Getting some fun in the sun is the best way to get your daily dose of vitamin D, but it can also lead to tanning of skin. That's exactly what happened when I spent a lot of time outside during daytime. I was told to gently exfoliate my skin to reduce the appearance of the tan. My friends said it can help in removing pigmented dead skin cells from my skin's outer layer. When I shared it with my mom, she told me to use wheat flour to remove tan. It is a kitchen ingredient with lots of nutrients that can help in exfoliating and nourishing skin.

What is tanning?

You get a tan when your skin darkens due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, mostly from the sun. When skin gets exposed to UV radiation, it increases melanin production in order to protect the skin from getting damaged. The increase in the production of melanin, which is the same pigment that colours your skin, hair, and eyes, may make your skin tone darker over the next 48 hours, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.

Ultraviolet radiation can lead to tanning. Image courtesy: Freepik

"Excessive exposure to sun's rays is the most common reason behind those tanned lines on skin, but tanning beds that use artificial UV radiation can also lead to tanning," says cosmetologist and skin expert Dr Jatin Mittal.

Home remedy to remove tan: Why wheat flour works

Wheat flour for tan removal works as it is rich in vitamins and minerals that help to exfoliate the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation.

1. Vitamin E

A hundred gram of wheat flour has 0.53 mg of vitamin E, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. It is antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and supports skin repair and rejuvenation.

2. Vitamin B 6

"Vitamin B 6 is essential for maintaining healthy skin, promoting cell regeneration, and improving skin texture," says Dr Mittal. Hundred grams of wheat flour consists of 0.191 mg of vitamin B 6, as per the USDA.

3. Zinc

Zinc is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, according to research published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology in 2014. It is a mineral that can help in healing the skin, and preventing infections. Hundred grams of wheat flour has 2.96 mg of zinc, according to the USDA.

4. Iron

"Iron is gained popularity for its importance in supporting blood health, but it also plays a key role in skin tone maintenance as well as preventing dullness," says the expert. Hundred grams of wheat flour has 3.71 mg of iron, as per the USDA. "When used as a product in skincare routine, the vitamins and minerals of wheat flour can help exfoliate dead skin cells, nourish skin, and give glowing skin," says the expert.

How to use wheat flour to remove tan?

To make a basic wheat flour face mask, follow these steps -

• Mix 2 tablespoons of wheat flour with enough water to form a smooth paste.
• Apply the paste evenly over the tanned areas of your face.
• Leave on the mask for about 20 minutes or wait for it to dry up.
• Gently scrub off the DIY face mask with lukewarm water then pat dry with a towel.

"You can use this face mask 2 to 3 times a week to remove tan and improve your skin tone," suggests Dr Mittal.

Mix wheat flour with other kitchen ingredients to help remove tan. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

You can also mix wheat flour with other ingredients like:

• Lemon juice, which is rich in vitamin C and citric acid, and so, it acts as a natural bleaching agent that can enhance the skin-lightening effect of wheat flour.
• Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of tan.
• Honey has moisturising and antibacterial properties, making it perfect for soothing and hydrating the skin while helping to fade tan.
• Yogurt has lactic acid that helps exfoliate the skin, remove dead cells, and lighten the tan.

What are the side effects of using wheat flour for skin?

Wheat flour can be safely used on face for tan removal, but there can be some side effects:

• Frequent use of wheat flour on face may lead to dryness, especially in people with naturally dry skin. It is important to moisturise the skin after using a wheat flour mask.
• For those with sensitive skin, wheat flour may cause mild irritation or redness, so do a patch test before applying it to your face.
• People allergic to wheat, may experience itching, swelling, or a rash after using a wheat flour face mask.

Wheat flour is a common kitchen ingredient used to make flatbreads in Indian households. Beyond culinary uses, wheat flour can also help in getting rid of tan due to the presence of vitamins and minerals needed for tan removal. But make sure to do a patch test before using wheat flour to remove tan, as it can lead to dryness or skin irritation.

Read Also: From better sleep to enhanced mood: 6 amazing health benefits of morning sunlight

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