Getting exposed to the sun is inevitable, especially during the summer months in India. While a little sun is good as it helps the body produce vitamin D, excessive exposure can lead to sun tan, sun burns and even skin damage.
Sun tan typically appears as darkened patches on commonly exposed areas like the face, neck, arms and legs. It occurs when melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, goes into overdrive to protect the deeper layers of the skin from UV radiation damage.
While sun tan may fade over time, you can try using some simple home remedies to speed up the process. Read on to learn how to remove sun tan from hands and legs with ingredients readily available in your kitchen.
How to Remove Tan from Hands and Legs?
Here are some effective home remedies to remove tan from hands and legs:
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a popular home remedy to lighten sun tan thanks to its bleaching properties. The citric acid in lemons works as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. It also has vitamin C that boosts collagen production to reveal newer, lighter skin.
How to use:
Squeeze out fresh lemon juice and apply it directly onto sun tan affected areas like hands, legs, neck and face.
Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with water. For best results, do this daily.
You can also mix equal parts lemon juice and rose water and apply daily. The rose water hydrates while lemon juice lightens.
2. Potato
Potato is a versatile vegetable with skin lightening benefits. It contains catecholase, an enzyme that helps lighten skin over time with regular use. Plus, it has mild bleaching properties.
How to use:
Grate a potato and extract its juice. Apply this directly onto tan affected skin.
Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with cold water.
Do this once or twice daily. You can also rub slices of raw potato on tanned areas and wash off after 20 minutes.
Oatmeal works as a gentle natural scrub to exfoliate and remove tan without irritating sensitive skin. It also soothes inflammation and moisturizes.
How to use:
Make a coarse paste by grinding 2 tablespoons oatmeal with yogurt or milk.
Gently scrub on tanned areas like hands, legs, face and neck using circular motions.
Allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off with water.
Do this 2-3 times a week for smooth, glowing skin free of sun tan.
4. Aloe Vera Gel
The mucopolysaccharides in aloe vera make it an excellent natural remedy for tan removal. It also deeply hydrates and repairs skin damage due to sun exposure.
How to use:
Scoop out fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf.
Apply a thick layer onto sun tan affected areas like face, neck, hands and legs.
Allow it to absorb for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with water.
Apply daily for 2-3 weeks to see significant reduction in sun tan.
5. Yogurt
Lactic acid present in yogurt acts as a gentle chemical exfoliant to remove the darker, tanned top layer of skin. It also deeply moisturizes skin to reveal a brighter complexion.
How to use:
Apply a thick coat of plain yogurt onto sun tan affected skin.
Allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Do this daily, especially before stepping out in the sun to prevent further tanning.
6. Cucumber Juice
The soothing properties of cucumber makes it ideal for sensitive, sunburnt skin. It is also rich in vitamins C and E that lighten skin while boosting hydration.
How to use:
Blend 1 cucumber into a paste and strain to extract the juice.
Use a cotton ball to apply cucumber juice onto tanned areas of your skin.
Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with water.
Apply daily or whenever your skin feels irritated from sun exposure.
7. Papaya
Papaya contains the enzyme papain that acts as a natural skin exfoliator to gently slough off tanned, dead skin cells. It also deeply moisturizes.
How to use:
Mash some ripe papaya to form a smooth paste.
Apply onto sun tan affected areas and leave on for 20 minutes.
Rinse with water and pat dry. Use this papaya face mask daily.
8. Orange Peel Powder
Orange peel is rich in vitamin C that inhibits melanin production to gradually lighten sun tan. It also exfoliates and rejuvenates damaged skin.
How to use:
Dry some orange peels under the sun. Grind to form a powder.
Make a paste by mixing orange peel powder, rose water and milk or curd.
Apply onto sun tan affected areas and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off.
Use this 2-3 times a week for best results.
9. Sandalwood and Rose Water
Sandalwood powder soothes sun damaged skin while rose water provides a hydration boost. Together they can effectively reduce the appearance of sun tan.
How to use:
Make a paste using 2 tablespoons sandalwood powder, 3-4 tablespoons rose water and milk.
Apply onto sun exposed areas like face, neck, hands and legs.
Allow it to dry for 20 minutes before rinsing off with water.
Apply daily to protect skin and remove tan.
10. Mint Leaves
Mint leaves are packed with antioxidant and skin lightening properties that help reverse sun damage and tan. It also soothes sun burnt skin.
How to use:
Grind fresh mint leaves with little water to form a paste.
Apply onto tanned skin and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse with cool water. Use this soothing mint tan removal face mask daily.
11. Honey
Raw honey is a humectant that seals in moisture to hydrate sun exposed skin. It also accelerates the skin renewal process to fade sun tan faster.
How to use:
Apply some raw honey onto sun tan affected areas like face, neck, arms and legs.
Allow it to absorb for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with water.
Apply daily for 2-3 weeks to notice significant reduction in tan.
12. Tomato
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene that protects skin from sun damage while its mild bleaching properties help lighten sun tan over time.
How to use:
Mash 1-2 tomatoes and apply its pulp directly onto tanned skin.
Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse off with water.
Apply this tomato tan removal remedy 2-3 times a week for best results.
13. Buttermilk
The lactic acid in buttermilk exfoliates and removes the darker, tanned outer layer of skin to reveal brighter skin underneath. It also hydrates.
How to use:
Soak a cotton ball in chilled buttermilk and apply it all over sun tan affected areas.
Allow it to dry for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.
Apply daily as a soothing after-sun tan removal remedy.
14. Milk Cream
Milk cream is rich in skin lightening lactic acid. When applied topically, it exfoliates skin and evens out tan to reveal fairer skin over time.
How to use:
Apply a thick layer of milk cream onto sun exposed skin like face, arms and legs.
Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse off with water.
Do this daily before heading out to prevent further sun damage.
15. Multani Mitti
Also known as Fuller’s earth, multani mitti soaks up excess oil and impurities that can worsen sun tan. It also deeply cleanses skin.
How to use:
Make a paste using multani mitti and rose water/milk/yogurt.
Apply onto sun tan affected areas and leave it on for 20 minutes to dry.
Rinse off with water and pat skin dry. Use this face mask 2-3 times a week.
16. Rice Flour
The grainy texture of rice flour acts as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead, tanned skin cells. It also absorbs excess oil responsible for skin darkening.
How to use:
Mix rice flour with yogurt/milk/honey to form a scrubbing paste.
Gently massage onto tanned skin using circular motions for 2-3 minutes.
Allow it to dry for 15 minutes before washing off with water.
Use this 2-3 times a week for tan free skin.
17. Curd
Curd is rich in lactic acid that exfoliates the outermost layer of tanned skin to reveal brighter skin. Its cools and hydrates sunburnt skin too.
How to use:
Apply a thin coat of fresh curd onto sun tan affected areas like face, arms and legs.
Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with water.
Pat skin dry and follow up with a light moisturizer.
Use this soothing curd face mask daily.
18. Coconut Water
The vitamins, minerals and cytokines in coconut water help repair sun damage, moisturize skin and lighten sun tan over time.
How to use:
Soak a cotton ball in chilled coconut water and apply it onto sun exposed areas.
Allow it to air dry and rinse after 15 minutes with water.
Spray coconut water and pat onto skin throughout the day to heal sun tan.
19. Apple Cider Vinegar
The mild exfoliating effect of apple cider vinegar removes dead, tanned skin cells to gradually lighten sun tan. It balances skin pH too.
How to use:
Dilute apple cider vinegar with some water and soak a cotton ball in it.
Dab it onto sun tan affected areas and wash off after 10 minutes.
Repeat daily. Be sure to moisturize post-application as ACV can be drying.
20. Strawberries
Strawberries contain skin lightening ellagic acid along with antioxidant vitamin C for tan removal. Its mild astringent effect also refreshes skin.
How to use:
Mash a few strawberries and apply its pulp onto tanned skin.
Leave on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off with cool water.
Do this daily for soft, glowing skin free of sun tan.
Skin Tan Removal Products in India
Here are some over-the-counter skin whitening creams, lotions and soaps available in India to treat sun tan on the face and body:
While treating existing sun tan, it is equally important to take preventive measures to protect your skin from further damage. Here are some useful sun tan prevention tips:
Apply sunscreen daily before heading out, even when indoors. Opt for a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Reapply every 2-3 hours when outdoors.
Cover up exposed skin with lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and hats for added protection.
Seek shade whenever possible and avoid direct sun exposure between 10 AM – 3 PM when UV rays are strongest.
Eat a diet rich in antioxidant foods like fruits and vegetables that fight sun damage from within.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fresh juices to prevent sun-induced dehydration.
Avoid using chemical based skincare products that can increase sun sensitivity.
Exfoliate your skin regularly using natural scrubs to remove tanned, dead skin cells.
Apply a vitamin C serum daily to boost collagen, lighten tan and shield from UV damage.
Use tan removal home remedies at least 3-4 times a week for upkeep when tan begins to fade.
Get your vitamin D levels tested so you know how much sun exposure you need.
How to Remove Tan from Face Instantly?
If you need to get rid of facial tan instantly for an event, try these quick fixes:
Use a sun tan removal face mask made from ingredients like lemon juice, aloe vera gel, tomato pulp or cucumber juice 20-30 minutes before heading out. Rinse off just before leaving.
Mix organic powdered milk with lemon juice and apply it all over the face including neck and hands. Wash it off after it dries. This temporarily lightens tan.
Apply a compact powder, CC cream or tinted moisturizer that matches your skin tone to cover up facial tan instantly. Set it with translucent powder.
Dab some rose water onto cotton and gently wipe it all over the face to instantly brighten dull, tanned skin and get a glow.
Splash some ice cold water on the face or use floral water toner to soothe sunburnt skin and reduce redness.
How Long Does it Take to Remove Sun Tan from Face and Body?
With diligent use of tan removal remedies, you should see some difference in 3-4 weeks.
Removing tan completely from face can take 2-3 months based on your skin type, tan severity and remedies used.
Body tan, especially on hands and legs may take longer – from 4-6 months for significant lightening.
Tan acquired over years may be more stubborn requiring professional procedures for complete removal.
Always use a combination of home remedies, skin care products and sun protection for optimal results.
How to Remove Sun Tan Faster?
Follow these expert tips to accelerate the sun tan removal process:
Exfoliate with scrubs 2-3 times a week to slough off the darker tanned layer of skin faster.
Get chemical peels or laser toning done to boost skin cell renewal and lighten tan quicker.
Apply a vitamin C serum daily to inhibit melanin production and improve uneven tan.
Use collagen boosting ingredients like retinol and peptides to repair sun damage faster.
Drink plenty of water and freshly extracted juices to flush out toxins and tan faster.
Get enough sleep for 7-8 hours for enhanced skin regeneration at night.
Avoid sun exposure by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and hats.
Eat plenty of seasonal fruits rich in antioxidants and skin revitalizing vitamins.
Which Tan Removal Method is The Most Effective?
While natural remedies can effectively treat mild to moderate sun tan, they may not be enough for severe and stubborn tanning. Here are some professional treatments worth considering:
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels administered by a dermatologist work by stripping off the damaged, discolored outer layers of the skin using a chemical solution. This stimulates regeneration of new skin cells from underneath leading to lightening of sun tan and marks. Glycolic acid peels are excellent to reduce sun tan from face, neck and hands.
Microdermabrasion
This is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses an abrasive applicator to gently sand away the outermost layer of the skin. This removes dullness, dead cells, dirt, debris along with lightening sun tan and revealing glowing skin. It also boosts collagen levels.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing helps diminish sun tan and age spots by targeting the damaged outer layers of the skin. The laser light removes the tanned skin which then allows new smoother and even toned skin to surface.
IPL Photo facial
Intense pulsed light therapy heats up the skin to destroy pigmented sun tan areas with concentrated light beams. This breaks up melanin causing sun tan so it can be eliminated. It also stimulates collagen and elastin production for youthful skin.
Microdermabrasion
This cosmetic procedure uses an abrasive applicator to gently sand away the outer layer of skin. This removes dullness, dead cells, dirt and debris. It also lightens sun tan and reveals glowing skin underneath.
How to Remove Tan from One Body Part Quickly?
If you need to lighten tan from just your hands, feet or neck in time for an occasion, try these targeted remedies:
For Hands:
Make a scrub with oatmeal, yogurt, lemon juice and honey. Scrub hands for 2-3 minutes and wash off after 15 minutes.
Apply pure aloe gel and let it absorb for 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
Massage hands with a few drops of coconut oil mixed with 2-3 drops lemon essential oil to lighten tan.
For Feet:
Soak feet in a bath made with baking soda and lemon juice for 15 minutes. Gently scrub feet with a pumice stone after.
Apply a foot mask made with curd, tomato juice and rice powder. Rinse after it dries.
Massage feet with extra virgin olive oil mixed with papaya pulp at night and wash off in the morning.
For Neck:
Use a cotton pad soaked in cucumber juice or chilled rose water and wipe all over the neck.
Mash half a papaya and apply it on the neck for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
Mix rice powder with milk/yogurt and gently scrub on the neck using upward strokes. Wash off once dry.
Home Remedies for Skin Tanning During Pregnancy
Pregnant women need to be extra cautious about sun exposure to prevent pregnancy skin darkening and melasma. Here are some safe natural remedies:
Apply lemon juice mixed with aloe vera gel and rinse after 20 minutes. The vitamin C in lemons is safe to use for tan removal during pregnancy.
Make a scrub with chickpea flour, oats and curd. Gently rub in circular motions and wash off once dry.
Apply a paste of turmeric with yogurt or milk for 20 minutes. Turmeric is an Ayurvedic remedy to prevent skin darkening during pregnancy.
Use a blend of papaya pulp, lemon juice and cucumber juice as a natural glow boosting face mask.
Drink a glass of coconut water daily to hydrate skin and add glow.
Use mineral sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher for sun protection. Avoid chemical sunscreens.
How to Remove Sun Tan from Face and Neck for Men?
Men often struggle with neck tanning and pigmentation due to shaving and sun exposure during outdoor activities. Here are some effective remedies for men:
Make a scrub with walnut powder, yogurt and lemon juice. Gently scrub on the face, neck and back of hands before shower. Rinse off.
Apply freshly extracted aloe vera gel on face and neck after shaving to soothe and lighten tan.
Drink 2-3 glasses of tender coconut water daily to hydrate and nourish sun exposed skin.
Massage the face with 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil at night and wash off in the morning for moisturized, tanned-free skin.
Alternatively, use a men’s anti-tan cream containing ingredients like liquorice extract, SPF, kojic acid, etc.
Treating Sun Tan on Dark Skin
For those with darker skin tones like Fitzpatrick type 4-6, sun tan may appear as darker patches or areas. Here are some effective remedies:
Use vitamin C rich ingredients like lemon juice, orange juice and kiwi to lighten excess pigmentation.
Apply aloe vera gel mixed with a few drops of lemon essential oil daily.
Use lactic acid based skin lightening creams and serums to gently refine uneven tan.
Opt for products containing licorice extract like Glenmark’s Invite Cream.
Use papaya pulp as a natural gentle exfoliant 2-3 times a week.
Avoid tan removal products with hydroquinone which can potentially worsen pigmentation in dark skin.
After-Tan Skin Care Tips
Once your sun tan starts fading, follow these tips for after-tan skin care maintenance:
Exfoliate skin 2-3 times a week using a gentle scrub to prevent tan from returning.
Apply broad spectrum sunscreen daily even when indoors to protect skin from recurring tan and damage.
Continue using your fave homemade tan removal face mask 1-2 times a week.
Use a vitamin C serum every morning for added UV protection, skin lightening and collagen boost.
Eat sun-protective foods like tomatoes, berries, leafy greens, nuts, eggs, etc.
Stay hydrated and avoid sun exposure when UV index is very high.
Use a tan-proof foundation or CC cream with SPF when heading out during the day.
Do monthly fruit facial at home to maintain skin lightening results.
Avoid picking at peeling skin post tan removal and use a gentle moisturizer instead.
How to Prevent Skin from Tanning Daily?
Make these easy lifestyle changes to keep your skin tan-free every day:
Apply sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher to all exposed areas like face, neck and arms before stepping out. Reapply every 2-3 hours.
Wear full sleeved clothing, sunglasses, hat and scarf when going out during peak sun hours.
Seek shade under trees or umbrella when possible and avoid sitting directly under sunlight.
Install car window shades and apply sunscreen on hands when driving.
Drink 2-3 litres of water and antioxidant rich fluids like green tea, fruit juices, etc.
Take vitamin C and E supplements to boost UV protection from within or eat vitamin C rich fruits.
Avoid deliberate tanning like sunbathing which causes long term skin damage and aging.
Use self tanning mousses or sprays formulated with DHA instead of sunbathing for a temporary glow.
Examine skin every month for signs of sun damage and tan. See a dermatologist if required.
Get annual skin cancer screening done, especially if at high risk due to outdoor lifestyle.
Conclusion
Sun tanning is a common cosmetic concern during the hot Indian summers. While commercial creams and treatments can help, homemade remedies are often just as effective for natural tan removal from face, hands and body. They even tackle the root causes like sun damage, pigmentation and dullness for glowing skin. With committed use of these kitchen ingredients along with sun protection and a healthy lifestyle, you can achieve smooth, flawless and tan-free skin naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions on Sun Tan Removal
1. Does lemon juice remove tan?
Yes, lemon is rich in vitamin C and citric acid that helps bleach and exfoliate tan when applied topically. It also contains antioxidants to protect from sun damage. Use diluted lemon juice and rinse after 15-20 minutes to avoid irritation.
2. How can I permanently remove tan from my face?
There is no permanent solution for tan removal. However, using sun protection along with skin lightening remedies can help keep tan away for long periods. Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser toning may offer relatively long term tan lightening on the face.
3. Does curd remove tan?
Yes, applying curd on the face and body helps fade tan over time. Lactic acid present in curd acts as a gentle chemical exfoliant by dissolving the dead, tanned surface layer of skin to reveal glowing skin.
4. How can I tan my face naturally at home?
While tanning face naturally is not recommended, you can use self-tanners containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA) derived from beets and cane sugar to temporarily darker the skin. Apply it evenly before going to bed and wash off in the morning after developing colour. Exfoliate before use.
5. Does coconut oil remove tan?
Coconut oil is not a tan remover by itself. But when used along with lemon juice, it can help increase penetration of vitamin C into the skin for added tan removal benefits. Massage skin with coconut oil mixed with a few drops of lemon essential oil.
6. Can we apply lemon on face daily?
Direct application of lemon juice on the face daily is not advisable as it can cause dryness, irritation, redness and photosensitivity. Dilute it with water or rose water and do not exceed more than 3 times a week. Moisturize adequately after use.
7. Does aloe vera remove tan?
Yes, aloe vera gel when applied regularly helps lighten sun tan thanks to its skin healing properties. It penetrates deep into skin to repair sun damage while also removing tan, reducing blemishes and improving overall complexion.
8. How do you treat sunburn and peeling?
To treat sunburnt, peeling skin, apply soothing natural ingredients like aloe vera gel, cucumber juice, curd, coconut water, etc. Hydrate the skin well and avoid exfoliating. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent peeling. Avoid hot showers.
9. Why does my face tan faster than body?
The facial skin is thinner and more sensitive compared to the body. It has less amount of melanin-producing cells. Moreover, the face is always exposed to environmental pollutants and sun compared to body, hence tanning faster.
10. How can I tan faster naturally?
There are no healthy ways to speed up tanning process. While sunlight triggers increased melanin production, excessive exposure is harmful. Use sunless tanning lotions like Jergens, Tan Luxe containing DHA instead for a safe, temporary bronze glow minus sun damage.
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