Vacations during the summer are great—until you look in the mirror and realise your skin is two or more shades darker. Exposure to sunlight not only tans your skin but also causes skin problems like dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
Are you worried about stepping out during the summer? Are you worried about using chemicals? Then this blog will provide you with some natural remedies to get rid of a suntan.
You can use them to remove tan from all over your body-be it your neck, arms, feet, or hands.
1. Honey and Curd
Honey and curd can be easily found in any household. Curd helps reduce pigmentation and acts as a natural bleaching agent. The natural acids and enzymes present in curd help cool and exfoliate your skin. Similarly, honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It consists of antioxidants capable of healing damaged cells.
How to apply-
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey to 2 tablespoons of curd.
- Mix them well and gently apply a thick layer to your skin.
- Leave it for 15 minutes and then rinse it with lukewarm water.
2. Tomato
Tomato is a great ingredient when it comes to skincare. It is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants and promotes collagen production in your body. Lycopene, which is present in tomatoes, helps in reducing dark spots caused by a suntan and lightens the skin to give you a more even and brighter skin tone.
How to apply-
- Mash a tomato.
- Separate its pulp and apply its juice all over your face.
- Let it dry for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant with immense skin and beauty benefits. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help improve your skin’s complexion and brightness. It protects your skin from damage caused by a suntan and soothes your skin. It is always best to apply aloe vera gel in your daily routine.
How to apply-
- Apply the gel extracted from a freshly cut leaf to your clean face.
- Wash it off the next morning.
- Repeat every night for better results.
4. Sandalwood and Turmeric
Sandalwood contains natural skin-lightening agents and hence has a vital role in skin care. The light exfoliating properties help to fade the tan, dark spots, and scars. It has soothing and cooling properties that calm the skin and protect it from damage caused by the sun. Similarly, curcumin present in turmeric reduces excess melanin production and lightens your skin tone.
How to apply-
- Sandalwood powder can be mixed with milk or coconut milk to apply to the skin as a pack.
- Turmeric can also be added to enhance its effectiveness.
5. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is highly nourishing and hydrating for your skin. It helps in restoring the lost moisture. A suntan can be removed by using coconut milk due to the presence of mild acids and vitamins.
How to apply-
Soak a cotton ball in freshly prepared coconut milk and dab it all over your face. Leave it to dry off. Once completely absorbed by the skin, wash it with a mild cleanser.
6. Oatmeal and Buttermilk
Oatmeal has excellent exfoliating and cleansing properties. Amino acids present in it help in fading the dark spot caused by a suntan. The presence of vitamin B1 enhances blood circulation and thereby lightens your skin. Buttermilk is rich in lactic acid, which removes tans and improves skin tone.
How to apply-
- Soak 2 tablespoons of oatmeal in half a cup of water for about 5 minutes.
- To this add 2-3 drops of fresh, plain buttermilk and mix well. You can also add a few drops of honey to make it more nourishing.
- Make it into a thick paste and apply it on your face, neck, arms and other areas affected by suntan.
- Let it remain for 20 minutes. Rub in a circular motion and wash it off with plain water for more refreshing skin.
7. Potato Juice
Potato juice is often used to lighten the dark circles around the eyes. Moreover, it is known as a bleaching agent. Azelaic acid present in it acts as a natural skin-brightening agent and hence can be used to reduce suntan.
How to apply-
- Juice a raw potato and apply it directly to your skin to get rid of the sun tan.
- You can also use thin potato slices on your eyes and face alternatively.
- Keep it on your face for 10-12 minutes and wash it off with normal water.
8. Cucumber and Milk
Cucumber helps rejuvenate your skin as it acts as a cooling agent. It contains vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps in fading out dark spots and hence helps in reducing tan lines. It provides a cooling effect on your skin by cleaning your pores deeply. Meanwhile, milk deeply moisturises your skin. It not only lightens the complexion but also protects your skin from suntan and sunburn. This combination is a match made in heaven for getting rid of a suntan.
How to apply-
- Blend cucumber and extract its juice.
- Mix it with 3-5 drops of raw milk.
- Apply this mixture and let the skin absorb it completely. Keep it for about 15 minutes.
- Then wash it off with normal water.
- You can also use cucumber ice cubes and gently rub them on your face. This helps to minimize the appearance of pores to an extent
9. Red Lentil (Masoor Dal) And Gram Flour
Red lentils are not only a good natural cleanser but also an excellent bleaching agent and help in lightening the skin scars and damage caused due to suntan. It smooths your skin and provides radiance. Moreover, it is a good exfoliator too. Gram flour is great for your skin. When combined with other ingredients such as turmeric, it transforms into a game changer. It brightens your skin and can be used as a mild scrub for exfoliating your arms and neck. It removes impurities and dead cells from your skin. Along with red lentil powder, it works wonders.
How to apply-
- Soak 2 tablespoons of red lentil in water for a few hours until it gets soft.
- Drain water and put it in a blender.
- To this add 1 tablespoon of gram flour and a pinch of turmeric.
- Make a thick paste.
- Apply this mixture on a clean face and let it dry.
- After 20 minutes, wash it off with lukewarm water.
10. Coffee
Coffee can be used in enormous ways when it comes to skincare. Coffee is a brilliant exfoliator for the skin. It helps remove dead cells from the skin and provides hydration. Caffeic acid present in it is an antioxidant that promotes collagen production and thereby reduces the signs of skin ageing. Caffeic acid also has antimicrobial properties that help protect the skin against germs.
How to apply-
- To 2 tablespoons of coffee, the powder adds 1 teaspoon of olive oil and mix well.
- Apply this on a clean face and rub it in a circular motion.
- It can be used as a de-tan scrub by mixing it with sugar.
- For better results, use it twice a week.
Read More:
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Final Word
If you use any of these home remedies regularly, you will notice a visible change in your skin tone and complexion. Moreover, keep yourself hydrated by drinking 3 litres of water daily. Eat skin-friendly foods, including leafy vegetables and fruits, in the form of salads, steamed vegetables, juices, and smoothies to load up on antioxidants. Incorporate foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as dry fruits and seeds. Flax seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc. are rich in fatty acids and vitamins. By following a healthy, hygienic lifestyle and good food habits, you can get clear, glowing skin.
FAQs
- Why do I tan easily?
If you have a darker skin tone and get exposed to sunlight directly, there is a greater chance of tanning. This happens as the melanin-containing melanocytes spread around the sun-exposed skin. Fairer skin burns quickly, whereas darker skin does not but gets tanned.
- How long does it take for a tan to fade?
It depends on the skin type and colour. However, a natural tan lasts for about 7–10 days before the outer layer of the skin starts exfoliating naturally. The more you are exposed, the longer it takes to recover.
- Is skin tanning a sign of skin damage?
The increase in skin pigment, melanin, which results in a tan, is a sign of skin damage. Evidence suggests that tanning increases the risk of skin cancer. And getting a tan will not protect your skin from sunburn or other skin damage. The main cause of premature skin ageing is sun exposure.
- How can I get rid of my tan?
Instead of using harsh chemicals, you can use all the above-mentioned home remedies to get rid of a tan. Use appropriate methods that suit your skin type.