5 Natural Home Remedies to Remove Sun Tan

July 23, 2024 Nidhi Ojha

Welcome to the sunny side of life, where the fun never stops, but sometimes, neither does the sun's impact on our skin. We all love those beach days and outdoor adventures, but prolonged sun exposure can lead to tanned skin, blemishes, and dark patches. We’re here to share some effective and natural methods to remove tan for all skin types. Whether you've been exposed to direct sunlight during a beach day or have braved the scorching summer heat, these remedies will help you regain your natural glow.

Understanding Melanin and Its Role in Tanning

Melanin is the natural pigment responsible for our skin, hair, and eye color. It protects our skin from UV radiation. When exposed to sunlight, melanin production increases, causing the skin to darken or tan.

Melanin Production: Produced by melanocytes in the skin's outer layer.
Types of Melanin: Eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (red/yellow).
Protective Function: Absorbs and neutralizes UV rays, reducing skin damage.
Tanning Process: Increased melanin production in response to sunlight results in tanned skin.

Melanin's role in tanning highlights its protective function against UV radiation. However, using sunscreen and protective clothing is essential to prevent overexposure and maintain healthy skin.

What Happens to Your Skin with Regular Tanning?

Premature Aging: Frequent tanning accelerates the aging process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of skin elasticity.
Skin Cancer Risk: Increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, due to prolonged UV exposure.
Hyperpigmentation: Can cause uneven skin tone, dark spots, and blemishes.
Immune System Suppression: Overexposure to UV rays can weaken the skin's immune response, making it more susceptible to infections.
Sunburn Damage: Repeated sunburns from frequent tanning can cause lasting damage to the skin cells.
Eye Damage: Increases the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions due to UV radiation exposure.

Natural Tan Removal Techniques at Home!

1) Aloe Vera and Lemon Juice:

Aloe vera, often referred to as the "plant of immortality," combined with the zesty freshness of lemon juice, creates a powerful blend to combat tanned skin. This duo not only soothes the skin but also helps lighten it naturally.

Aloe Vera's Healing Properties: Aloe vera is well-known for its ability to heal and hydrate the skin. It’s a perfect remedy for skin exposed to direct sunlight.
Lemon Juice's Lightening Effect: Rich in Vitamin C, lemon juice helps to lighten blemishes and dark patches on the skin.
Application: Mix two tablespoons of Premium Bionaturals Pure Aloe Vera Gel with a tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the tanned areas and leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing off.

This simple yet effective remedy can work wonders in lightening your tan and giving your skin a refreshed look.

2) Yogurt and Turmeric:

Yogurt and turmeric have been used for centuries in traditional skincare routines. This combination is known for its ability to cool the skin and reduce tan.

Yogurt's Cooling Effect: Yogurt soothes the skin and helps to alleviate the burning sensation caused by the scorching summer heat.
Turmeric's Anti-inflammatory Properties: Turmeric is famous for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help in reducing sun damage.
Application: Mix a tablespoon of yogurt with a pinch of turmeric. Apply this paste to your face and other tanned areas. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.

Using this mask regularly can help in effectively removing tan and giving your skin a natural glow.

3)Coffee and milk mask:

Coffee and milk together form a powerful natural remedy for tan removal. This combination not only helps to exfoliate the skin but also provides hydration and nourishment.

Coffee's Exfoliating Properties: Coffee granules help in gently exfoliating the skin, removing dead cells, and reducing the appearance of blemishes and dark patches.
Milk's Lactic Acid:Milk contains lactic acid, which helps lighten the skin, reduce pigmentation, and hydrate the skin, making it soft and smooth.
Application: Mix 1 tablespoon of coffee powder with 1-2 tablespoons of milk, and apply the paste. Wash it off after 10-15 minutes.

Regular use of this mask can help in effectively removing tan and making your skin smoother and brighter.

4) Tomato Pulp and Honey:

Tomatoes and honey together can make a great natural tan removal remedy. This combination helps in brightening the skin and reducing the tan.

Tomato's Astringent Properties: Tomato pulp acts as a natural astringent, helping to lighten skin tone.
Honey's Moisturizing Effect: Honey is a natural humectant that helps in moisturizing and nourishing the skin.
Application: Extract the pulp of one ripe tomato and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Apply this mixture to the tanned areas and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

This sweet solution not only helps in tan removal but also leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

5) Cucumber Extract and Rose Water:

Cucumber and rose water provide a cooling effect on the skin, making them an ideal remedy for tan removal, especially after prolonged sun exposure.

Cucumber's Hydrating Effect: Cucumber helps in cooling and hydrating the skin, reducing the effects of sunburn.
Rose Water's Refreshing Properties: Rose water revitalizes the skin and helps in reducing blemishes and dark patches.
Application: Grate half a cucumber and mix its juice with two tablespoons of rose water. Apply this mixture to the tanned areas and leave it on for 15 minutes before washing it off.

This cooling combo is perfect for soothing sun-exposed skin and gradually removing tan.

Keep your skin refreshed and hydrated with our Āpna Ayurveda Rose water infused toner! This face mist can cool down your face and protect your skin from the scorching summer heat by hydrating and refreshing it.

Why is SPF Essential for Sun Tan Prevention?

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn and tanning. Using sunscreen with the appropriate SPF can help prevent tanned skin and protect against the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure, especially during the scorching summer heat.

SPF Meaning: SPF indicates how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned compared to unprotected skin.
UV Protection: Higher SPF numbers offer greater protection against UVB rays.
Application: Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Broad-Spectrum: Use broad-spectrum sunscreens to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Daily Use: Incorporate SPF into your daily skincare routine to prevent blemishes, dark skin spots, and dark patches caused by UV exposure.

Using sunscreen with the right SPF is crucial for preventing tanning and protecting your skin from UV damage. Make SPF a part of your daily routine to enjoy the sun safely and maintain healthy skin, even during the scorching summer heat. Including niacinamide in your skincare routine can offer additional protection and help address sun-related skin issues effectively.

Active Ingredients To Remove Tan

Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 that gained rising popularity around the 2020s. It’s found in multiple skincare and body care products to tackle issues like sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and tanning. It’s a versatile ingredient that suits all skin types. It can be used both during the daytime and nighttime. Niacinamide is also found in sunscreens to give the skin extra protection against UV damage.
AHA: AHA ingredients like mandelic acid and glycolic acid are highly effective in mitigating signs of tanning both on the face and body. They are water-soluble exfoliants that work on the surface of the skin to remove dead skin cells, and excess melanin production for an even-toned, tan-free complexion. If you want an AHA serum, toner or moisturiser, apply it once to twice a week. Products like face wash and body wash can be used daily.
Retinol: Retinol falls under the umbrella of retinoids. It’s the most common type of Vitamin A that is widely considered to be an effective ingredient to address signs of premature ageing, body acne, and tanning. It gently exfoliates the skin to aid new skin cell generation.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant derived from ascorbic acid. It fights sun damage from harsh UV rays and gives the skin a healthy glow. It also targets signs of hyperpigmentation like sun spots and tanning.
Salicylic Acid: Unlike AHAs, salicylic acid is a BHA that is an oil-soluble chemical exfoliant. It goes deep into the layers of the skin to remove tan, dead skin cells, acne, pollution, and grime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1)How can I remove tan permanently naturally?
Using natural remedies like aloe vera, lemon juice, and yogurt regularly can help in removing tan permanently over time.
Q2)Can tanned skin be white again?
Yes, with consistent care and natural remedies, tanned skin can regain its original complexion.
Q3)How can I remove tan in 7 days?
Exfoliate with oatmeal and buttermilk, and apply aloe vera gel daily to remove tan within a week.
Q4)Can coffee remove tan?
Yes, coffee can help remove tan due to its exfoliating properties when used as a scrub. Caffeine present in coffee helps to improve blood circulation, reduce puffiness, and tighten the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.

If you are living near the tropics just like us, we recommend the above steps for a natural way to remove that sun tan! For more tips on natural skin care, check out our blog on natural remedies for sunburn with aloe vera gel. And don’t forget to explore our range of Āpna Ayurveda products to enhance your skincare regime. Stay radiant and enjoy the sun responsibly!