Playing sun safe

City spas record rise in the number of patrons opting for de-tanning procedures this summer.

It’s no surprise that Indians aren’t too fond of a tan. With fairness creams and whitening lotions being peddled by even noticeably dusky-skinned actors like Priyanka Chopra, it makes sense that city spas are recording a rise in the number of patrons opting for de-tanning procedures this summer.

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Kiran Bawa, whose Iosis Medispas dot the city, notes that most of her clients are folks coming back from a beach holiday. “These days, it’s customary to go to Goa for a quick getaway, and most come back pretty tanned. Every year, this number increases substantially,” she reveals. Her solution- a dermaclear facial which involves cleansing and exfoliating, during which an enzyme is applied to the face to take care of skin lightening.

But Bawa warns that this won’t get rid of deep pigmentation. “There is a difference between a tan and pigmentation, which results from repeated exposure to the harsh sun. That will only be removed after repeated sittings,” she advises.

Simon Talukdar, spa manager at Angdai, Le Sutra, Bandra says that they’ve already seen a spike in de-tanning procedures this summer. “We have launched a black masque procedure from Remy Laure, which is rich in humic acid. It activates cellular metabolism and is a one-hour procedure,” he explains.

Easy target
Another sun-fearing section of society is the expat community, who have a tendency to burn easily. Lovina Gidwani Jha, consulting director of operations, Myrah Spa, Juhu, says that a key part of her clientele comprises expats who’ve set up homes in the city. “They typically get sunburnt easily, and also develop freckles all over their skin. We recommend a Vitamin C facial for them, which slices off the free radical damage and over-pigmentation caused by the sun,” she explains. “We also do an aloe vera body wrap which has over 92 Indian herbs in it, which has proved to be a big hit with them,” she adds.

Uneven tan
Husnavaz Dastur, manager at the spa and fitness centre, The Oberoi, Mumbai, adds that even their guests frequent the spas to remove uneven tans. “We recommend the signature Coconut Bliss beauty treatment at, which involves skin exfoliation followed by a body massage and body wrap, which works like a facial for the body,” she admits.

However, these experts warn, “Do not go in for any therapies immediately,” says Bawa, repeating, “It will only damage the skin further.

De-tan here
Caressaa Day Spa, Juhu Rs 2000 onwards.
Call: 61635155
Berkowits Spa Life, Bandra (W) Rs 15000 onwards.
Call: 26513571
Aromathai Spas Pvt. Ltd., Malad (W) Rs 1190
Call: 61616896
Sohum Spa and Wellness Sanctuary, Juhu Rs 3087
Call: 26139603
Drama Salon Spa, Ghatkopar (W). R 1200 onwards.
Call: 61631595
Vanaddict Unisex Salon and Spa, Andheri (E)Rs 2500 onwards
Call: 61631205
Spatika, Chembur east Rs 1200
Call: 65165656