The skin changes its color when exposed to UV radiation/Sunlight. Also called as sun burn. This occurs due to increase in melanosomes and the melanin pigment. Sun tanning is seen on sun exposed areas like the forehead, cheeks, lateral sides of the neck, shoulders, outer aspects of arms, upper back and feet. Depending on the Fitzpatrick skin type, type I and II (light colored skin) get tanned easily whereas V and VI (dark colored skin) do not get tanned at all.
Skin tanning is caused by exposure to UV radiation. UV-A rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause increase pigmentation, premature ageing etc. UV-B rays penetrate up to the upper layers of skin only and cause increase pigmentation, burns, tan and aging. Initially there is reddening followed by pigmentation.
Using sunscreen, covering face with long brimmed hat and sunglasses and dark clothes to prevent skin damage.
Is done to remove the superficial layer of skin cells which are tanned. Peels used are glycolic acid peel, ferulic acid peel, mandelic acid peel etc., depending on the condition.
It is used to exfoliate the upper dead cells giving healthy looking skin. It improves overall skin tone and texture
Is the most effective treatment for pigmentation. With help of Q switch laser there is reduction of melanin, stimulation of collagen, elastin and evens skin tone. Improvement of skin tone and texture is also seen.
Creams which contain vitamin C, kojic acid, azelaic acid etc., are used
Treatment for tanned skin is done with combination of procedures like laser toning and chemical peels. It can be used on all sun-exposed areas like from hands, face, arms, upper back etc.
Combination of treatments are done to remove tan on brown skin
Skin care treatment like sunscreen, using moisturizer and avoidance of direct sun exposure.
It is prevented by avoiding going out directly into sun, using long brimmed hat and sunglasses when sun exposed and covering sun-exposed areas with dark clothes is
Ranges from 2,500-8,000 per session depending on the type of treatment taken
With proper measures and skin care routine post treatment, there are no long term side-effects.
