How to Restore Skin Health After Tanning

While many pale-skinned beauties spend hours soaking in the sun to achieve that sun-kissed glow, those already blessed with a natural tan try to avoid it at any cost. I think tans look beautiful on others, but personally, I prefer my natural skin tone opposed to being a bit darker. Don’t get me wrong — I love tans, but sunbathing in my case, usually results in uneven skin tone, harsh skin, breakouts, as well as my dark circles becoming much darker. Not to mention lots of sun exposure leads to skin cancer, and that is why I try to avoid tanning as much as possible.

This past summer ended up being one where I was out in the sun a lot. My skin tone became significantly darker than it originally was. To help restore my natural skin color, I am using a few beauty remedies to help even out my skin tone, which I thought to share with my beautiful Brown Girls.

Some products and remedies I regularly use are:

1. Lemon and Honey

The citrus nature of lemon and the healing properties of honey make this an ideal combo to get rid of a tan. Mix the two products in equal portions and apply to face. Leave the mixture on for about 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. I try to do this every other day, but if I am feeling especially lazy, I apply lemon to my face and let it sit for around twenty minutes before rinsing off.

2. Haldi and besan mask

(also known as turmeric powder and gram flour)

These two powders mixed together and applied to the face really help clear your skin tone and gives your face a fresh glow. I usually apply the mask at least once a week during the summer. The recipe I use is as follows:

• 1 Tb of turmeric powder
• 1 Tb of gram flour
• 1 Tsp of milk
• ½ Tsp of honey
• 1 Tsp of lemon juice

Mix all the ingredients together until it is a thick consistency and apply to a thin layer of it on your face. Once it begins drying, apply some more milk to your face to ensure it is still moist. Leave the mask on for twenty minutes and wash it off. Also, please be careful with gram flour because many people are allergic to it without knowing it. Do a test on your wrist before to make sure you are not allergic.

3. Moisturizer

Moisturize your skin with a product that assists in evening out skin tone. The biggest problem that occurs with tanning is uneven skin tone. I use Derma E’s Skin Lighten Natural Fade Age Spot Creme once in the morning and once at night. I applied it twice a day for two weeks now, and I see a slight difference in my skin tone.

4. Exfoliate Regularly

I try to exfoliate every day by using the Clarin’s Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing System with a skin cleanser to make sure I am getting rid of my dead skin cells. I also use Freeman’s Charcoal & Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask for further exfoliation. Freeman’s Charcoal face mask is a must-have product. Not only does it exfoliate your skin, but it also leaves your face looking incredibly clean, fresh and polished!

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera does wonders for your skin! I swear by this product and religiously apply aloe vera to my face all year long. Not only does it help get rid of acne, but it assists in evening out your skin tone as well.

6. Microdermabrasion

I would suggest scheduling an appointment for microdermabrasion towards the end of summer or buy a microdermabrasion machine yourself to get rid of all your excess dead skin. Microdermabrasion is a procedure that sands your skin with a special instrument, which makes room for a new, smoother layer of skin to replace the skin that has been treated. By sanding the skin, microdermabrasion removes the first layer of your skin, allowing for your natural skin pigment to seep through.

7. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must-have all year round. I know sometimes the feel of sunscreen lotion is not the most appealing. However, in order to avoid skin problems as you age, protection from the sun is necessary. Many brands have solved the issue of sunscreen being too greasy for face application. Neutrogena’s sunscreen is great quality, and better yet, they also make a version labeled “dry touch,” which is specifically created to ensure your face does not feel greasy after application.

I hope these tips help those looking to get rid of tan, share secret beauty methods with us in the comments section!

Brown Girl Magazine

Brown Girl Magazine was created by and for South Asian womxn who believe in the power of storytelling as a vehicle for community building and empowerment.

The summer has come, and all the effort of working out and eating healthy in order to get that beach body finally makes sense, and all the time spent browsing swimsuits and spending money on adorable and must-have summer accessories, is about to pay off. You have been planning your vacation for months now, and just cannot wait to get some of that vitamin sea! However, vacation will come to an end and you will come back to work, and it does not matter whether you used various sun protection products or not, you will probably end up having annoying, visible and potentially painful sunburns.

Hydrate and moisturize

Naturally, sunbathing exhausts your skin and leaves it dry, tight and flaky. We are repeatedly told about and aware of the benefits and advantages of drinking enough water. Nevertheless, exposing our bodies to hot temperatures requires more than the minimum recommended daily water intake. Make sure to always have a water bottle on you during and after tanning period. However, it may sound bizarre, consider skipping a shower. When you do shower, limit your shower time and use cold or warm water instead of hot. Long hot showers remove oils from your skin, leaving it dry and incapable of absorbing the moisturizer. What’s more, try to minimize the use of soap, for it strips the oil from your skin as well.

Exfoliate

Skin after tanning in most cases becomes flaky, especially if you have a combination or dry skin. Also, remnants of tanning products you might have used can collect in areas such as the elbows, causing these brownish spots that appear “dirty.” Bleaching the brown spots is harmless and it will not make parts of your skin white and uneven, but simply lighten accumulations of unwanted color. Anyhow, as the primary tool in preventing flakiness and rehabilitating smooth and shiny-looking skin, you purchase a body scrub, or give a try to one of various homemade scrubs recipes. Scrubs remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling soft and looking smoother .

Stay away from strong and drying chemical products

You may think the stronger the product, the fastest or the more effective the process of healing will be. On the contrary, anything too strong or will irritate your skin instead of nurturing it back to health. You should even avoid your usual acne-fighting products, because they heavily dry out the skin. In case of sunburn, pick up an over-the-counter cortisone cream and an aloe gel, or stock up on Advil or Ibuprofen. These will decrease inflammation, and reduce pain and swelling, helping to prevent long-term damage to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally produced chemical that helps binding and retaining water molecules at the skin. Cosmetics products containing this ingredient, such as skin serum , are proven to be effective in improving skin hydration and elasticity.

Natural remedies and foods to keep your skin healthy

You can also always turn to natural sources of remedies , pain relievers and skin nurturers. Vitamin C, chamomile, and green tea are the strongest antioxidants and anti-aging promoters, that hold anti-inflammatory properties as well. Apply them to tanned or irritated areas in combination with diluted essential oils. There are good old recipes like covering yourself with homemade yogurt masks, cucumber slices, or resting in cool baths spiked with some milk and oatmeal to soothe your skin. When it comes to superfoods which keep your skin young and healthy, dark chocolate, sunflower seeds and pomegranate juice should become your daily snack routine during the summer. These contain vitamins and have anti-carcinogenic properties, so you might want to incorporate them in your lifelong diet.

No need to worry or hide your body under long sleeves and stay under the umbrella during those sizzling summer days. As long you take care of your health and follow some of the tips we shared with you, you will be ready to show off your just-got-back-from-vacation tan!

About the author:

Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine.

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Drink Enough Water When You Are Tanning

Tanning is good for you. It feels good, makes you look good, and exposing your skin sunlight or the light from a tanning booth activates vitamin D in your skin. And vitamin D is good for your immune system and your bones. But, tanning also dries you out. One of the things to be aware of is the importance of keeping skin hydrated after tanning, as well as beforehand. Whether you will be out in the sun, at the tanning salon, or getting a spray tan, it is always important to moisturize your skin after tanning.

If you are out in the sun and wind for a long time, or even if you use a tanning booth for too long, you can get dehydrated. You get thirsty and maybe even dizzy. The first line of defense is to drink water. If you want to go with a hydrating solution of the Gatorade variety that is OK but make sure you are getting enough water. Bring a bottle of water with you to the tanning salon and bring more if you are spending the day at the beach. When your skin is exposed to the sun and the elements for hours at a time, even using sunscreen does not keep your body from drying out. To moisturize your skin after tanning, first and foremost, drink water!

Moisturize Your Skin after Tanning

It does not matter if you drink enough water to maintain good hydration for your body.Your skin is the part of you dries out the most when you are tanning. And this applies to sun exposure as well as trips to the tanning salon. Luckily, you can deal with skin dryness by applying a moisturizer. Your moisturizer should not be just water but should protect your skin and help keep moisture inside. And, just because you are getting a spray tan does not mean you can skip the moisturizer. However, there are several ingredients that you will want to avoid after a spray tan. That is because those ingredients will start removing your artificial tan! Many fragrances and most essential oils should be avoided as should mineral oil. Retin-A, an effective anti-acne medicine, is another product to avoid if you want to keep your spray tan as this medication removes the top layer of skin along with your new tan! Hair removal products fall into the same category as to toners and anti-aging creams and lotions. And, avoid any lotion that contains alcohol as it will work to remove your just-created tan! When you get a spray tan, ask the professionals who did your tan which moisturizers they suggest.

Stay Out of the Pool after a Spray Tan

You may be thinking that a great way to moisturize your skin after a spray tan (since you are supposed to avoid all of those oils) is to go for a dip in the pool. Be careful in that case. If you take a quick dip in the pool and immediately pat yourself dry with a towel after you get out. Doing this reduces the time that chlorine from the pool water is in contact with your skin and the chemicals that create your artificial tan. Think of a long swim in the pool like you would think of adding bleach to the wash water. It makes colors (including your spray tan) fade!

Take Time Off Between Tanning Sessions

Excessive sun and artificial sunlight can both be bad for your skin over the long term. To avoid getting long term skin damage, stagger your tanning sessions to let your skin recover from drying out and always avoid getting a sunburn! If you need to maintain your tan between sessions at the beach or on the tanning bed, consider a spray tan to maintain your tan, but still be sure to moisturize your skin after tanning.

Spray Tanning Is Not Base Tanning

Many sun worshipers go to the tanning salon to establish a base tan before leaving the frozen North during and winter and flying to a sunny Southern climate. It is true that a bit of tanning before you head off to Cancun or a similar location will reduce the tendency of your skin to burn, you can get better burn protection by using a number 30 sunscreen.

What is important to know is that a spray tan is not a base tan. It is the application of color to the outermost layer of your skin. A spray tan does not increase melanin in the skin, which is the purpose of a base tan. Going for a spray tan before you head to a Caribbean resort will allow you to arrive with a healthy glow instead of looking as white and faded as a washed and bleached bedsheet. But, you will still want to use enough sunscreen at the right times to prevent sunburn and the host of skin issues related to skin damage from tanning.

Keeping Your Skin Moist after Tanning

When you get a tan, you are doing it so that your skin looks healthy. When you moisturize your skin after tanning, you keep your skin healthy and not just looking good. Whether you are tanning from the sun, going to the tanning salon, or getting a spray tan, aim for healthy skin as well as good-looking skin by moisturizing!

Author of this article – Grant Kantsios has been in the sunless tanning industry for over 9 years. He started in the industry working for Sjolie Sunless, one of the largest companies in the sunless tanning industry. Since then, he had a passion for helping sunless tanning business owners through his work at happytans, with the happytans podcast and website builder. In addition, he created Sunless Evolution with world-renowned spray tan artist Jimmy Coco, who sprays A-list celebrities like the Kardashians and Ashley Graham.

Last Updated: June 24, 2020 References

This article was co-authored by Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD. Dr. Margareth Pierre-Louis is a board certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Physician Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Twin Cities Dermatology Center and Equation Skin Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twin Cities Dermatology Center is a comprehensive dermatology clinic treating patients of all ages through clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and telemedicine. Equation Skin Care was created to provide the best in evidence-based, natural skin care products. Dr. Pierre-Louis earned a BS in Biology and an MBA from Duke University, an MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota, and completed a dermatopathology fellowship at Washington University in St Louis. Dr. Pierre-Louis is board certified in dermatology, cutaneous surgery, and dermatopathology by the American Boards of Dermatology and Pathology.

There are 34 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 209,635 times.

Tanning can elevate your mood, produce vitamin D, and give you the healthy-looking glow you desire; however, doctors recommend avoiding tanning because it causes early aging of the skin and increases the risk of cancer. [1] X Research source If you are going to tan, then you can help to make your tan last and keep your skin as healthy as possible by moisturizing and eating the right foods after your tanning session.

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1. How to Repair Skin Damage From Smoking
2. Dark Leathery Skin
3. How to Remove Nicotine Stains From Lips
4. Damaged Thin Skin
5. How to Get Rid of Under-Eye Lines & Wrinkles

What does fact checked mean?

At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.

The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.

Cigarette smoking causes premature aging and symptoms such as wrinkles and lines. According to the Mayo Clinic, nicotine in cigarettes narrow blood vessels in the outer layers of skin and reduce blood flow to these areas. As a result, your skin is deprived of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to stay healthy and youthful. While fine lines above the lips and elsewhere on your face are the most visible, smoking also causes wrinkles elsewhere such as your inner arms, states the Mayo Clinic 1. Removing or reducing wrinkles can be challenging, but you have a few options at your disposal.

Stop smoking 1. It’s counterproductive to attempt to treat wrinkles if you continue the habit that’s causing them. As the Mayo Clinic points out, cigarettes also contain other toxic chemicals that break down collagen and elastin and cause wrinkles 1. Plus, being exposed to heat from cigarettes and making repeated facial expressions while smoking also increase wrinkles and lines. Get advice from your doctor about quitting cold turkey or nicotine replacement therapies.

How to Repair Skin Damage From Smoking

Wash your face and body with mild, moisturizing soaps or liquid cleansers to limit dryness, which makes skin more likely to wrinkle.

Moisturize your skin while it’s still damp with a coenzyme Q10 cream or gel. According to Hirsh Dermatology in Ohio, this antioxidant protects skin from substances that break down collagen 2. Or, apply a vitamin E cream, which reduces the depths of wrinkles. Also, alpha hydroxy acid skin products boost collagen and elastin content in the skin to reduce wrinkles.

Dark Leathery Skin

Eat foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, grapefruits, papayas and red bell peppers, or take a daily vitamin C supplement. This nutrient is a key building block of collagen and is also a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from wrinkling.

Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go outdoors. Sun exposure is the leading cause of wrinkles, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 3. It damages collagen and impairs collagen synthesis, making any damage your skin has suffered from smoking even worse.

When home remedies don’t give you the results you want, you might consider cosmetic procedures. Some of these treatments, such as hyaluronic acid injections and laser resurfacing, trigger collagen production and prevent it from breaking down.

Warnings

Speak to your doctor for advice on the maximum amount of vitamin C you should take. The amount can vary based on your gender and whether you have any medical problems. Also, higher doses can cause side effects such as diarrhea and nausea and interfere with blood test results, according to the Merck Manual’s Online Library.

Stop Bleaching Your Skin Before It Is Too Late..See The Dangers You Are Exposing Yourself To

How To Restore Your Skin Colour After Bleaching….Get Your Natural Colour Back After Using Harsh Chemicals

Before now if someone told me skin bleaching agents in whitening cream can cause death, I will argue from now till eternity but after spending a whole 9 months learning about Skin care formulation ingredients, chemicals, botanical and actives, I have come to a conclusion that those who bleach their skin are killing themselves softly.

I’m talking as an authoritative figure in this subject, this year alone, I studied 3 Diploma program in skincare formulations and I travelled to 3 key countries of the world to learn about chemicals in skincare products, their dangers and how naturally derived chemicals and skincare ingredients are the best for your skin.

Even though many argue that natural skincare products don’t work, that is a big lie initiated by the big pharmaceutical industry because almost all lab-synthesized chemicals are cheaper, toxic and aggressive version of naturally derived chemicals which are safe.

Note: Every product you use on your skin end up in your blood stream.

Here is what happened when you use skin bleaching products.

The chemicals especially hydroquinone and other toxic chemicals enter your skin inner layer to alter the production of Melanin, which is responsible for pigmentation.

These chemicals use aggressive methods to change the natural function of your melanin.

Melanin is the pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their color. Dark-skinned people have more melanin in their skin than light-skinned people.

I’m still in short of words on how black people choose to alter their melanin production, the worst white people can do is to go for tanning which has its own side effect but not as brutal as how black people alter the natural function of Melanin.

To cut the long story short, I can confirm with you that those bleaching their skin are killing themselves shortly.

Any thing that alter your melanin pigment as a black woman is cutting short your life softly.

These chemicals are very toxic and destructive.

If you have joined the skin bleaching gang in Nigeria, Ghana, Africa and all over the world, it is never too late for you to desist before it is too late.

To clear off the destruction these chemicals have left your skin with, we have launched a cosmeceutical-rich Natural Skincare Line to help restore your skin colour and texture to normal and give you a youthful glow.

If you want to restore you skin complexion to a more youthful and real you, learn more about the emergence of Pure Blend Naturals.

Here is a highly recommended product to restore your skin texture and glow. It is especially helpful if you have uneven skin colour (usually caused by skin bleaching agents in toxic chemicals or sunburn).

If you can’t wait to start restoring your skin, order Radiant Glow Face And Body Lotion .

This product is dermatologist tested.

We ship worldwide.

For future product launch, check out our Restore Collection.

The Facts. The Risks. How They Affect You.

Indoor Tanning Dangers

75%
increased risk of developing life-threatening melanoma from just one indoor tanning session before age 35.

Tanning outside or indoors can have dangerous consequences. While often associated with good health, the “glow” of a tan is the very opposite of healthy; it’s evidence of DNA injury to your skin. Tanning damages your skin cells and speeds up visible signs of aging. Worst of all, tanning can lead to skin cancer.

It’s a fact: There is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan. Tanning increases your risk of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Your best defense is to avoid tanning altogether.

• What causes tanning?
• What is at stake?
• Tanning facts & risks
• Tanning FAQs
• Protect yourself & look great

What causes tanning?

Tanning is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds that causes genetic damage to cells on your outmost layer of skin. The skin tries to prevent further injury by producing melanin (the pigment that gives our skin its color) that results in darkening – what we call a tan.

This damage is cumulative, starting from the very first tan.

What is at stake?

Your Health

• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
• Worldwide, there are more skin cancer cases due to indoor tanning than there are lung cancer cases due to smoking.

Your Appearance

• Tanning changes and ages your skin.
• It’s a visible signal of damage that accelerates the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and weathered skin.
• If you do develop skin cancer, you run the risk of further, sometimes unsightly changes to your appearance.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer

Melanoma skin cancer

MOST nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and a large percentage of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV rays from natural sunlight and/or indoor tanning.

Tanning facts and risks

Skin damage starts with your very first tan. Each time you tan, the damage builds up, creating more genetic mutations and greater risk.

Indoor tanning is dangerous: Tanning beds don’t offer a safe alternative to sunlight; they raise the risk for skin cancers. One study observing 63 women diagnosed with melanoma before age 30 found that 61 of them – that’s 97 percent — used tanning beds.

Tanning damages all types of skin: Even if your skin type is not fair, tanning causes DNA injury that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.

You can easily reduce your likelihood of developing skin cancer by practicing sun safety.

Tanning FAQs

Are tanning beds as harmful as the sun?

YES. Tanning, whether indoors or outdoors, is dangerous. In fact, UVA rays used in tanning beds might increase your risk of developing melanoma.

Is tanning a good way to get vitamin D?

NO. The truth is that UVB radiation leads to the production of vitamin D. Tanning is mostly caused by UVA rays. This means that tanning delivers almost no vitamin D benefit while increasing the risk of skin cancer. Meet your daily vitamin D requirement the safe way — with food or supplements.

Should I get a “base tan” indoors before a tropical vacation to prevent burning?

NO! Tanning does not protect against sunburn; it simply exposes you to more harmful UV rays. The best way to prevent sunburn is to seek the shade, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses, and apply sunscreen every day.

Does tanning help with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

NO. Tanning does not help treat SAD, and UV light from tanning beds is proven to cause you harm.

What is hypopigmentation?

Hypopigmentation refers to patches of skin that are lighter than your overall skin tone. Your skin’s pigmentation, or color, is based on the production of a substance called melanin.

If your skin cells don’t produce enough melanin, the skin can lighten. These effects can occur in spots or may cover your entire body.

Genetic and severe environmental conditions can cause melanin disruption. It’s important to identify the root cause before undergoing treatment.

Here’s more on what may be causing your symptoms, what to expect from diagnosis, your options for treatment, and more.

Problems with melanin production are linked to a variety of causes. Some are genetic conditions that may result in lighter skin throughout the body. Others are related to previous injuries, such as burns.

It’s also possible for hypopigmentation from an injury to develop into an associated condition.

Some of the most common conditions include:

Albinism

Albinism is best known for extremely pale skin that may have little to no color. This genetic condition can also make your hair white and your eyes light blue in color. People with albinism are born with this condition because of a genetic mutation.

Vitiligo

Like albinism, vitiligo is characterized by lighter skin. However, this occurs in patches that cover your skin, rather than a widespread lack of color. The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown. People who have this condition can develop lighter patches of skin anywhere on the body.

Pityriasis alba

Pityriasis alba refers to leftover white spots from previous cases of red, scaly skin patches. This condition tends to heal on its own over time. There’s no definitive cause for pityriasis alba, though it’s thought to be related to eczema. Children with this condition may outgrow it in adulthood.

Tinea versicolor

Tinea (pityriasis) versicolor stems from a fungal infection that occurs from overactive yeast on the skin. Though it doesn’t lead to complications, the resulting scaly spots can become a nuisance.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), this is one of the most prevalent skin diseases among people living in tropical or subtropical regions because these environments help fungus thrive. You may also be more prone to tinea versicolor if you sweat a lot or have oily skin.

Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus causes white patches that may eventually enlarge, bleed, and scar. These patches occur in the anal and genital areas. They can also develop on the breasts, arms, and upper body. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), lichen sclerosis is most common in women experiencing menopause.

Other causes

Widespread hypopigmentation is often genetic. That said, it’s possible for acquired conditions to result in temporary and even long-term discoloration.

• Atopic dermatitis. Also known as eczema, this skin condition causes red patches that are extremely itchy. As the skin heals, the patches may turn white.
• Contact dermatitis. Touching chemicals may lead to this type of eczema and may cause lightened skin.
• Healed blisters. As blisters heal, the affected skin flattens and may turn darker or lighter in color.
• Infections of the skin. As your skin heals, lighter pigments may appear in areas affected by the infection.
• Psoriasis. This autoimmune disorder causes your skin to produce new cells at an accelerated rate. Resulting silver and red patches may eventually heal and look lighter than the rest of your skin.
• Scars and burns. These can lead to scar tissue that’s lighter than the surrounding skin.

Your doctor will rely on results from a physical exam and information about your family history to make a diagnosis.

During your physical, your doctor will assess all areas of skin and make note of any areas where pigmentation is lighter than others. They’ll also make note of any suspicious-looking moles or any other areas of concern.

In some cases, your doctor will perform a biopsy. For this procedure, they’ll scrape a small sample of skin off to send to a laboratory for further analysis. This is most common with suspected cases of lichen sclerosus, pityriasis alba, and tinea versicolor.

Your doctor may also ask you about skin pigmentation in your immediate family. This can help them determine any genetic components.

After making a diagnosis, your doctor will help you develop an appropriate treatment plan for your symptoms.

Your options will depend on:

• the underlying cause
• overall health
• age
• area of coverage

According to DermNet New Zealand, hypopigmentation doesn’t usually require treatment if it’s related to acute inflammation. This includes burns and scarring.

In these cases, the lack of color will resolve on its own as your skin cells in the region heal. The skin cells in the affected area should be able to produce melanin again within the next couple of months.

In the meantime, your doctor can recommend other treatment measures to reduce the appearance of white patches.

Treatment options may include:

• dermabrasion
• chemical peels
• laser resurfacing or therapy
• lightening gels, such as hydroquinone (Blanche)

Condition-specific treatments

If your symptoms are tied to an underlying condition, treating the condition may help ease your symptoms.

For example, prescription anti-inflammatory creams are used to treat lichen sclerosus and pityriasis alba. Moisturizing the skin can also speed up the healing process.

Antifungal medications are used to treat tinea versicolor. These may be taken orally via pills, or applied directly to the patches with a topical cream. The AAD also recommends using a medicated cleaner once every two to four weeks to keep the fungus from coming back.

There are many options for the treatment of vitiligo. According to the AAD, restorative light treatments have a 70 percent success rate. Depigmentation, laser therapy, and surgery are also options. However, their effects may wear off over time.

Some conditions, like albinism, are life-long. If your hypopigmentation is long-lasting, talk to your doctor about what to expect in the short- and long-term. You may need to take certain precautions to prevent additional complications.

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• Diet “Do’s”
• Essential Oils

Everyone wants to maintain supple, smooth skin throughout life, but finding the proverbial fountain of youth is easier said than done. Don’t despair — it’s surprisingly simple to improve your skin’s elasticity using a variety of all-natural methods 2. Small changes in your diet and smart uses of essential oils can boost anti-aging benefits, leaving your skin enviably soft and resilient 1.**

Diet “Do’s”

Your skin’s suppleness is determined by two key factors: collagen and elastin 1.** Natural aging processes and damage caused by environmental factors are the primary culprits behind elasticity loss. Fried food, cigarette smoke and sun damage can all contribute to the problem, but antioxidants help your body fight these sorts of environmental factors. Load up on foods rich in Vitamin A, such as:

• carrots
• tomatoes
• apricots
• watermelons
• sweet potatoes

These all contain betacarotene, which help block free radicals: pesky agents that can increase the risk of premature aging and disease.

By: Robert Shmerling, M.D.

Getting a “base tan” seems logical enough.

It’s spring and you’re planning a trip to a sunny place. Maybe going to a tanning salon and getting a bit of a tan before you head off to the tropics will help you avoid burning. And then there’s the added benefit of not looking pale in your new bathing suit.

What Is a Base Tan?

There is some controversy about this approach. Experts estimate that going out in the sun with a base tan is equivalent to wearing a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 3 to 4. This means the skin can be exposed to up to 4 times more sun before burning than without the base tan. For example, if you burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure, a base tan might mean you can be in the sun for up to 40 minutes before burning. While it’s better than nothing, no one would recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 4 or less; most recommended sunscreens have SPFs of at least 15 to 30.

Most tanning beds expose people to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. UVA rays are longer and reach deep into the skin. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are shorter and affect only the top layers of the skin. Both types of radiation can cause tanning. To the extent tanning is protective at all, tans from UVA radiation are less protective than UVB-induced tans.

Any tanning damages the skin and can increase the risk of skin cancer, especially if it’s frequent or prolonged. Young adults who regularly use indoor tanning beds have a 70% higher risk of certain skin cancers.

Those promoting base tans – especially those in the tanning salon industry – play up the burn protection and play down the potential skin damage or cancer risk related to indoor tanning.

The Cosmetic Effect

I think the appeal of the base tan is to look good on your first day of vacation. Nobody wants to look like they’ve been hunkered down inside for the last few months waiting for the snow to melt (even if it’s true).

My guess is that even if we could all agree that a base tan isn’t the best idea from a health perspective, its popularity would persist. And maybe that’s fine. Driving over the speed limit and walking against the light come with risks as well, but for one reason or another, we judge those risks as worth taking.

Getting Ready for Vacation

If your goal is to get a good suntan (or to look like you have one the day you arrive), think about using “sunless” tanning lotions, gels or sprays that temporarily stain the skin. You’ll still need sunscreen, though, as these products do not protect against sunburn.

Better yet rethink what it means to have a good tan. After all, today’s swarthy glow is tomorrow’s wrinkled, weathered, leathery hide. Or, worse: skin cancer.

If your goal is to prevent sunburn, there are better options than getting a base tan, including:

• Stay out of the sun from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is when it is most intense in most parts of the United States.
• Use sunscreen liberally. Choose a sunscreen that offers an SPF of at least 30 and protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. (This is also called “broad spectrum.”) Re-apply at least every 2 to 3 hours, more often if you’ve been sweating, swimming or rubbing your skin with a towel.
• Wear protective clothing. A long-sleeved shirt, wide-brimmed hat and long pants offer good protection from sun exposure. Dark fabrics that are tightly woven provide the best protection.

These measures are most effective in combination and are particularly important for children or for anyone with fair skin. Remember that you can burn even on cloudy days. Check your local “UV Index,” which predicts the level of UV radiation and indicates the risk of overexposure on a scale from 0 (low) to 11 or more (extremely high). The National Weather Service calculates the index for most ZIP codes. You can search for the UV Index in your ZIP code on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website, or download the free UV Index app.

The Vitamin D Angle

There has been a controversy for years regarding safe levels of sun exposure. Some suggest that we should not avoid all sun exposure because just a few minutes each day can boost vitamin D levels. And that can be good for your bones, your immune system and perhaps other parts of the body.

Warnings about the dangers of tanning and sun exposure argue that even brief exposures to intense sun can damage skin and increase cancer risk. And there are other ways to get vitamin D, such as dairy products and supplements.

The Bottom Line

In my view, getting a base tan is not the best strategy. Then again, we probably take bigger risks all the time. Ultimately, it’s an individual decision. But every person walking into a tanning salon should be made aware of the potential risks of UV exposure and why so many dermatologists caution against getting a base tan.

Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., is associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Chief of Rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston where he teaches in the Internal Medicine Residency Program. He is also the program director of the Rheumatology Fellowship. He has been a practicing rheumatologist for over 25 years.

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Skin is the outermost layer of the human body that protects our body’s internal organs and health by protecting it from various diseases that float around in this polluted environment that we live in. people don’t care about what happens to their internal organs and consume unhealthy foods and drinks but the skin seems to be a different case. Some people do take care of their health too but, most of the people only take care of their skin. That is not a good habit as a human being we should take care of both our internal organs and our skin. Skin is the outermost part of our body that can be seen by people we meet in our daily lives.

How To Restore Skin Color After Burn?

Our sensitive skin suffers from various problems such as burns from the sun, fire, or by visiting extremely cold places. The skin gets a different tone of color a bit darker than the rest of the skin in the body and can be separated or seen. It is not a form of a confidence booster for most people and they want to dispose of it. This article is the one article you need to read in order to get a quick glimpse of the ideas and ways to restore skin color afterburn.

Degrees of Burn

There are largely three degrees of burn

1. First degree, burn: it is the type of burn and can be treated at home.
2. Second degree, burn: make an appointment with the doctor so as to heal this level of burns.
3. Third degree, burn: don’t ignore this type of burn as it may affect the internal organs in the burn are and it is dangerous.

Remedies of Burn

There are various remedies to heal the skin color after it’s healed by consulting the doctor or by applying home remedies. The remedies of burns can be found in both natural and artificial forms but, it is preferred to use natural remedies.

1. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera is a popular plant found in almost every part of the world except some places with extreme conditions unsuitable for its growth. It is also one of the most popular ingredients used in lotions. Lotions containing the ingredient should not be used the juice of the plant should be extracted directly from the stem of the aloe vera plant. On applying it to the body, the body gets a load of 75 potentially active constituents. Vitamins of a different kind, enzymes, minerals, amino acids are present in this plant. It contains amino acids as well. Besides that is proven to give health benefits and in some countries, worldwide people drink it in the morning to remain fit and healthy.

2. Ice cubes

Ice cubes are known for numerous benefits it causes to the human skin. It is first easy to make, all you need to do are put water in a tray and leave in the freezer or refrigerator till it freezes and applies it on the burnt part of the skin. It is known to reduce pimples and skin inflammation as well. Massaging your face with ice cubes does numerous benefits such as brightening complexity and boosting the circulation of blood. Gently apply the ice on the skin that needs treatment.

3. Intake Vitamin C

Now makes sure to take in vitamin supplements that are natural. Avoid taking in supplements and tablets. In a research that was conducted to learn whether vitamins c would help heal wounds faster or not, it was found that the vitamin does that job of healing wounds faster. It is useful for patients with burn issues and can be found in tomato, lemon and, orange which are widely and cheaply available in the market. Eating it or applying it on the skin directly can be of high value in regaining the skin color in the burnt area.

Conclusion

As we all know how prevention is better than cure. If an intelligent had prevented the skin burn, first of all, he/she would not be in this type of situation so ensure:

1. Not, to apply a moisturizer in the burnt area as it contains chemicals.
2. Warm food must be avoided.
3. Don’t eat spice.
4. Avoid the sun during mid-day.