dermat before considering their use.
1. Twinkle Cream: This is a very effective cream for removing stubborn tans.
Key ingredients: Kojic Acid + Dipalmitate, Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin B3, and Betamethasone.
Dermatologists Take on It: It is a prescribed cream used to treat stubborn tans.
2. Aziderm Cream: It is prescribed to remove any tan and pigmentation.
Key ingredient: Azelaic Acid (10%-20%)
Dermatologists Take on It: It is effective for acne and sensitive skin.
3. Raaga Professional De-Tan Cream: It de-tans and brightens your skin.
Key ingredients: Kojic acid, milk extracts
Dermatologists Take on It: used in salons usually to remove mild tanning.
4. ZealSea Instant Tan Removal Cream: You can use this cream to remove the tan from the body.
Key ingredients: Glutathione, Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Glycerin
Dermatologists Take on It: It works better for unevenly pigmented skin.
Additional Info:
Chemical Peels: These are an effective way to de-tan your face. It takes few sessions to de-tan your face completely.
Types: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, TCA peels
Dermatologists Take on it: It takes 2-6 sessions to remove the stubborn tan.
Final Take:
The way people see athletes these days is very different. There is too much pressure for the athletes to look picture-ready. On top of that, athletes cannot escape the sunburn or tan. A tan can be very stubborn and uneven; it takes time to fade. Apart from these remedies mentioned above, there are a few other active ingredients you can consider too to remove tan: niacinamide, AHA, glycolic acid, vitamin C, retinol, and salicylic acid; make sure you use these ingredients cautiously. Additionally, make sure you protect your skin.
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