Getting Rid of a Suntan

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With winter right around the corner, it’s about this time of year that clients may be wanting to get rid of that suntan. Fortunately, there are a number of ayurvedic remedies that can help speed up the removal of a tan.

Rahul Koul, co-CEO of ayurvedic skin care line Sundãri, explained that a host of ingredients are said to speed the removal of a tan, such as:

  • Turmeric,
  • Licorice,
  • Calendula,
  • Aloe vera,
  • Mulberry extract and
  • Bearberry extract.

“These work over time and are safe to use,” Koul said. “Turmeric does have the problem of staining and needs to be used in very small percentages. Curcumin extract is an approach to get around the problem.”

While stronger actives, such as arbutin, niacinamide, vitamin C and undecylenoyl phenylalanine have previously been favored for their bleaching properties, Koul noted that these actives can have undesirable effects and should be avoided.

For clients seeking a faster sun tan removal, Koul recommends exfoliants—either mechanical or chemical—to get the job done. Clients can choose from a number of enzyme- or acid-based exfoliants on the market as part of a home-care regimen.

As with anything sun related, prevention is key. Be sure to advise clients on using the right sun protection as well as how often to reapply to prevent sun damage and accelerated signs of aging.

“With concerns about skin cancer rising, everyone is becoming mindful about exposure to sunlight,” added Koul. “I suppose the concept of balance from Ayurveda applies here too—if a little is good, a lot is not better.”

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