How to reverse post-swimming tanning

Summer is a season full of sunshine and outdoor activities, and one of the most popular ways to beat the heat is with a refreshing swim. But, just as cold water brings relief, it also brings with it an unwanted side effect: tanning. The sun’s rays can impart a bronzed glow to our skin, but often at the cost of an overall tan that some may prefer to avoid. Discussing about the same, Dr. Jushya Bhatia Sarin, Dermatologist explains the causes of tanning after swimming.

He asked in the caption, “Have you ever felt tanned after swimming?”

The main causes of tanning after swimming:

1. Little do we realize that the elements that tempt us can be turning against our skin as we glide through shimmering pools or dive into the salty sea. The pool floor and the salt water reflect sunlight back into the body, causing a tan.
2. Dipped in the cool embrace of the water, time flies by, and so does our awareness of the scorching sun above. Sun exposure often results from long swimming sessions.
3. As we swim, our bodies continuously absorb UV rays. Water increases our exposure to these rays, leaving no corner of our skin untouched by tanning.

Here are some tips to avoid tanning after swimming:

1. Prepare your skin well before swimming. Apply water-based sunscreen before going for a swim. Remember to reapply the cream every 40 minutes due to its water-based nature.
2. Avoid swimming outside between 10 am and 4 pm and opt for indoor activities during this period. Go for outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon when the intensity of the sun is less.
3. After swimming, shower with cool water before applying emollients, moisturizing lotion or sunscreen for better absorption. Rinse your hair and skin after swimming to remove residual chlorine or salt water.
4. Make a mixture of raw milk, gram flour (besan), and turmeric (haldi), and apply it on the body for 15 minutes to remove any existing tan. Later wash with water.