Tan
Tan removal treatment at Chamak Clinic, Chennai
Fading a sun tan back towards your own skin tone.
A tan is the skin's response to sunlight: it makes more pigment to protect itself. In Chennai's sun, the face, neck, arms and feet tan quickly, and the tan can take months to fade on its own.
What causes tan?
- Daily sun exposure without sunscreen
- Two-wheeler rides, outdoor work and sport
- Sun through car and office windows
- Some medicines and perfumes that make the skin sun-sensitive
Signs to look for
- Darker skin on the face, neck, arms or feet than on covered skin
- A visible line at the sleeve, collar or sandal strap
- Uneven, patchy tone after a holiday or outdoor work
Treatment aims to bring the skin back towards your natural tone, not to make it lighter than it is. The doctor checks that the darkening is a tan and not melasma or another kind of pigmentation, which are treated differently.
How the doctor treats it
- Sunscreen every day, so the tan stops building up.
- A course of chemical peels, a few weeks apart.
- Q-switch laser toning for a stubborn tan.
- A medifacial for a gentle refresh before an event.
- Creams for home use that the doctor prescribes.
The doctor decides what is right for you after examining you. A prescription is written only when one is appropriate.
Your treatment journey
- Consultation
The doctor examines your skin or scalp, asks about your history and medicines, and orders tests only if they are needed.
- Preparation
Prescribed creams, sun care or a test spot first, so the skin is ready and the risk of irritation stays low.
- Treatment
In-clinic sessions, spaced over weeks, alongside a home routine that does most of the daily work.
- Aftercare
Review visits, home care and a maintenance plan, so the improvement lasts.
Treatments for tan at Chamak Clinic
- Chemical peelMedical-grade peels for acne, marks, uneven tone and dull skin.
- Q-switch laser for pigmentationLaser toning for tan, sun spots, freckles and uneven skin tone.
- MedifacialA doctor-chosen cleansing, exfoliation and hydration facial.
- Hydra facialHydradermabrasion: cleanse, exfoliate, extract and hydrate with suction.
- Carbon laser peelA quick laser facial for oily skin, open pores and dull skin.
Home care that helps
- Sunscreen (SPF 50) every morning on the face, neck, arms and feet; reapply outdoors.
- Cover up with sleeves, a scarf or a cap on two-wheeler rides.
- No bleach, lemon or harsh scrubs on tanned skin.
- A gentle moisturiser to keep the skin barrier healthy.
When to see a doctor
- The darkening has not faded after two or three months of sun care
- Patches are spreading or look different from a tan
- The skin became dark after a new medicine or cream
Also on Chamak
- Dark spots, tan & dull skin: the home care the doctor builds on
- Online consultation for tan, if you cannot come to Kandigai
Your doctor
Dr Rohini K
Tan Removal Treatment: questions
How many sessions does tan removal need?
Usually four to six peel or laser sessions, two to four weeks apart, depending on how deep the tan is.
Will the tan come back?
Yes, if the skin keeps getting sun without protection. Daily sunscreen is what keeps the result.
Can tan on the hands and feet be treated?
Yes. Peels and laser toning can be used on the hands, feet and arms, though these areas fade more slowly than the face.
Is this a skin-lightening treatment?
No. The aim is to fade the tan back to your own natural tone. Your natural skin colour is healthy and is not changed.
Are de-tan packs from salons enough?
They can help a light tan. Many contain bleach or harsh acids that irritate the skin, so ask the doctor before using them often.
Do I need a consultation before a treatment?
Yes. Every treatment starts with a consultation. The doctor examines you and advises a procedure only if it suits you; many can be done the same day.
How much does a treatment cost?
The consultation is ₹500. Treatment prices depend on the area, what is used and the number of sessions, so the doctor gives you the exact price after examining your skin — before anything is done.
Not sure where to start with tan?
A consultation comes first: Dr Rohini K examines you, explains the options that suit you, and tells you the plan and the price before anything is done.
Far from Chennai? Consult a skin doctor online: photos and a chat, and a prescription when one is right.