Sun Tan and Sun Damage
A tan is your skin producing extra melanin to protect itself from UV damage. In Chennai, where UV levels are high throughout the year rather than seasonally, tan accumulates continuously and shows most on the face, neck, arms and the driver's side of the body.
Why tan is different here
In most of the world tan is a summer problem. In Chennai it is a permanent condition being continuously topped up. UV exposure comes from the commute as much as from the beach, and car windows block only part of it. This is why so many people in this city have a visible difference between their face and their body, or between one arm and the other.
What works
- Sun protection first — treating tan without preventing more is emptying a bath with the tap running. SPF 50, reapplied every three to four hours in daylight, plus physical protection where possible.
- Gradual surface renewal — peels, medi facials and Korean peels accelerate the shedding of pigmented surface cells
- Nd:YAG laser for deeper or long-standing pigmentation, after assessment
- Time — tan built over years does not come off in a session
What does not work
- Bleach-based tan removal facials — they inflame skin and cause rebound pigmentation, leaving many people darker than they started
- Aggressive scrubbing
- Home remedies involving lemon, which is photosensitising and makes the problem worse in sunlight
- Any treatment without daily sun protection alongside it
Frequently asked
How long does it take to remove a tan?
A recent tan improves within a few weeks. Accumulated tan built over years takes a structured protocol of six to eight sessions over three to four months.
Why is my face darker than my body?
Because it is exposed to far more UV, continuously. This is normal and it is what tan treatment addresses.
Will the tan come back?
Yes, unless sun protection is consistent. That is the entire point of the protection routine.
Is tan removal safe for dark skin?
Yes, with correct treatment selection and conservative intensity. Aggressive tan removal on higher-melanin skin frequently causes pigmentation.
Does sunscreen actually work in Chennai humidity?
Yes, if you use enough and reapply. Formulation matters for comfort, and we will recommend one that works in this climate at consultation.
How many sessions will I need?
Six to eight, confirmed at assessment.
Related treatments
Related concerns
Results vary from person to person. Some concerns need a dermatologist rather than a Wellness treatment we'll say so at consultation.
Every visit at Aglow starts with an honest answer.
A free 15 to 30 minute skin assessment a plain explanation, a protocol and a session count whether or not you book on the day.