Whenever summer is around the corner, we are all excited to go out to the beaches and have fun, and when summer is gone, we are looking for how to remove sun tan. “You Never Get Everything Right”, the tan that comes with the beautiful breezy sunlight is the problem here. But if you are reading this, trust me when I say it is over. Because we are going to look at the different ways to remove sun tan completely.
We are also going to look at how to possibly prevent our skin from getting a sun tan in the first place, with the help of the right skincare practices. Remember, they say “Prevention is Better Than Cure”. But before we get into it, let`s, first of all, take a good look at what tan is and how it affects our skin.
What is Tan and Why do we Tan?
Tan is when the surface of our skin turns darker in color as a result of the skin being exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV), which comes from the sunlight, as well as some other artificial sources around. Affected parts include – the face, lips, forehead, neck, arms, feet, and legs.
Naturally, it is good to expose the skin to direct sunlight.
But it should be done moderately because it promotes collagen production, and also gives the body vitamin D. Overexposure will only leave the skin with complications such – as tan, sunburn, as well as accelerated aging.
So, tanning is an effort by the skin to protect itself from the damaging UVA that comes with the sun. The skin produces more melanin that stacks up under the skin to absorb UVA that is coming in to cause damage. That is why the skin ends up with the dark color you see.
The bad part of it is that even after the season goes away, the tan stays on your skin for a long time before leaving, even with treatments.
Now, to get a good understanding of why our skin tans, let us look at the two (2), types of ultraviolet rays and their wavelengths. The two types are UVA and UVB.
Let`s start with UVA!
UVA – The wavelength of UVA is between 320 – 400nm. This is the one you will commonly find as you go through the day. The UVA is not easily blocked by the ozone layer of the atmosphere. It penetrates deep down the skin and causes the production of more melanin which mixes with oxygen and creates the tan complexion you see on our skin, as well as other damages such as –
- General dullness
- Dark skin spots
- The risk of cancer, and
- Uneven skin tone
It is recommended to put on sunscreen before going out, but sunscreens do not block UVA to a certain level, but dressing uprightly can help block the UVA to some level.
More of that is in the tan prevention section!
UVB – The wavelength of UVB is between 280 to 320 nm. This is easily blocked by the ozone layer of the atmosphere through some portion that does penetrate still, which ends up causing inflammation of the surface of the skin.
Now, let`s dive into the topic of the day!
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How to Remove Tan Naturally
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Tomatoes
If you are reading this for the very first time, you may be surprised to hear that, besides food, tomatoes are equally good for skin care. Especially when it comes to removing tan from your skin. Different people use it for different reasons given its rich beauty and skincare ingredients.
First, tomatoes contain antioxidants (Skin brightening agents), which fight free radicals, fight premature aging by repairing wrinkles and fine lines. Tomatoes also contain ascorbic acid, which exfoliates the skin, and vitamin C, which helps with the production of collagen. Check out our best pick for vitamin C serum.
Tomatoes are equally a good source of Lycopene, which is a natural sunscreen agent preventing cellular damage, as well as stimulating new cells to grow. You can now see that all of the aforementioned potentials of tomatoes just make them a perfect and effective tan removal solution.
Now, if you have yogurt (Greek yogurt preferably), it will be a great combination. Because yogurt has lactic acid, and lactic acid is a dead skin cells removal agent. It will naturally kick off all the gunk from your skin, allowing for newer and youthful skin to grow. Lactic acid also helps to lock in moisture to your skin, which gives your skin more elasticity, glow, and beauty. Why we prefer Greek because the consistency is less drippy.
How to use It!
- Peel off the skin of the raw tomato
- Blend it well and add 2 tsp of yogurt
- Apply on the tanned surface of your skin
- Leave it on for at least 15 to 20 minutes
- Then wash it off with water
But if you don`t have yogurt, not a problem. You can still use it as simply as it is and still end up with the same result.
How to use it!
- Peel off the skin of the raw tomato
- Mash or blend the tomato very well
- Collect the juice from the pulp and apply it to the tanned areas of your skin
- Leave it on for like 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off with water
Do this 2 times a week. It is as simple as that and will help your skin by removing tan, it will equally brighten your skin and makes it look glowing. Don`t stop until you get the desired result.
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Honey
It is no news how exfoliating honey is. It also contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which will help your skin against inflammation, breakouts, and redness. Not leaving out its antioxidant properties which help with the healing process of damaged skin.
Check out all the benefits of honey skincare. And besides all of these, honey also provides the skin with a natural moisturizer, which keeps the skin youthful and safe from free radicals. Some people even find it soothing and healing to their skin.
For the tan removal process, honey can be used in various ways coupled with other ingredients as well for optimal results. But before you use honey on your skin, it is advisable to do a test before you go right ahead with this process. Again, if your skin is oily, don`t allow the honey to stay on your skin too long enough.
Now, let`s look at how honey can be used together with other ingredients to kick your tan away.
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Honey & Curd
Curd has been known to be a powerful bleaching agent because of its natural acid and enzymes. It will, not only help to reduce the appearance of pigmentation on your skin, but it will also exfoliate your skin. So, a combination of the two (2) will make a powerful tan removal agent.
How to use it!
- Get one (1) tbs of natural honey and two (2) tbs of curd
- Mix the two very well to produce a fine solution
- Apply this solution to all the tanned areas of your skin
- Leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water
Repeat this process daily until you see the result!
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Honey & Papaya
Papaya is rich in a whole lot of beneficial properties ranging from anti-inflammatory, exfoliating, skin lightening, skin whitening, antibacterial, and anti-aging properties, as well as bleaching effects.
Papaya also contains papain, (which is an enzyme that dissolves protein and helps to remove dead skin cells), and vitamin C lycopene, (which is an anti-inflammatory property and works against oxidative damage) leaving you with youthful and healthy skin.
Therefore, a mixture of two ingredients is this rich, you don`t need to be told how effective it can be in removing tan and equally protecting your skin from damage.
How to use it!
- Get half a cup of mashed ripe papaya (probably 4 to 5 cubes of papaya will do)
- Add 2 tbsp of honey and blend well to produce a fine paste
- Apply the paste to the tanned areas of your skin
- Leave it on for 20 to 25 minutes and wash it off
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Honey & Lemon
Lemon contains bleaching effects and will help in the tan removal process. It is an age-long tan removal remedy that has been used by many to obtain youthful skin due to its vitamin C property.
Lemon also contains citric acid which helps in kicking away both acne and acne scars leaving you with glowing skin. Combining the two will produce a very effective tan removal agent.
N.B – But you should note that lemon juice on the skin can potentially increase the risk of sunburn. Again, though lemon juice has the potential to remove dead skin cells, no research has proven that it can lighten skin. And it should always be diluted with water before use. So, for those who have sensitive skin, it is advisable not to apply it on your skin if you intend to head out to the sun soonest.
How to use it!
- Collect lemon juice enough to cover up your tanned skin
- Add a generous amount of honey to it to make the solution mild, but not thick or light
- Then leave it on for like 20 to 30 minutes, till it dries off
- Next, you can step into your shower and wash it off your body
For the last part of this step, you can add sugar to the solution. While a honey and lemon juice combo gives your skin chemical exfoliation, sugar will give it a physical exfoliation.
All you need to do is sprinkle some sugar on the solution and follow the same application steps but this time, rinse with lukewarm water and you are good to go.
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Orange Juice
Just like lemon juice, orange juice also contains vitamin C, citric acid, and poly methoxy flavones. Both citric acid and vitamin C in orange revitalizes the skin complexion and gives it a boost, by kicking off those free radicals, which makes orange a bleaching agent.
While PMF helps the inhibition process of melanogenesis, which fades away tan while lightening the complexion of your skin.
So, let`s see how you can use orange juice in various ways to remove your tan.
Orange Juice & Yoghurt
On the other hand, yogurt has soothing, moisturizing, and exfoliating properties. These beneficial properties of orange will leave your skin soft and very nourishing as well, which makes the combination of these two an excellent tan removal agent.
How to use it!
- Get 1 tbs of orange juice and yogurt
- Mix the two very well to produce a smooth paste
- Apply it to every tanned area of your skin
- Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes and wash it away
Orange Peel & Turmeric & Honey
Turmeric also is a powerful agent in the removal of pigmentation and blemishes and the natural skin brightening process.
You already know about honey!
How to use it!
- Get 1 tbs of the powder of orange peel, honey, and a small amount of turmeric
- Mix the two very well to produce a fine paste
- Apply this paste to the tanned area of your skin
- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse it off with water
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Potato
Potato has been used over the years as a bleaching agent because of its many beneficial properties and nutrients. It contains vitamins B & C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and copper, making it capable enough to kick off those dark spots and leave you with brighter skin.
It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles on the face, and dark circles that appear around the eye and prevent premature aging. You can use potato in many ways ranging from – potato juice, potato paste, and simple potato, and you can also mix it with lemon juice.
Let`s see the various ways how you can use it!
How to use it
To use it alone –
- Get some raw potatoes, peel the skin, and grate it to collect the juice
- Use a cotton pad and apply the potato juice to the tanned area of your skin
- Leave it on for like 20 minutes or leave it until and then wash your skin with cold water
Use it with lemon –
- Now, after grating the potato, you don`t have to collect any juice
- Just add some lemon juice to the paste and mix very well
- Apply the paste to the tanned area of your skin
- Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off with cold water
Do this two times per week until you see the result
To use it in slices –
- Get a raw potato
- Peel off the skin and cut it into slices
- You can either rub a slice directly on the tanned area of your skin very well, or you can just keep some slices on your face & eyes
- Leave them on for like 10 to 15 minutes, or let the juice on your skin dry off before you wash it off with water
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Aloe Vera
This is also another ingredient with powerful skincare and health potential which is why it is globally used by most skin care and beauty artists. Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hydrating properties.
These properties help to soothe the skin and treat tan. Aloe vera will also brighten your skin`s complexion and keeps your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays.
A study has proven that aloe vera reduces the production of melanin (which is a sunburn relief), the appearance of pigmentation, and moisturizes the skin leaving your skin glowing.
Experts advise says that you apply aloe vera gel on your face before bedtime, against just using it during the day!
How to use it
- Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf and extract the gel and apply a thick layer of it on your face before going to bed
- If you can`t lay your hands on a fresh aloe vera, then you can go right ahead and purchase aloe vera gel and use it the same way, it produces the same result and then wash it off in the morning
- Repeat the application process daily for optimal results
You can also use aloe vera plus masoor dal to treat tan on your face, your hands, and your legs.
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Aloe vera & Masoor dal
Masoor dal is also a powerful agent in exfoliation, pore tightening, skin brightening, cleansing, and making the skin oil-free. A combo of the two will work wonders on your skin.
How to use the
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- Get a cup of masoor dal and soak it in water
- Add some tbs of aloe vera gel to produce a thick paste
- Rub the paste on your face, hands & legs and allow it to stay for like 30 minutes
- You can also use it to scrub your hands and legs very well and wash them off
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Turmeric
Turmeric is mostly used in India as a traditional skin whitening agent and also contains anti-inflammatory property that helps to reduce the appearance of scarring.
Though no research has shown that turmeric can potentially make the skin light, there is a study that has shown that turmeric can hydrate the skin and improve the skin`s natural protective oil. And when it is combined with cream, it can protect the skin against sun damage.
But one downside of turmeric is the fact that its yellowish color is often a problem with dresses and even the face. So, after applying a turmeric face mask, use a makeup remover or a face wash to clean up the residue.
Let`s see how you can combine it with other ingredients for tan removal!
Turmeric + Gram flour + Lemon Juice
Gram flour is also exfoliating and removes dead skin cells. It helps to rejuvenate the skin and makes it fresh.
How to use it
- Get one tbs of gram flour
- A tbs of turmeric
- Add lemon juice, and even add curd to produce a fine thick paste
- Apply this paste to your tan and let it stay for 30 minutes, then wash it off afterward
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Sandalwood + rose water
Sandalwood is a medicinal plant that has skincare potential that acts as a scrub. The powder of this wood will kick off all dead cells on your skin bringing out that soft layer of your skin. Mixing this powder with rose water provides the skin with enough moisture that will reduce the potential sunburn effect on the skin.
How to use it
- Get two tbs of the powder and some rose water
- Mix well to produce a thick and smooth paste
- Rub a thick layer of the paste on the tanned area of your skin
- Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes or allow it to get dry, and then wash off with water
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Milk & almond
Almond is a great ingredient and will work as a scrub when it is mixed with milk. Milk tightens the skin, so a mixture of the two will moisturize your skin and make it soft and smooth. When you use the mixture to scrub your skin, it opens up your pores, brings out all the dirt, and kicks off those dead skin cells, as well as leaving you with new and youthful skin.
How to use it
- Get 5 or 6 pieces of almond
- Grind well to produce a fine powder
- Add 2 to 4 tbsp of milk into it to produce mix well to produce a paste
- Rub the paste on your tanned skin and keep rubbing till it dries up
- Leave on your skin for a while and then wash it off very well
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Oatmeal + Buttermilk
Oatmeal contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which treat tan, heal, and repair the skin from free radical damage. It also cleanses and exfoliates the skin. While buttermilk is rich in lactic acid which is a brightening, exfoliating, and skin-softening agent which will improve your skin tone.
How to use it
- Get 2 tbs of oatmeal and 3 tbs of buttermilk
- Give the oatmeal 5 minutes to soak into the buttermilk very well
- Then mix very well to produce a fine paste
- Apply this paste to your tanned face and massage very well to remove the tan on your face
- Give it 30 minutes and then wash it with water
But in the case where you intend to use this on your entire body, then you will have to use a different approach.
- First, get half a cup of oatmeal and soak it in water for five minutes
- Add half a cup of buttermilk and mix very well to produce a fine paste
- Rub the paste all through your body (skin)
- Give it 20- minutes and wash it off
But you should note that oatmeal may likely clog your drains, so my advice to you is that you either prepare your bath for this exercise so the drains don`t get clogged, or you do this in an outdoor space, maybe use a lounge chair outside your bath somewhere.
And after 20 minutes, you can use a hose to spray it off yourself before stepping into your bath for a proper cleaning up. And then apply a good moisturizer, not only will this treat your tan, but it will also make your skin glow yet again.
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Sandalwood + Coconut Water
Coconut is known to be detoxing. Mixing it with sandalwood, taking its medicinal potential will produce a good and effective tan-removing agent.
How to use it
- Get I tbs coconut water
- I tbs of sandalwood powder mix very well to produce this paste
- Use this paste on your tanned skin and you are good to go
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Multani Mitti + Aloe Vera Gel
Multani mitti also is another ingredient that can heal the demises of sunburn, when it is combined with aloe vera gel, and also exfoliates the skin. With the medicinal potential of aloe vera, the two will make good agent that works well in cleaning the skin and opening the pores.
How to use it
- Get 2 tbs of Mm powder and 3 tbs of AV gel
- Mix them very well, either in a grinder or manually, to produce a fine paste
- Rub the paste on the tanned area of your skin
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash it off with cold water
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Cucumber + Milk
Cool is one powerful ingredient. It is a cooling and rejuvenating agent for the skin. It is rich in vitamin C which will soothe your sunburned skin and removes tan. Cucumber also contains antioxidants, that also clean and cool the skin.
Milk, being a moisturizer and a natural sunscreen, will lighten your skin`s complexion, prevent sunburn, and repair damaged skin. Combining the two will produce a rich tan removal agent.
How to use it
- Extract the juice from a cucumber
- Add raw milk and mix very well to produce an excellent solution
- Apply this solution to your tanned skin and leave it on for 20 minutes, and then wash it off with water
You want to perform this exercise two times a day for optimal results.
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How To Remove Tan from Legs
In a general nutshell, we are often good at taking good of our faces during skincare but we mostly leave other areas or parts of our skin. Even when the winter is around, we also do a good job of making sure our feet are well covered. And in summer, due to our summer dresses, the sun still manages to make its way through those summer dresses and our legs end up getting tanned.
So, if you get tanned on your legs, then you need to hurry up with the aforementioned home remedies for a faster result, without experiencing any side effects. And remember, two times a week will do, don`t overdo it.
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How To Remove Tan From Arms
If you get tanned on your arms, you will need to be gentle in your use of the aforementioned home remedies. Because tanning often increases skin sensitivity and exposure to free radical damage. Also, be wise in your choice of home remedies and not go for what will provoke sensitivity, heating, and further damage to your skin cells.
Learn More!
How to Prevent Tanning
- Sunscreen – The first preventive method is to apply sunscreen. But just like mentioned above, sunscreen does not protect the skin completely. But that should not put any doubts about the confidence in the use of sunscreen. There are just some things you need to pay attention to before using sunscreen.
First, you want to look at a sunscreen that contains the following molecules –Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Octisalate, and Avobenzone. Or, you look for a sunscreen that has the tag “Broad Spectrum”, on the label. Because it contains the aforementioned molecules and will offer your skin both UVA and UVB protection.
The sunscreen should be an SPF of 50 and apply up to 1 ounce 30 minutes before stepping into the sun, for the best result, and then you want to reapply after every 2 hours.
- Avoid High Peak Sun – The UV rays are strongest during the hour of 10 am to 4 pm. This is the most dangerous period for your skin. Try not to spend more time in the sun during this time of the day. You should also know that the UV rays get more intense when they are reflected off the concrete, snow, sand, ice, and water. You also want to watch out for such surfaces when the sun is at its peak.
- Put on Protective Dressings – You should put on dresses with high (UPF), Ultraviolet Protective factors, such as dark or bright-colored fabrics, lightweight fabrics, densely woven, long pants, and long sleeves. Such help to reflect the sunlight away, and avoid lightweight dresses.
Most fashion production companies out there even do a good job by clearly rating the UPF level of their sun protection products. The best level is a rating of 30+. So, for the best result, watch out for 30.
- Sunglasses & Hats – You know the skin surfaces around your face generally especially your eyes are even more sensitive to the sun than the other parts of your body. So, you need to apply extra measures to protect your face and your eye areas whenever you are outdoors, and the best way to do so is by putting on hats and sunglasses. For the best result, let your hat be a minimum of 3”, and your sunglasses should also be a wraparound type with 100% UV protection. Some brand even sticks a label of UVA and UVB protection on their sunglasses. Just check out the glass well.
- Always Shade Yourself – You can do so by seeking areas with shade whenever you are outdoors, or you can use an umbrella as a way of shading yourself and not get to worry about seeking any. Shades might not be able to stop the UV rays from hitting your skin, but as you practice other preventive measures, for which shade is one of the steps, shade can help provide your skin with some relief which adds up to the protection of your skin from the UV rays of the sun.
- Drink Water More During Summer (15 – 20 Glasses/Day) – The scorching sun does not just tan the skin; it also dehydrates the skin and makes it look dull. So, you need to take in enough water, about 15 to 20 glasses per day (as recommended), to keep the skin from not only getting tan, but hydrated and glowing as well. You should also consume more healthy foods that are rich in fiber such as fruits and vegetables to help keep the skin`s complexion.
- Use Protection Creams – If you love swimming, you probably spend more time under the sun. In this case, you should make it a habit to always apply cream (Protection creams), on your skin every 20 minutes you spend under the sun. And each time you take a swim in chlorinated water, you should take a cool shower to cleanse both your skin and your hair. Failure to do so will add up to tanning. (Don`t use a warm shower).
- Apply Moisturizer (Water-based) – Besides keeping the skin hydrated, you also need to keep the skin moisturized. So, you should apply a water-based moisturizer to moisturize the skin and keep it glowing and healthy.
Conclusion
Now you have a good understanding of how to remove sun tan using either method. But if you still have doubts, the above tips will help prevent your skin from getting tan in case you are already tanned, below are some natural tips that will help you treat or solve the problem and enjoy your skin once again. After which we shall look at some pharmaceutical approaches as well.