Is Indian skin more susceptible to tanning? Experts weigh in

According to Dr Aanchal Panth, Consultant Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon, Dermafollix Hair Transplant and Skin Clinic, Indian skin is more prone to develop dark spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | August 9, 2023 07:30 PM IST

3 min read

The most-common tanning-related concerns faced in Indian skin are dark forehead (Source: Getty Images)

You look at the mirror and you see your face is tanned from the Sunday you spent out shopping last week. But when you take off your t-shirt, it looks like the rest of you was dipped in white paint. The difference couldn’t be harsher.

According to Dr Aanchal Panth, consultant dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon, Dermafollix Hair Transplant and Skin Clinic, Indian skin is more prone to develop dark spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone.

“There is a huge range of skin colour within India due to our demographic and differences in ancestral origin. There are skin types which tan slightly and burn easily to skin types which only tan and rarely burn,” she explained.

Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, said this is based on the presence of melanin, the pigment responsible for colouring hair, eyes, and skin.

If the skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin to protect the skin from further damage, she explained.

“Darker-skinned people tan more deeply when compared to those who have lighter skin. People having lighter skin tones cannot create enough amount of melanin pigment,” Dr Kapoor added.

Before going to bed, don’t forget to clean the skin. (Source: Unsplash)

The most-common tanning-related concerns faced in Indian skin are dark forehead because of tanning, melasma exacerbation, tanned neck, tanned hand and feet, explained Dr Panth.

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“Excessive sun exposure leads to DNA injury and fastens the ageing process of the skin,” said Dr Kapoor.

ALSO READ | Summer skincare: Say goodbye to heat rash, sunburn, and tanning with these effective tips

How you can care for your skin in summer

Sun protection, which includes sunscreen application and physical sun protection, is key to preventing tanning, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.

Dr Kapoor suggested investing in an antioxidant serum consisting of vitamin C and E, to protect the skin, increase collagen formation, and reduce inflammation and redness. Always do an allergy test before using any skincare products.

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Dr Panth said an exfoliating agent such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or mandelic acid can be used once or twice a week to increase cell turnover which helps in getting rid of tanned skin.

Keeping skin moisturised also helps as dry irritated skin tends to tan more easily and more unevenly leaving behind patchy skin, advised Dr Panth.

“Before going to bed, don’t forget to clean the skin with the help of a light cleanser recommended by the expert and apply a good moisturizer,” added Dr Kapoor.

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