Soothe Your Tanned Skin With These Natural Ingredients

What is tan?

Due to our scorching hot Indian summer sun, we’ve all unfortunately been exposed to tanning. Having skin at two body parts differ in shade from each other is nothing but tanning. It is mostly because of exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or artificial sources, such as fake tanning beds or lamps. The harsh sun rays act in many ways to harm our skin, from a simple sunburn, faster ageing of the skin to the most extreme kind of damage, being skin cancer.

Well, how much sun exposure does one need, might be a little difficult to understand at first. More because at one end we talk of the importance of sun-basking for the conversion of more vitamin D. Whereas, on the other hand, we hear about excessive sun tanning causing extreme damage to the skin and even cause skin cancer. 

Let’s clear out this confusion!

 Moderate exposure to the sun leads to the production of melanin and vitamin D by the body, rendering your bones to be healthy and enriched densely in calcium. 

But excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays has many negative health effects, like sunburn, ageing of the skin, depressed immune system function and even an increased risk of skin cancer. 

How does tanning work? 

Some people tan or sunburn more easily than others. This may be due to different skin types, genetics and natural skin colour. 

Melanin is a natural pigment produced by cells called melanocytes in our body. What they do is, act like a shield to protect the body by absorbing ultraviolet radiation. On excessive exposure, sunburn and other harmful effects of the UV radiation start to take place. 

To combat these damages and for further repair and protection of the skin, more melanin is formed. More melanin, the darker the colour. Tanning can be triggered by natural sunlight or by artificial UV radiation, which can be delivered in frequencies of UVA, UVB, or a combination of both. 

These harmful effects of UV can be reduced by virtually by all sunscreens, depending on their SPF. More, the better. 

How and why to remove tan?

There’s more than one reason as to why one should get rid of tan. Very grave reasons too. To some people, tanning is not as desirable as it brings a change to the complexion. That in no way is a reason to remove tan. 

Reasons to protect yourself from the sun are sunburns, premature ageing/photoaging, skin cancer, actinic or Solar Keratoses, Eye Damage, Photokeratitis. Cataracts and Immune System Suppression.

Can a suntan be permanent? How long does it take for a tan to go?

There is no predefined duration that tan adheres by. Some people may even feel that their tan is permanent, which is definitely not true. Most people may lose their tan in a week, some lose in two weeks while others yet will feel it takes long to get rid of it. Tan is lost as the uppermost of your skin cells are shed through the natural skin renewal process. Which is roughly repeated after about 28 days. Nearly everyone, however, will lose their tans within four weeks of tanning. So no! Tan is not permanent. 

We listed some of the natural ingredients that will help you get rid of the infamous tan, but it is also important to know that tan is not a reason for you to retort to extreme measures like chemical peeling or laser procedures, as there are studies that suggest its long term side effects on our health. In the end, we have to make peace with ourselves and learn to be comfortable in our skin and respect our bodies. But we can always take care of ourselves and there is no harm in it.  

11 Effective Tan Removal Home Remedies

#1. Tomato

Tomato is a magic fruit which works extremely well when it comes to tan removal. 

Along with removing tan it also removes dead cells from your skin, leading it to become soft and glowing. Both applying and eating tomato can do so much good to your skin. 

Making tomato an important part of your everyday diet and your weekly beauty regime can make your shin shine to its fullest potential. Tomato also acts as a natural sunscreen, prevents sunburn, repairs skin damage and helps in reducing the ageing process. 

• Applying tomato juice over the tanned areas or whole of the area until it dries is all you need to do. 
• Yoghurt and Tomato Extract

One tablespoon of each mixed thoroughly and gently rubbed on the tanned areas. Apply and let it dry for half an hour. Wash off with cold water.

#2. Yoghurt/curd 

We all know about the dietary benefits of yoghurt. But are you aware of what all curd is capable of when applied on the skin? Yoghurt acts as a tan removal ingredient which is very effective and also removes dead skin cells. 

a) Curd and flour -

Curd mixed with wheat flour makes super mild tan removal scrub, which can be applied on the face, hands and feet. Regular use of this mixture will ensure soft and moisturised skin.

b) Orange Juice and Yogurt -

Mix one tablespoon of orange juice in yoghurt and apply to tanned areas. Leave it on for half an hour. Rinse with cold water. 

#3. Lemon

If you think tomato works the best, you haven’t tried lemon. Lemon contains Vitamin C in abundance, which is a great tan removal agent. Lemon lightens the skin. The citric acid present in lemon helps not only in the removal of tan but also helps in the removal of acne and lightening of the marks. Even though lemon does wonders, it can dry your skin. Ensure to moisture well after you use one of these very effective ways to use lemon to remove tan. 

a) Lemon and water -

Mix the juice from 3-4 lemons in a large bowl of warm water. Soak your hands in this solution for 20-25 minutes and wash off with cold water. In cases of severe tan, direct undiluted lemon juice can also be used to on the tanned skin. Repeat this grooming cycle 2-3 times a week after your bath for the best results. 

b) Lemon and curd -

One can also apply a mixture of lemon and curd for severe tan.

c) Potato Juice and Lemon Juice -

1 Medium potato and one lemon juice are mixed well. Apply, leave on for 30 minutes and rinse.

#4. Turmeric

Turmeric. An essential part of our everyday food, also one of the most useful spices so readily available to us. 

Turmeric has a plethora of benefits including a reduction in inflammation, healing wounds, improving skin, and even ease menstrual difficulties. Turmeric also helps reduce pain and slow down ageing. 

It contains more than 300 antioxidants that are beneficial for the body. Along with keeping you healthy, turmeric also helps fight acne, skin tanning, pigmentation. Do we need any more reasons to use turmeric? 

One could simply use turmeric powder and dissolve it in water. Applying it gently on the skin and then rinsing will make the skin healthier and bring back the glow.

a) Yoghurt and Turmeric -

Curd and turmeric make a fabulous combination when it comes to skincare. Mix a little turmeric with yoghurt (preferably cold) and mix it until it’s thick in consistency.

Apply all over the tanned parts of your face and hands and wash off thoroughly with cold water after half an hour. The results may take about 2 weeks to show up but be patient there!

b) Turmeric and Milk -

As delicious as it tastes, this mixture is equally great on the skin. Mix a small amount of turmeric powder in milk. A good application of it on your face helps lighten your tan. Let it dry and rinse with cold water.

#5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera, another natural ingredient easily available to us has emerged as an answer for many skin related ailments. It contains antioxidants, enzymes, Vitamins A and C, and it is highly anti-inflammatory. It can help treat burns, acne and dry skin. With great cooling properties, aloe vera serves to be very helpful in soothing sunburnt skin.

Applying raw aloe vera pulp on sunburnt and tanned skin helps in not only reducing the effect of tan but also ease irritable skin.

a) Honey and aloe vera -

Honey and aloe vera individually have great de-tanning properties. Together the combination is a powerful yet subtle nourishing detanning concoction. Mix equal quantities of both to make a paste. Apply it all over face and other tanned areas, two times a day if possible, for the best results.

#6. Gram Flour/Besan

Gram flour or Besan is an age-old ingredient used by our great grandmothers and the generations before as well. It's very useful in removing tan by stripping off dead cells from the skin, leaving behind a healthy and glowing skin.

A paste should be made of gram flour with water, apply on affected areas and wait for it to dry. Rinse with cold water for best results.

a) Gram flour and turmeric

Add 2 tablespoons gram flour to two teaspoons of cold rose water. Also, add a pinch of both turmeric and a teaspoon of milk.apply the paste thoroughly on face and hands. Remove with rinsing with cold water. When reapplied every alternate night will do wonders to your skin.

#7. Cucumber

Cucumber revitalizes skin, reverses skin tanning. For which its a very cheap and easy material to use, to take care of your skin.

Fresh cucumber juice with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of turmeric to form a paste. Apply the paste all over and let it dry for 30 mins. Wash it off with cold water. Repeating it every night for 2 weeks can yield the best results.

#8. Petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly or vaseline due to its moisture locking property is widely used in skincare.

Before going to bed, religiously apply petroleum jelly all over your hands and leave it overnight. Waking up with soft supple hands is a wonderful feeling. Not only does it prevent further damage, but it’s also one of the effective home remedies to remove tan from hands. 

#9. Multani Mitti

Multani mitti is this age-old traditional skin care ingredient which is rich in minerals that offer beneficial properties that leave the skin fresh and radiant. Multani mitti is highly useful for oily and acne-prone skin. Make the paste of sliced white gourd and 2 tablespoons of Multani mitti for calm and glowing skin. Apply it on your hands and face. Wash it off after 30 minutes with cold water.

.a) Multani mitti and tomato juice -

Mix two spoons of Multani mitti, a spoon of tomato juice and a pinch of sandalwood powder.

Once mixed well, add a pinch of turmeric powder to this mixture. Apply on your face and hands and leave it on for 10 - 15 minutes. Wash it off with cold water.

b) Multani mitti and lime juice -

Make a paste of one tablespoon Multani mitti with a teaspoon each of tomato juice, lime juice, milk and honey. Apply for 15 minutes before washing it off with cold water. This reduces the appearance of dark spots and helps de-tan your skin.

#10. Honey 

Honey is naturally antibacterial, so it’s great for managing acne.

It’s loaded with antioxidants hence is great for slowing down the ageing of the skin. 

Apart from that, honey is extremely moisturizing giving the skin a glow. It can be used alone or in combination with other ingredients to provide with the best results.

a) Honey and Ripe Papaya -

Mix one tablespoon honey with half a cup of mashed papaya. Apply all over on tanned areas and let it dry for 30 minutes. Use cold water to wash it off.

b) Pineapple Pulp and Honey -

Mix the pulp of a pineapple with about one tablespoon honey.

Apply it on tanned areas generously.

#11. Sandalwood

This ayurvedic miracle is an excellent beauty care ingredient that is natural, effective and great smelling too. Chandan has not only many medicinal properties, but it also has tons of beauty benefits that one can exploit. Along with taking care of acne with its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, sandalwood helps remove tan as well. The natural oils present in sandalwood help to get rid of tanning. It helps to soothe sunburns and has a cooling effect, 

a) Sandalwood Paste

A simple mix of sandalwood and water can be used. Apply the paste every night before sleeping. Wash off with cold water in the morning.

b) Sandalwood Powder and Coconut Water

Mix one tablespoon sandalwood powder with coconut water thoroughly and apply on tanned areas. Leave on for a few minutes then wash off.

You also might want to check these 15 Powerful Asanas Yoga For Glowing Skin

For more tips on skincare, look no further. Find all your skincare tips on our Beauty & Makeup Community at SHEROES.