How to Remove Tan from Face: A Comprehensive Guide [August, 2024]

Getting a tan on your face from sun exposure is common, especially during the summer months. Although some color on your skin can look nice, excessive tanning can lead to skin damage, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation over time. Thankfully, there are many effective remedies to remove facial tan and restore your skin’s natural radiance.

Summary Overview – How to Remove Tan from Face

What Causes Facial Tanning?

When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, the cells produce more melanin as a protective response. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin and hair their color. An increase in melanin production leads to skin darkening and tanning.

The two types of UV rays that impact skin are:

• UVA rays – These penetrate deep into the skin and cause aging and long-term damage.
• UVB rays – These affect the outer layer of skin and are the primary cause of sunburns and tanning.

Factors that can increase your risk of getting a tan on the face include:

• Spending time outdoors without sun protection
• Having lighter or more sensitive skin type
• Using photosensitizing medications like birth control pills
• Living closer to the equator where UV exposure is higher

Excess facial tanning can lead to issues like dark spots, fine lines, roughness, and skin cancer over time. So it’s best to remedy it right away.

Home Remedies to Remove Sun Tan from Face

Many natural ingredients work effectively to remove suntan from face by acting as skin lighteners, mild exfoliants, antioxidants, or skin soothers.

Some popular home remedies for facial tan removal include:

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent due to its high vitamin C content. When applied topically, it helps brighten skin and fade away tan and pigmentation.

How to use:

• Mix equal parts lemon juice and water
• Apply on face with a cotton ball and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing
• Use daily for best results

2. Cucumber Juice

The cooling and soothing properties of cucumber can provide relief from sunburnt skin. It also has mild bleaching properties that may help lighten tanned skin over time.

How to use:

• Grate one cucumber and strain juice
• Apply juice on face and neck with cotton ball
• Leave for 20 minutes and then rinse with cool water
• Repeat daily or every alternate day

3. Aloe Vera Gel

The mucilaginous gel from aloe vera plants is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing abilities. It can hydrate sunburnt skin while also reducing redness and irritation.

How to use:

• Scoop fresh gel from an aloe leaf
• Gently dab it all over your face
• Allow it to dry for 20 minutes before rinsing with water
• Use daily

4. Yogurt

Lactic acid present in yogurt helps exfoliate the uppermost tan layer of facial skin. It also cleanses, moisturizes, and evens out skin tone with regular use.

How to use:

• Take 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
• Apply on face for 20 minutes
• Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry
• Use this mask 2-3 times a week

5. Orange Lentil (Masoor Dal)

The exfoliating nature of orange lentils combined with skin-brightening lemon makes for an effective facial tan removal remedy.

How to use:

• Soak 2 tablespoons of masoor dal until soft
• Add some lemon juice and honey to make a paste
• Apply on face and leave for 20 minutes before washing it off
• Use 2-3 times a week

6. Oatmeal

Oatmeal gently exfoliates the skin to reveal fresh new cells underneath. It also cleanses skin pores thoroughly.

How to use:

• Make a paste using 1⁄4 cup oatmeal with tomato juice or milk
• Apply on face for 15-20 minutes and rinse
• Repeat 2-3 times a week for tan removal

7. Potato Juice

Potatoes have mild skin bleaching abilities thanks to the catecholase enzyme they contain. Potato juice can hence help lighten tanned facial skin over time.

How to use:

• Grate a raw potato and extract juice
• Apply juice on face and neck
• Allow it to dry for 30 minutes before rinsing off with water
• Use every day

8. Papaya

Papaya peel contains the enzyme papain which gently exfoliates skin by dissolving dead cells. This, along with papaya’s skin renewal benefits, makes it great for dealing with facial tan.

How to use:

• Mash some papaya pulp until smooth
• Apply on face for 20 minutes
• Wash with cool water and repeat daily or every alternate day

How to Remove Suntan from Face Using Products

In addition to home remedies, you can also use specialized skin care products to remove facial tan and prevent its recurrence:

1. Skin Lightening Creams

Look for creams containing ingredients like kojic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, arbutin, licorice extract or mulberry extract. These help inhibit melanin production to gradually lighten tanned facial skin.

How to use:

• Choose a cream suitable for your skin type
• Apply evenly on clean face twice daily
• Use sun protection when outside

2. Exfoliating Scrubs

Gentle facial scrubs with exfoliating ingredients like oatmeal powder, fruit acids or microbeads can help wash away tanned and damaged skin cells.

How to use:

• Dampen face and use scrub 2-3 times a week
• Gently massage for a minute before washing off
• Moisturize skin afterwards
• Avoid scrubs with harsh particles if skin is sensitive

3. Chemical Peels

Facial peels with glycolic acid or fruit acids work by dissolving the darker pigmented layer to reveal fresh skin underneath. This helps erase sun tan and marks.

How to use

• Use a mild peel 1-2 times a week at home after cleansing face
• Rinse off after 5-10 minutes and moisturize well
• Always do a patch test before first use

4. Compresses

Applying cold milk, rose water or cucumber juice compresses on the face can help soothe sunburnt or tanned facial skin.

How to use:

• Soak a washcloth in chilled cucumber juice/milk/rose water
• Place washcloth on face for 15-20 minutes
• Use daily until sunburn and tan resolve

5. Sun Protection

Lastly, prevent future sun damage to your skin by wearing sunscreen daily before sun exposure. Choose a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors. Wear protective clothing and hats if possible. Seek shade between 10 am – 4 pm when UV light is strongest.

How Long Does it Take to Remove Suntan from Face?

With diligent topical treatment, facial tan tends to fade within 2-4 weeks in most cases.

However, time taken for complete removal depends on:

• Depth of tan
• Type of remedies used
• Consistency of application
• Skin type

Deep set and long term tanning is harder to treat. In such cases, visiting a dermatologist for specialized procedures may be more effective.

With religious usage of natural home remedies as well as over the counter creams/peels, facial tan can be cleared fairly quickly.

Professional Facial Tan Removal Treatments

For stubborn facial tanning, cosmetic procedures like laser toning, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and intense pulsed light therapy can help. These are administered by dermatologists and effectively remove deep set tan and pigmentation.

Some popular professional facial tan removal treatments include:

1. Laser Skin Resurfacing

• Lasers remove tan by exfoliating the upper skin layers where melanin pigment resides
• The controlled laser light beam stimulates new collagen too
• Helps erase signs of facial skin aging like wrinkles and spots
• Requires multiple sessions spaced weeks apart for complete tan removal

2. Chemical Peels

• Involves controlled application of a chemical solution to peel off tan by exfoliating skin’s outer layers
• Commonly used acids include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, TCA and phenol
• The right peel depth and acid is chosen based on tan severity
• Requires several sessions for full results

3. Microdermabrasion

• Uses a specialized wand that sprays microcrystals to abrade superficial tan layers
• The gentle abrasion reveals new skin which is tan-free and younger looking
• Multiple sessions every 2-4 weeks are needed to remove tan completely

4. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

• Uses high intensity broadband light to eliminate tan and pigment
• Works by targeting melanin with selective photothermolysis technique
• Usually requires 4-6 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart
• Minimal side effects and downtime

How to Prevent Facial Tanning from Recurring

While removing existing tan from the face is important, prevention of repeat tanning is equally vital for skin health.

Here are some key tips to avoid recurrent facial tanning:

• Generous sunscreen use – Apply broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to face 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours if outdoors.
• Sun protective clothing & hats – Wear tightly woven, UV protective clothes, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses when outside.
• Limit sun exposure – Avoid going out during peak sunlight hours (10 am – 4 pm). Seek shade whenever possible. Don’t tan intentionally.
• Eat antioxidant foods – Load up on colorful fruits, greens, nuts and omega-3s to combat skin damage from sun exposure and environmental aggressors.
• Know your meds – Certain medications like birth control pills, tetracycline etc can increase skin’s photosensitivity. Talk to your doctor about alternative options if relevant.
• Use tan removal remedies – In case you do get a tan despite precautions, using natural home remedies diligently can help restore your skin’s original tone.

Alternative Remedies to Remove Facial Tan

While the remedies mentioned earlier are quite popular, there are also some lesser-known but effective alternatives worth trying:

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which helps gently peel the tan layers on skin’s surface.

How to use:

• Mix 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar into 1 cup water
• Dip a cotton ball and apply on face
• Rinse after 15 minutes with cool water
• Repeat daily

Sandalwood Powder

Sandalwood has natural skin lightening ability. It soothes inflamed skin while clearing away tan due to its cooling effect.

How to use:

• Make a paste using 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder + rose water/milk
• Apply paste on face and wash off when semi-dry
• Use daily or every alternate day

Green Tea

The antioxidants present in green tea protect skin cells from further UV damage. This speeds up cell turnover to remove tan faster.

How to use:

• Brew strong green tea and let it cool
• Use as a splash mask or apply with cotton balls
• Wash off after 20 minutes
• Use 3 times a week

Coconut Water

Coconut water has tissue regenerating properties that help repair UV damaged skin cells responsible for tan pigmentation.

How to use:

• Soak cotton balls in coconut water
• Dab them all over face and neck
• Allow it to dry then rinse face with cool water
• Repeat 2-3 times daily

Buttermilk

Lactic acid in buttermilk exfoliates off dead tan skin cells while keeping face moisturized. Its vitamins rejuvenate dull skin.

How to use:

• Whisk plain buttermilk
• Apply on face with fingers, leave for 15 minutes
• Wash off and pat dry
• Use 3 times weekly

Things to Avoid During Facial Tan Removal

When using natural remedies or OTC creams to remove tan from face, you also need to modify other aspects of skin care to speed up the process and prevent further damage.

Key things to avoid include:

Hot Showers

Hot water dries out skin which slows down cell turnover. This can hinder tan removal since dead, tan layers remain on skin longer. Stick to lukewarm water instead.

Alcohol-Based Toners

Alcohol strips skin of moisture, causing dryness and irritation which worsens skin damage. Avoid its use while treating tanned facial skin.

Excess Exfoliation

While mild exfoliation helps clear tan, overdoing it aggravates inflammation and skin erosion. Use home remedies that gently lift tan by enzymatic breakdown instead of harsh scrubs.

New Cosmetics

When skin is tan-damaged, it is vulnerable to irritation. Avoid trying new cosmetic products during this time as it can cause rashes and discomfort. Stick to gentle cleansers and natural remedies instead.

Sun Exposure

Tanning treatment and UV exposure don’t go hand in hand, as it defeats the purpose. Cover up with hats, clothes and sunscreen when going out until tan is cleared. Low vitamin D intake can be corrected through diet or supplements.

Maintaining Results After Facial Tan Removal

Once your tan removal remedies have done their job, maintaining the clean and flawless facial skin is important.

Here are key aspects for keeping your facial skin radiance intact:

• Use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on face daily before sun exposure
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if outdoors
• Limit direct sun exposure by wearing hats and seeking shade
• Eat antioxidant-rich diet with fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and proteins
• Drink 2-3 liters of water daily to keep skin hydrated
• Use gentle cleansers and natural moisturizers suitable for your skin type
• Get adequate sleep daily
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake
• See dermatologist yearly or if any abnormal skin changes occur

Following these measures will ensure your facial skin remains free of sun damage, tan, fine lines and wrinkles long term. Don’t wait until the next beach vacation to start pampering your skin!

Products to Remove Suntan from Face Fast

Here are some effective face creams, scrubs and other products that can help with how to remove tan from face quickly:

1. Himalaya Herbals Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream

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• Contains licorice, saxifrage extracts
• Whitens, brightens and smoothens skin
• Lightweight, non-greasy formula
• Dermatologically tested

Pros: Lightens pigmentation, evens skin tone, hydrating

Cons: Can cause breakouts in some people

2. VLCC De Tan Brightening Face Scrub

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• Removes dead skin cells
• Exfoliates and cleanses deeply
• Has strawberry and apricot extracts
• Brightens and lightens skin tone

Pros: Detoxifies skin, unclogs pores, affordable

Cons: Harsh, not for dry skin types

3. Kaya Clinic Skin Pigmentation Reducing Complex

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• Clinically proven treatment
• Has glycolic acid, arbutin, ascorbic acid
• Reduces pigmentation and lightens skin
• Evens out skin tone

Pros: Works on stubborn tan, gives long lasting fairness

Cons: Expensive, takes time to see results

4. Lotus Herbals Phyto-Rx Whitening & Brightening Gel Creme

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• Gel based, non-greasy formula
• Has Tri-White complex to inhibit melanin
• Improves skin texture and complexion
• Minimalist ingredient list

Pros: Lightweight, suitable for oily skin, no side effects

Cons: May not work well for severe tan

5. Kama Ayurveda Bringadi Intensive Hair Treatment

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• Natural ayurvedic formula
• No parabens, sulfates, silicones, mineral oils
• Reduces pigmentation and lightens skin
• Contains coconut milk, aloe vera, herbs

Pros: Hydrating, repairs skin damage, suits sensitive skin

Cons: Expensive, takes time to show results

Comparison of Top Products to Remove Face Tan

Conclusion

Getting tanned facial skin from UV exposure is very common but letting it remain untreated can lead to permanent skin damage and hyperpigmentation. Thankfully there are many ways to remove suntan from face at home using natural ingredients. With consistent use of homemade remedies as well as over the counter creams and peels, facial tan can be cleared within 2-4 weeks usually. For stubborn cases, professional treatments like laser toning, chemical peels and microdermabrasion can help erase a tan. Alongside treating existing tan, preventing repeat occurrence by diligent sun protection and lifestyle tweaks is equally important.

FAQs about How to Remove Tan from Face

Q. Which fruit is best for removing suntan from face?

Lemon is considered the best fruit for removing facial suntan. Being rich in vitamin C and citric acid, applying fresh lemon juice on the skin inhibits melanin production and lightens tan with regular use. Other fruits like papaya, tomato and cucumber also provide mild tan removal benefits.

Q. Can tan be removed overnight from face?

Unfortunately it’s not possible to completely remove facial tan overnight with any single remedy. However using raw potato juice or a papaya lemon honey face mask before bed can help lighten tan considerably after just one use. With consistent overnight use for 2-4 weeks along with daytime remedies, facial tan can fade away more quickly.

Q. How can I permanently remove sun tan from my face?

There is no permanent one-step solution for facial tan removal. However you can minimize recurrence by being diligent with sun protection like wearing sunscreen daily, hats/sunglasses when outside, avoiding peak sun hours and reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours if outdoors. Eating a diet rich in colorful fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and antioxidants also boosts skin resilience against UV damage.

Q. Is turmeric good for removing tan from the face?

Yes, turmeric is fantastic for removing suntan from the face. It contains the compound curcumin which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities. This enables turmeric to soothe sunburnt skin while simultaneously hastening recovery. Turmeric also inhibits production of excess melanin which causes tanning. Mix with some besan or yogurt and apply on face for removing tan.

Q. Can honey remove tan from face?

When used alone, honey may not have significant facial tan removal abilities. However, when combined with ingredients like lemon juice or papaya pulp, it makes an excellent face mask to fade tan. This is because honey is a natural humectant – meaning it attracts and seals moisture into skin. This hydrating effect enables other tan removal ingredients to work more efficiently.