Tanning or skin tanning is the process of darkening of skin mainly due to exposure to UV light. Skin tanning varies according to skin types i.e. according to the melanin content in it. For example, a white to light beige-colored skin may tan minimally while a beige-colored skin may tan to brownish color, etc. 

While there are a lot of chemical treatments to get rid of tan and artificial tanning seems to have become a new fashion trend in the West, tanning generally is considered a skin imperfection and can also be treated in a natural way using home remedies. But, first, we need to know which parts of the body are most prone to tanning; these are - neck, legs, hands, arms, face, feet, back, etc. 

Let us see some home remedies to get rid of that annoying tan - 

1) Papaya and Honey - Mashing a handful of papaya and mixing it with honey and using it as a face pack. Leaving it for about 20 mins and then washing it off shows great results in de-tanning. 

2) Tomato juice/ Orange juice and yogurt - Mixing two teaspoonful of each and applying it like a face pack on the affected areas works like magic for de-tanning. 

3) Besan (Bengal Gram) and Turmeric - This is the "nuskha" from every grandmother, mixing a handful of besan and two spoons of curd, half spoon turmeric, mixing it into a paste, and applying it to the affected areas like that of face packs, works miracles. 

4) Other home remedies include - Aloe Vera, Multani Mitti, Oatmeal, and buttermilk, etc. 

But, can we protect ourselves from tanning? Yes! It is definitely possible; we can take care of some basic things while stepping out into the Sun, like, using sunscreen lotion, covering maximum exposed body parts by wearing glasses and sun coats, hats, etc. 

Happy Summers!