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From Fair To Dark


I used to be fair but in the last six years (since moving to a hotter place), I feel that I have tanned considerably and am now much darker than before. Is there a way to reduce this darker look that I have developed?
R.R.D.

Dear R.R.D.,
Observing strict sun avoidance strategies would be an important start. These would include using sunscreen, parking your car indoors, using hats, and blocking all windows at home and the workplace.

Also, use a non-hydroquinone (a compound used in products for skin whitening) depigmenting agent in combination with the above strategies. Optimising one's nutrition by consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables and cutting down or quitting cigarette smoking would also help.

Answered by Dr. Ruban Nathan | Sun, 2009/01/11 - 11:13pm
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