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Skin darkening, as a natural occurrence, is caused by the exposure of skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. This darkening is also popularly called tanning and is a natural process that would occur during one's life. In fact, this is both beneficial and necessary to a healthy human existence because a byproduct of exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the production of Vitamin D in the body.
Skin darkening or tanning occurs when ultraviolet radiation causes an oxidation of the melanin in the skin. This is just one part of the tanning process. There is a second stage in tanning that can occur to people with very sensitive skin, or due to high exposure to the open sun. In this stage of tanning, there is cellular damage that occurs in the body. This is also known as sunburn, which is a tan that is more permanent in nature. It is also more dangerous as cellular damage and damage to DNA is a precursor to cancer.
To a large extent, some of the effects of tanning can be visibly reduced by reducing direct exposure while you face the sun. It is advisable to stay indoors and away from the sun for a period of two weeks during the "un-tanning" period. Try and wear a hat, wear clothes that completely cover your body and use soothing lotions that contain lacto-calamine that will allow your skin to recover from any cellular damage.
Though unproved scientifically, modifying one's diet moderately to accommodate more antioxidant rich foods like green vegetables, omega fatty acids and vitamin E also have an effect of rejuvenating the skin layers to come. This will ensure that over a period of a month, with proper exfoliating, a fresh and more lustrous skin should appear in time. Seafood is a great source of omega 6 and 3 fatty acids. If these are not part of your diet, then an over the counter vitamin E supplement with these acids should do just as well.
Remember that these solutions only show their effects over a period of time. The effects of overexposure to the sun can only be reduced with proper skin care and preventive methods like using sun block liberally when venturing outdoors. For immediate cosmetic relief, it would also be beneficial to visit a beautician for bleaching. However, to be absolutely certain of your condition and to ensure that you are using the right remedies, visit your local dermatologist.
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