12 Effective Home Remedies for Sun Tan Removal Naturally

Spending time in the sun can leave your skin tanned and uneven, making it look dull and dry. Sun exposure increases melanin production, leading to dark patches and pigmentation. 

While sunscreen helps prevent tanning, removing it requires extra care. Luckily, simple home remedies using natural ingredients can help restore your skin’s natural glow. 

Read on to discover 12 simple home remedies for naturally removing sun tan.

Understanding Sun Tan: Causes & How Skin Reacts 

What are the Causes of Sun Tan?

A multitude of factors can cause tanning. Here are the leading causes of tanning:

• Sun exposure: UV rays from the sun trigger melanin production, leading to tanning.
• Increases melanin production: The skin produces more melanin to protect itself from UV damage, causing darkening.
• Prolonged outdoor activities: Spending long hours in the sun without protection increases tanning.
• Not using sunscreen: Lack of sunscreen exposes the skin to harmful UV rays, accelerating tanning.
• Pollution and environmental factors: Dust and pollutants can intensify sun damage and tanning.

Artificial UV exposure: Tanning beds and UV lamps also cause skin darkening.

Tanning is one of the most prevalent beauty issues. So, tan removal is to be needed. It is mainly due to the sun’s intense heat having numerous effects on our skin. The suntans dulls our skin. While the sun is a fantastic source of vitamin D, overexposure to UV radiation can cause skin problems including sunburn and skin cancer.

There are many products on the market that claim to be tan removal, but here are some healthy and simple recipes. This tan removal at home can not only eliminate suntan but also cure burns and improve your skin. Let’s get started with tan removal home remedies.

12 Home Remedies for Sun Tan Removal

Naturally, skin cells remove tan. Here’s how!

• The epidermis’ germinative layer (also known as the live epidermis) pushes older cells into the horny layer (dead epidermis).
• Melanin-laden cells are shed as your skin replaces its cells. 
• As a result, the tanned skin cells are replaced with new cells. 

Removing tan naturally takes at least one month, but we can speed up the process at home using simple methods. 

Many products on the market claim to remove tan, but here are some healthy and simple home remedies you can try!

1. Yoghurt and tomato mixture

Yoghurt has lactic acid, which softens skin, and tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, which help brighten the skin.

How to apply:- 

• Remove the skin from the tomato and mix it with yoghurt to produce a paste. 
• Apply this paste to your tan.
•  Wash it after 20 minutes.

Read Also: Tomato benefits and its nutritional value

2. Bengal gram flour and turmeric

Bengal gram flour makes skin tender, and turmeric is an excellent skin brightening agent. Thus, this tan removal treatment is highly effective.

How to apply:

• Add 1 tsp of turmeric into one cup of Bengal gram flour, mix with water or milk and make a thin paste. 
• Apply this combination to a tanned face and allow it to dry.
• Wash it away gently with lukewarm water.

3. Cucumber extract

It is excellent for tanned and sunburned skin. Cucumber has a cooling impact, and its antioxidants support a healthy complexion and give your skin a bright, natural glow.

How to apply:

• To get the juice from a cucumber, shred it and squeeze it. 
• Apply the juice to the skin with a cotton ball. 
• Allow it to dry before washing.

4. Potato Juice

Potato juice is also well-known for removing tan from the face and is frequently used to brighten dark bags under the eyes.

How to apply: 

• Extract juice from raw potatoes.
• Apply it immediately to your skin.
•  Leave it on for 10-12 minutes before washing it off.

5. Papaya fruit and honey mixture

Because papaya has bleaching properties, it is a good choice for eliminating a suntan. This pack contains honey, which moisturises and soothes the skin.

How to apply: 

• Add 1/2 cup of mashed papaya and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix them together.
• Apply this pack to the affected regions and allow it to rest for half an hour.
• Wash it off with cold water. 

6. Oatmeal and Buttermilk face pack

This face mask is loaded with skin-tanning-removal properties. While oatmeal gently exfoliates the skin, buttermilk’s lactic acid softens it and removes tan from the face.

How to apply:

• Combine 3 tablespoons of buttermilk and 2 tablespoons of oats in a mixing bowl. 
• Massage this mixture into the tanned area.

1. Wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a regular ingredient in several skincare and cosmetic products. It has shown promising effects in reducing tan by inhibiting melanin (skin pigment) production, promoting skin cell regeneration, hydrating and moisturising the skin, and protecting it from further UV damage.

How to apply:

• Extract fresh gel directly from an aloe vera leaf or use a good quality, pure aloe vera gel (ensure it’s free of artificial colours, fragrances, and alcohol).
• Apply a generous layer of this gel directly to the tanned areas of your skin.
• Let it sit for 20-30 minutes, or even leave it on overnight for deeper penetration.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.

For best results, apply daily, preferably before bed. With consistent use, you should start seeing a difference in a few weeks. 

8. Sandalwood powder and coconut water

Sandalwood and coconut water work miracles on tanned skin. Both are rich in ingredients that remove tan from the face.

How to apply:

• Combine 1 tablespoon each of sandalwood powder and coconut water to get a paste-like consistency.
• Apply this to your face and wait for it to dry. Then, wash your face with cool water. Repeat three times per week.

9. Milk cream and Strawberries

Strawberries have natural skin-lightening qualities because they are high in AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) and vitamin C. Milk’s creamy goodness locks in moisture deep into the skin, making it seem soft and healthy.

How to apply:

• Mash a few ripe strawberries well, then whisk in 2 teaspoons of fresh cream to make a lump-free paste.
•  Apply this to your face and tanned skin, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse with cold water.

10. Pineapple pulp and honey

Pineapples contain Bromelain, an enzyme that fights free radicals in the skin and lowers inflammation. They are also high in vitamin A, C, and antioxidants, which help to repair UV damage, keep the skin even-toned, and remove tan from the face.

How to apply:

• Put 5-6 cubes of fresh, chopped ripe pineapple in a blender with 1 teaspoon of honey.
• Pulse until smooth. 
• Pour into a bowl and apply to tanned areas of your skin. 
• Wash after 20 minutes.

11. Green tea

Green tea is well-known for its antioxidants, which aid in treating tanned skin and reducing blemishes.

How to apply:

• Apply green tea bags to the tanned areas with a cotton ball and leave it on for 10 minutes.
• Wash with lukewarm water.

12. Almonds tan removal scrub

Almonds contain vitamin E, which aids in treating sunburns and removing tan from the face.

How to apply:

• Make a paste of 4-5 almonds and rose water.
• Apply it to the afflicted tanned regions and scrub for 5 minutes.
• Rinse with cold water.

Read Also: Benefits of Soaked Almonds

Targeted Tan Removal: Hands & Feet

Tan Removal From Hand

The same tan removal home remedies we use on our faces may be used on our arms, but because the skin on our arms is thicker than on our faces, the potato lemon packs work very well. The potatoes have inherent bleaching capabilities; when combined with citric acid, they help erase the tan easily.

How to apply: 

• In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts freshly squeezed potato and lemon with 1 teaspoon rose water. 
• Apply liberally with a cotton pad to the tanned parts of your hands and arms.
• Wait for 20 minutes and then wash it off.

Tan Removal From Feet

Sun-exposed feet can quickly turn black, and their tanned skin may appear withered and old. Use a tan removal scrub, such as sugar scrub, lemon, and milk, to restore your skin’s natural colour and smooth your feet.

How to apply:

• Mix equal parts lemon juice and sugar granules to make a tan removal for your feet. 
• Scoop some tan removal scrub into your palms and gently rub it over your feet.
• Scrub the dead skin layer off your feet and cleanse them.

Takeaway!

Don’t let a sun tan diminish your glow! Several simple, natural remedies are readily available right in your home. From the soothing touch of aloe vera to the brightening power of sandalwood, consistent application of these remedies can help restore your skin’s natural tone and radiance. Embrace these easy, effective solutions and enjoy healthier, happier skin all year round.

Expert Quote

“While home remedies can offer a gentle approach to help fade sun tan, consistency is key for effective and long-term results. While using these home remedies, it is also essential to prioritise sun protection daily to prevent further darkening and maintain healthy skin.”

Disclaimer: Avoid heading out in the sun with home remedies or packs containing citrus fruit juices, as they may increase pigmentation.

Also Read: Benefits of Rose Water on Face

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)