How to Remove Tan from Face: Home Remedies, Skincare and Treatments

How to Remove Tan from Face? When you are out in the sun, your skin produces more of a natural pigment called melanin. This melanin protects your skin from sun damage. The longer you stay outdoors or the more sun rays you are exposed the more tanned you are afterward. 

Even mild sun exposure can lead to a tan over time. There are individual differences as well; some people are more likely to be tanned, based on their skin type and genetics. If you have lighter skin then you are more likely to get sunburned rather than develop a tan. Medium to darker skin tones are more likely to be tanned after sun exposure.

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Home Remedies for Tan Removal

If you are looking to get rid of tan on a budget and without any fancy treatments, then you should check out these effective home remedies:

Lemon and Honey mask:

Mix equal parts of lemon juice with honey, apply it on your face for 10-15 minutes, and rinse with cold water. The antioxidants and citric acid in the lemon juice help to remove the tan, while honey nourishes the skin. You should avoid this in case you have sensitive skin, as it can cause a burning sensation.

Cucumber:

Blend a cucumber with rose water and apply it to your skin. This helps to hydrate and cool the skin after sun exposure. Making your skin feel refreshed and removing tan.

Gram Flour and Turmeric: 

Make a paste with gram flour (besan), milk, and a pinch of turmeric. Apply it on your face for 15-20 minutes and wash it off before it is completely dry. It works by removing the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin.

Skincare Routine for Tan Removal

While using these home remedies can be great if you want a quick fix, they may not be effective if you have a stubborn tan from years of skin exposure, then you’ll have to follow a consistent skin care routine. 

Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser to prepare your skin and remove excess oil and dirt.

Exfoliate: Use a physical or chemical exfoliant twice a week to remove top layer of dead skin cells.

• Physical Exfoliators work by scrubbing the surface of your skin. Like sugar or salt scrubs, coffee grounds, or walnut shell powders.

• Chemical Exfoliators include acids or enzymes to dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells together. It includes AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), and PHAs (Polyhydroxy acids). 

Serums: Using any one or a combination of these serums can help in reducing tan and even out your skin tone. 

• Vitamin C: makes your skin look brighter by blocking the melanin production.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): helps to repair the skin barrier and improve skin texture

• Alpha arbutin: slows down the melanin production by blocking enzyme activity

Moisturiser: Use a lightweight moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and help it heal faster. A weak skin barrier or a lack of hydration can also make your skin look dull.  

Sunscreen: Always apply sunscreen before leaving the house, even if it’s cloudy outside. As the UV rays can penetrate through the clouds, causing tanning and sun damage over time. Don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen after every few hours and choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher. 

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Professional Treatments for Tan Removal

Sometimes, using home remedies and following a skin care routine is not enough. Or you want to remove tan instantly without waiting for weeks. If that’s the case, then you can try these professional treatments:

Chemical Peels:

It uses more potent, higher concentrations of exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs. Removing the top layer of pigmented cells reveals fresher, brighter skin underneath. It may cause temporary redness or peeling of the skin after treatment.

Microdermabrasion:

It uses a mechanical exfoliator that uses fine crystals at the tip of a diamond-shaped device. It not only removes tan but also stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture.

Laser Treatments: 

It uses focused light energy to target the melanin in the skin and breaks it down, allowing the body to naturally remove the pigmented cells. It is also helpful in the treatment of dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Ways to Prevent Tanning

Prevention is always better than cure, preventing a tan can be the easiest and most convenient way of protecting your skin.

• Use scarves, hats, or sunglasses to protect and cover your skin. 
• Choose a mineral sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher for optimal protection.
• Avoid peak sun hours between 11 AM and 3 PM.
• Wash your face with cold water and apply aloe vera gel after being in the Sun. 

While looking for ways to remove tan from face, don’t forget that tanning is your body’s natural defense mechanism. It protects your skin from the harmful UV rays. By consistently following home remedies and a skin care routine, your skin restores its natural health. Using sunscreen and protective clothing can stop tanning in the first place. 

FAQs

Q1. How to remove tan from face instantly?

Natural methods are not enough for instant tan removal, and you’ll need to try professional treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy.

Q2. How long does it take for a tan to fade?

While it depends on the severity of the tan, generally it takes around 1 - 2 weeks to see a noticeable difference.

Q3. How to remove tan from face naturally?

To remove tan naturally, you can use ingredients like lemon, honey, cucumber, or aloe vera gel.

Q4. Can diet help reduce tanning?

Having antioxidant-rich foods like oranges, pomegranate, and green leafy vegetables protects your skin from UV damage and supports natural skin repair.

Q5. Is tanning harmful to the skin?

A mild tan is usually not that harmful. But excessive sun exposure can lead to sunburn, dryness, or premature aging of the skin.