How to Remove Sunburn Patches (for Indian Skin Types)

Co-authored by Diana Yerkes

Last Updated: October 29, 2022 References

Dermatologists have divided skin types in six possible categories depending on a variety of items like ethnic background, eye colour, and skin sensitivities. On the one end of the spectrum — type 1 — is folks with red hair who are extremely sensitive to sunburns. On the other end of the spectrum — type 6 — is folks that have very dark black skin that is not very sensitive to sunburns. Individuals of an Indian descent are considered type 5. In general people with type 5 skin tend to tan more than they burn, but sunburns are still possible.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Home Remedies

1
Try a homemade lemon juice bleaching agent. Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and can be used on your skin when you mix it with an equal amount of water. For the best results, leave the liquid on the dark spot for at least 10 minutes and then rinse it away.^{[2]
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2
Use potatoes to help bleach your skin. Potatoes are another natural bleaching agent that can be used on your skin without a lot of preparation needed. Simply cut a raw potato into thin slices and apply a slice to your dark spots. Allow the potato slice to sit on your skin for about 20-30 minutes before removing it.^{[3]
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3
Make a turmeric mask. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of gram flour and ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder in a bowl. Add lemon or cucumber juice and approximately ½ teaspoon of milk to the powder mixture. Mix these four ingredients together until it forms a smooth paste.
- Apply the mask to the dark patches on your skin for 10 minutes. The mask will dry as you wait.
- Use warm water to gently remove the mask after the 10 minutes is finished.
- Use the mask on your dark patches twice a week until the patches have lightened to where you're comfortable.
- The milk measurement is approximate. You'll want to add enough to turn the mixture into a paste.
- If you have sensitive skin, use cucumber juice rather than lemon juice.
- Note that turmeric powder can easily stain fabrics, so be careful with your clothes and towels.
- Gram flour is flour made from ground-up chickpeas.
4
Avoid scratching your sunburn patches while they heal. While you're working on reducing or eliminating the dark patches on your skin, do not scratch them or rub at them with a pumice stone or brush. This is also good advice in general, as rubbing your skin with rough items can cause damage.^{[4]
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- Use natural items for exfoliation instead, such as loofahs and sponges.
- Use soap that has the same pH level as your skin (5.5).
- Always shower after you've been exercising or sweating for any reason.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Going to Your Doctor

1
Make an appointment to see your family doctor. Some treatments for dark spots on your skin (due to sun damage) can only be done by a doctor. If you've tried home remedies and they have not worked, or if you prefer to start with a medical professional, make an appointment to see your doctor.^{[5]
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- Your family doctor may refer you to a dermatologist, who is a doctor that specialized in skin issues.
2
Have your doctor check if the problem is epidermal or dermal. Unfortunately only dark patches that are being caused by epidermal pigmentation can be treated effectively. If the problem is found to be dermal pigmentation, your doctor may have some other options, or they may inform you that the condition cannot be altered.^{[6]
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- Epidermal pigmentation means that the dark spot is on the outer layers of your skin and is accessible to various types of treatment.
- Dermal pigmentation means that the dark spot is under the epidermal layer of skin and is not likely to be impacted by treatment.
3
Obtain a prescription for a topical cream. One of the first steps your doctor may try is to give you a prescription for a topical cream that can lighten the skin. These prescriptions creams contain ingredients like hydroquinone, tretinoin and some type of corticosteroid.^{[7]
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- Follow the instructions your doctor or pharmacist provides for the application and use of the cream.
- Topical creams, in general, tend to take a long time to show a significant change in your skin, so you may have to be patient.
- Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching agent that prevents enzyme reactions in your skin cells.^{[8]
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- Tretinoin is a type of vitamin A that helps your skin repair and renew itself.^{[9]
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4
Get a chemical peel. Chemical peels with either glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid is a more invasive option that you doctor may present you with. In most cases a doctor may only recommend this type of treatment for more severe cases that do not respond to topical creams.^{[10]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- Chemical peels are normally performed by a trained professional within your dermatologist's office. A family doctor is not likely to perform such a procedure.
- A chemical peel is exactly what it sounds like. A dermatologist will apply a gel or cream-like substance to your skin which contains one of the above mentioned acids. They will then leave it on your skin for a specific period of time before peeling it off.
- It is likely that you will need more than one chemical peel in order to see a significant change in the colour of your dark patches.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Good Care of Your Skin

1
Get into a regular skin care routine. A good skin care routine includes washing all your skin regularly (and your face twice a day) and keeping all your skin properly moisturized and hydrated. Skin hydration can be achieved by using a moisturizer, but it is also important to consume water (and other liquids) to keep your body hydrated, which can also affect your skin.^{[11]
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2
Apply sunscreen every day, all year round. If you are going outside, or if you're staying inside but there are a lot of windows, always remember to apply sunscreen to your exposed skin. In colder months when most of your body is covered with clothing, it is still important to apply sunscreen to your face every day.^{[12]
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- Harmful UV rays can work their way through clouds and damage your skin, so it doesn't have to be sunny for you to obtain sun damage.
- Don't forget to protect your lips by using a lip balm that contains SPF.
- If you are outside in the sun, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
3
Protect your skin using clothing and shade. In addition to sunscreen, you can also protect your skin using clothing and hats, and you can protect your eyes using sunglasses. It is also recommended that you consider staying in the shade between the hours of 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its peak.^{[13]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I remove a sunburn spot?

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.

Zora Degrandpre, ND

Natural Health Doctor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Keep the sunburn moisturized and clean. You should use aloe vera gel to keep the area moisturized and to help it heal.