There’s no denying that we love that post-holiday bronzy glow, but sometimes overexposure to the sun can leave you seriously roasted, and that’s no fun. In fact, excessive exposure to UVA rays is what leads to tanning, where the skin pigment – melanin – increases in the skin as a defence mechanism against these harmful sunrays. So, if you’re considering using detan products, we suggest you read on to get all the info on it first…
Decoding Detan Products
We connected with skin expert Dr. Sravya C. Tipirneni, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetologist & Trichologist at Manipal Hospitals in Bangalore to find out if detan products really do help reduce tans and if so, how exactly do they work? She explains, “Detan products are designed to reduce the appearance of tans by lightening the skin.
These products usually contain ingredients such as kojic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin C, which can help inhibit melanin production and promote skin exfoliation.” She adds further, “These products typically contain ingredients that inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the production of melanin. By reducing the amount of melanin in the skin, detan products can help lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of tans.”
When we quiz her on what exactly we should look for in our detan products, she suggests, “Some of the key ingredients to look for include kojic acid, which can help reduce melanin production, glycolic acid, which help exfoliate or remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells that contain excess pigment, and vitamin C, which can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Other ingredients that may be beneficial for detanning include arbutin, licorice extract, and niacinamide.”
Care While Detanning
While individuals with fair skin are generally more prone to tanning compared to those with darker skin. However, anyone can develop a tan if exposed to enough sunlight. Also, while detan products can be effective in reducing the appearance of a tan, their results may vary depending on the severity of the tan and how often the product is used, she points out. “It is important to note that detan products may not be suitable for all skin types and can cause irritation or other side effects in some individuals,” says Dr Sravya.
She offers a few words of caution when it comes to such products saying, “When using detan products, it is important to be cautious and follow the instructions carefully. Overuse of these products can cause skin irritation, redness, and dryness. Some ingredients used in detan products, such as glycolic acid, can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is important to wear sunscreen when using these products. Additionally, some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients, so it is important to perform a patch test before using any new detan product on a larger area of skin.”
While summer is a time when many people spend more time outdoors and are exposed to more sunlight, tanning can occur at any time of the year, says Dr Sravya. “Therefore, detan creams and lotions can be used year-round to help reduce the appearance of tanning and hyperpigmentation. However, it is especially important to use sunscreen and protective clothing during the summer months when the sun’s rays are more intense and there tends to be prolonged exposure.”
The Dermat’s Detan
There are in-clinic detan procedures that can be performed by a dermatologist or other skincare professionals. These procedures can include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments, which can help lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of tans or pigmentation. “In-clinic detan procedures can be more effective than at-home products, but they may also be more expensive and require more downtime. It is important to consult with a skincare professional to determine which detan procedure is best for your individual needs and skin type,” says Dr Sravya.
If at-home is where you’d like to start, here are some detan products you can try:
Aqualogica Detan+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50
View this post on Instagram
Newly launched by Aqualogica, this sunscreen comes infused with lycopene-rich cherry tomato and hyaluronic acid that prevents sun damage while intensely hydrating the skin. It helps to protect skin from tanning, while also reducing an existing tan. With its SPF 50++++, it works effectively as a shield against both UVA/B rays & blue light.
Dot & Key Illuminating Glow Detan Clay Polish
View this post on Instagram
This skin polishing suntan removal clay mask is infused with sandalwood and lemon verbena to effectively remove stubborn tans and promote naturally radiant skin. Also infused with kaolin and green tea for a refreshing experience, this thick face pack promises to give you visibly brighter skin after the very first application.
Forest Essentials Body Polisher
View this post on Instagram
This almost edible-looking skin polish is made with raw cane sugar crystals in a blend of citrus oils and tamarind pulp. It is a gentle exfoliant which polishes the skin, effectively removes tan and leaves the skin buffed with a luminous finish. It has a fresh fragrance of bitter orange and bergamot that makes for a spa-like bath experience and invigorates the senses. Brb, adding to cart!
Vilvah Royal Ubtan
View this post on Instagram
Another product with the dermat-recommended licorice is this ubtan from Vilvah. It has a combination of sundried ingredients, that act as a soap-free cleanser and exfoliates the skin which stimulates the underlying tissues and removes the tan effectively. Licorice, orange peel powder, raw rice and almonds contribute to the brightening properties of the skin, while mint leaves, red sandalwood, and cucumber seeds effectively remove the tan and pigmentation. The great news? It is a multi-purpose product that can be used as a cleanser, scrub, facemask, and body mask!
Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Tan Removing Milk Pack
When mixed with their brightening lotion, this powder to paste milk pack that contains soya protein powder and buttermilk combine together to lighten blemishes and nourish the skin. Natural extracts of rose, chamomile and honey moisturise and soothe, making the complexion soft, smooth, luminous and younger looking. The healing properties of papaya and allantoin protect and repair skin cells to make it bright and even.
SkinQ Brightening Serum
Formulated with four actives, kojic acid, lactic acid, malic acid and licorice, this potent skin brightening face & neck serum is suited to pigmented, sensitive, or patchy skin. It is ideal for skin detan, removes dark spots, scars, and pigmentation and helps lighten dark circles. Overall, this dermatologist-formulated, Made Safe certified and FDA registered serum helps brighten and even out the skin tone.
Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalizing Tan Removal Scrub
View this post on Instagram
Papaya is known for its brightening enzymes and this exfoliating scrub is blended with pure papaya fruit to dissolve and exfoliate dead surface cells, unclog pore openings and smoothen skin. It also contains banana, dates, neem, mango seed & fenugreek seeds; interestingly dates have anti-ageing properties and prevent the accumulation of melanin, all which help in detanning.
Lotus Botanicals Ubtan De-Tan Radiance Range
View this post on Instagram
The range includes a face scrub, face wash and a face & body mask all infused with turmeric, rose, sandalwood, chickpea powder, and even 24K gold! The scrub gently exfoliates, the face wash brightens and clarifies the skin, while the mask restores radiance and helps in the detan process.
SolOrange Lip Balm SPF 30+
While we’re particular about the skin on our face and body, we tend to ignore our lips till we have a kissing situation. With orange peel oil and zinc oxide (a sun protection staple) this one protects your lips and tastes good, because let’s admit it, we inevitably end up eating our lip balm.
Don’t forget to apply AND reapply your sunscreen to save you from exaggerated tans this summer. Here’s a handy tip on sunscreen reapplication, thank us later!
