How to remove tan: Quick & Easy Ways

Sun tanning or simply tanning is the process whereby skin color is darkened or tanned. It is most often a result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or from artificial sources, such as a tanning lamp found in indoor tanning beds. Removing tan is a strenuous process. It definitely doesn’t happen overnight. However some methods can help fasten the process of tan removal. Here are some ways on how to remove tan.

Home remedies are usually safe to try. As long as you don’t have any specific allergies you can try out these methods for quick results.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin’s outermost surface. It is involved in all facials, during microdermabrasion or chemical peels. Exfoliation can be achieved by mechanical or chemical means. It is one of the simplest ways to remove tan quickly.

Gently exfoliating the skin will help remove pigmented dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin. This can reduce the appearance of the tan.

The two main types of exfoliation are chemical and mechanical techniques:

• Chemical techniques involve chemicals that dissolve dead skin cells, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids.
• Mechanical techniques use brushes or sponges to remove dead skin cells.

Make sure to exfoliate gently and not be too harsh on your skin. This is to avoid redness or acne breakouts.

Moisturizing after exfoliation is a good way to relax the skin as well. It also prevents over-drying of skin and also softens it.

Oatmeal & Buttermilk

Soak 2 teaspoons of oats or oatmeal in half a cup of water for five minutes. Add 2-3 teaspoon of fresh, plain buttermilk to it and mix well. You can add honey as well to make the pack more moisturizing. Mix these ingredients well to form a paste and then apply it to your face, neck, arms and other areas affected by tanning. Rub in a circular motion and let it stay for about 20 minutes. Wash off with water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

Oatmeal has excellent exfoliating and skin cleansing properties. Buttermilk is rich in lactic acid which removes tan, softens the skin and improves skin tone.

Saffron & Milk / Cream

Soak a few strands of saffron in milk for some time. Apply the milk on affected areas. To provide more moisture to the skin, saffron can be soaked in cream instead of milk. Saffron (Kesar) is a traditional beauty ingredient found in Indian households. Using saffron is a natural way to get a glowing skin. It is also known to improve skin texture, treats ailments like pigmentation, dark circles, pimples, and acne, and lighten darkened skin.

Sandalwood & Turmeric

Sandalwood powder can be mixed in milk or coconut water to apply on the skin as a pack. Turmeric can also be added to the pack to make it more effective for removing tan. Sandalwood has soothing and cooling properties that provide relief to the skin damaged by the sun. Turmeric’s healing properties and milk’s exfoliating properties work well together to remove tan.

Multani Mitti & Rose Water

Add rose water to Multani Mitti and make a smooth paste. You can use chilled rose water for a more soothing effect. Apply a layer of the paste on the affected areas and let it dry. Wash off with water or a mild cleanser. Multani Mitti (also known as Fuller’s Earth) cools and soothes sunburns. It also removes tan and makes your skin radiant. In addition to Rose Water, you can also add sandalwood, turmeric, tomato juice, lime juice, milk, and honey to Multani Mitti for removing tan more effectively.

Aloevera

Slit the leaf of aloe vera plant and scoop out aloe vera gel with a spoon or a knife. Apply the aloe vera gel generously on areas affected by tan. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before washing off. Aloe Vera leaf juice heals and soothes skin. It also has a soothing effect and provides relief from sun tan and sunburns.

Yogurt & Tomato

Tomato is rich in antioxidants that helps in brightening skin. Yogurt on the other hand contains lactic acid which softens the skin. Take raw tomato and remove the skin. Blend it with 1-2 tsp of fresh yogurt. Use this paste on your tan, and wash off after 20 minutes. Moisturize if your skin feels dry.

Cucumber

Cucumber is highly beneficial for tanned and sunburnt skin. It has a cooling effect and helps remove tan. Shred a cucumber, and squeeze to get the juice out. Using a cotton ball, apply the juice all over your skin. Let it dry and wash. You may also add a little lemon juice for added benefits.

Potato Juice

Potato juice is often used to lighten dark circles around the eyes. Apart from being naturally soothing, the juice of potato is also known for being a potent bleaching agent. Juice a raw potato and apply it directly onto your skin to get rid of the tan. Alternatively, you can also use thin potato slices on your eyes and face. Keep them on for 10-12 minutes and wash off once it dries.

Honey & Papaya

Papaya is rich in natural enzymes that have skin bleaching and exfoliating properties. Honey on the other hand is a natural moisturizer and a skin soothing agent. It is also rich in antioxidants that remove free radicals from the skin which cause ageing. Take 4-5 cubes of ripe papaya; the riper the better. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to it and mash it up using the back of a spoon or a fork. Mix well until a smooth paste is formed. Apply this paste all over the tanned skin and let dry. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with water.

Red Lentils, Tomato & Aloe Vera

Red Lentils are an effective remedy in treating sun tan. Tomato juice brightens up the skin while aloe vera soothes and moisturizes it. Soak 2 tbsp of red lentils in water for a few hours until the dal gets soft. Drain the water and put in a blender. To the lentils, add 1 teaspoon of aloe vera and gel and 2 teaspoon of fresh tomato juice. Blend into a paste. Apply on suntanned skin and let it stay for 20 minutes. Rinse it out with water using a massage action.