Say A Big No To Summer Tan!

Tanning is one of the major problems during summer, and most people try to find a quick solution to it by using chemically laden bleach or opting for cosmetic peeling procedures. But, all these immediate solutions have various side effects and causes damage to the skin.

Tanning of skin is due to the presence of a compound called melanin in our skin. Our skin gets its color from melanin present in our body and people with darker skin have more melanin compares to people with lighter skin tone. The body normally creates melanin as a response to sun exposure in order to protect the inner layers of the skin from damage.

This is the reason why skin changes color after prolonged exposure to sunlight. Most of us live in an illusion that we need to burn the pockets to buy such expensive spa products that help you lighten the tan. Not necessary, here we present a few homemade remedies that can be very easily made but with slight patience.

Summer Care: Preventing A Heat Stroke

Home Remedies to Remove Tan

1. Lemon Juice and Honey

Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and citric acid, which act as natural bleaching agents, lightening tan and dark spots. Honey is a natural moisturizer that helps soften and hydrate the skin.

Preparation and Application

1. Combine equal parts lemon juice and honey in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to affected areas with a cotton ball.
3. Leave on for 20 minutes to let the ingredients work.
4. Rinse with cold water, then pat dry.

2. Cucumber Extract

Cucumber has cooling and hydrating properties that soothe sunburned skin and help remove tan. It also includes antioxidants, which rejuvenate the skin.

Preparation and Application

1. Blend a cucumber into a paste using a blender or food processor.
2. Apply the cucumber paste to the skin and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse with cold water, then pat dry.

3. Tomato Pulp

Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that reduces redness and tan. They also help tighten pores and improve overall skin texture.

Preparation and Application

1. Scoop out the pulp from a ripe tomato and apply it to the skin.
2. After 15-20 minutes, rinse with cold water.
3. Pat dry and apply a moisturizer.

4. Yogurt and Turmeric

Yogurt is a natural moisturizer that hydrates the skin, while turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help lighten tan and improve skin health.

Preparation and Application

1. To make a paste, combine a spoonful of yogurt and a pinch of turmeric powder.
2. Apply the paste to the affected areas and leave it on for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse off with cold water and pat dry.

5. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera has soothing and healing properties that help repair sun-damaged skin and lighten tan. It also moisturizes the skin and promotes skin regeneration.

Preparation and Application

1. Collect fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf.
2. Apply the gel to the affected areas and leave it on overnight.
3. Rinse off with water in the morning and pat dry.

Additional Homemade Packs to Remove Tan

1. Gram Flour and Turmeric Pack

Gram flour (besan) acts as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and tan, while turmeric helps lighten skin tone and has antibacterial properties.

Preparation and Application

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of gram flour with a pinch of turmeric and enough milk or rose water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste to the skin and let it dry.
3. Gently scrub off the pack using lukewarm water and pat dry.

2. Papaya and Honey Pack

Papaya contains enzymes (papain) that exfoliate the skin and lighten tan. Honey moisturizes and softens the skin.

Preparation and Application

1. Mash ripe papaya and mix it with a tablespoon of honey to form a smooth paste.
2. Apply the paste to the skin and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
3. Rinse off with cold water and pat dry.

3. Oatmeal and Buttermilk Pack

Oatmeal exfoliates and soothes the skin, while buttermilk contains lactic acid that helps lighten tan and improve skin texture.

Preparation and Application

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with enough buttermilk to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the skin and gently massage in circular motions.
3. After 15-20 minutes, rinse with cold water.

4. Sandalwood and Rose Water Pack

Sandalwood has skin-lightening properties that help reduce tan and improve complexion. Rose water tones and refreshes the skin.

Preparation and Application

1. Make a paste by combining 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder and rose water.
2. Apply the paste to the skin and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
3. Rinse off with cold water and pat dry.

5. Potato and Lemon Juice Pack

Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which helps lighten tan and dark spots. Lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent.

Preparation and Application

1. Grate a potato and mix it with a tablespoon of lemon juice.
2. Apply the mixture to the skin and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse off with cold water and pat dry.

Other Tips to Prevent and Remove Tan

• Use Sunscreen: Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before going out in the sun, and reapply every two hours.
• Cover Up: Wear protective clothes, such as hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves, to protect your skin from direct sunlight.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and help maintain its natural barrier against UV rays.
• Exfoliate Regularly: Use a gentle exfoliating scrub once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal.
• Cool Showers: Take cool showers to soothe sunburned skin and prevent further damage.
• Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Try to avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are the highest point.
• Wear Wide-Brimmed Hats: Wide-brimmed hats not only protect your face from the sun but also provide shade for your neck and shoulders, areas prone to tanning.
• Use Sunglasses: Wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect the delicate skin around your eyes from UV damage.
• Seek Shade: Whenever possible, seek shade, especially during the sun's peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use Umbrellas: Carry a portable umbrella to create your shade when you're out in the sun for extended periods.

With these simple home remedies and tips, you can say goodbye to summer tan lines and hello to beautiful, glowing skin! Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so make sure to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays whenever you're outdoors. Stay safe, stay tan-free!