Home Remedies For Removing Tanning Instantly

By Patricia | June 1, 2009

When the skin darkens or browns on exposure to sunlight, it is known as a sun tan. The process itself is known as tanning. While the old way to get a tan was staying exposed to the sun, today, tanning can be done indoors in a tanning salon using sun tan lamps. Self-tanning or fake tanning is a process by which a tan colored dye is applied on the skin topically.

While some want tanned skin, others do not like their skin to tan too much as it makes them look darker and duller. How much suntan you acquire depends on the type of skin you have, genetics, and where you live. For instance, if you have slightly dark or brown skin, the chances of tanning to perfection are usually very good. Lighter skin colors, on the other hand, tend to burn easier, and very dark skin tends to become darker still.

How does the skin tan?

Melanin is the substance that the skin produces to protect it from the sun; this is the substance that gives the dark color to the skin. On exposure to sunlight, there is some amount of structural damage to the skin. In order to repair this damage, the skin produces more melanin, darkening the skin further. This results in either tanning or sun burn, depending on the nature and type of the skin.

Most people with darker skin prefer to avoid excessive tanning, and usually practice some form of tan removal or the other. In fact, from carrying umbrellas to using masks on the beach, people do go to varying extremes to prevent their skin from darkening. In this article, we will discuss some of the best home remedies for removing sun tan.

Home remedies

In most cases, a sun tan gradually fades away on its own. Listed below are some home remedies for instant tan removal. There are many home remedies and sun tan removal creams and lotions that are available to remove tan naturally. Unfortunately, some of these products that remove tan contain harsh chemicals, which can cause damage to the skin. Hence, most people prefer adopting natural tanning removal methods, instead of using a tan removal cream. Given below are several tips and options on how to remove tan at home, naturally:

  • Exfoliate the skin gently, on a regular basis, using an effective scrub. There are many branded facial scrubs that are mild on the skin and can be used to remove fake tan or a natural tan, all over the body. There are many people who also prefer to make their own scrubs at home, using natural ingredients like olive oil and sugar.
  • Mix about half a glass of tomato juice, with an equal amount of cucumber juice and apply the mixture on to the skin. This mixture needs to be left on for at least 15 minutes, before it is rinsed off with cool water.
  • Taking a bath with black tea and rubbing the skin in between with some gram flour is an excellent tan removal technique, which helps the skin to return to its normal color at a faster rate.
  • Fruits containing vitamin C such as lemons and oranges are believed to help lighten the skin and aid in tan removal. Ascorbic acid present in these fruits has high antioxidant properties that help lighten skin. The most common way of using one being squeezing the juice of the lemon and then applying it all over the skin, with the help of a piece of cotton. Some people also directly rub slices and wedges of lemon directly on to the skin. In either method, the juice of the lemon should be left on to the skin for at least an hour or so, before it is washed off.
  • Cinnamomum subavenium is a Chinese herb which blocks the synthesis of melanin, thereby preventing the skin from darkening on exposure to sunlight.
  • Consuming pomegranate is believed to block melanin production and avoid skin darkening.
  • Vitamin E is also believed to help block melanin production, avoiding tanning.
  • Bleaching is another effective home treatment to whiten skin that has darkened because of exposure to sunlight. Potatoes also contain natural beaching properties. Chilled slices of potato should be applied on to the skin for about half an hour, before washing the area off.
  • One of the most effective remedies to remove sunless tanning or natural tanning is the application of a paste made from plain yogurt and oatmeal. A thick layer of the mixture should be applied to the skin and left on, until it dries up, or for about an hour. After that the skin can be rinsed off with cool water. To enhance the effect of this tan removal paste, some lemon juice can also be included.
  • Honey is a natural ingredient, which can help remove spray tan as well as natural tans. To make the perfect tan remover at home, a teaspoon of honey should be mixed with equal parts of milk powder and lemon juice and then half a teaspoon of almond paste should be added to it.
  • You can apply buttermilk on your skin twice daily, for about 20 minutes each time. This will cool the skin and help revitalize it.
  • Over-the-counter sun tan removal creams are also effective at removing sun tan.

Tips to avoid getting tanned

If your skin easily darkens because of excessive exposure to sunlight, here are some tips to help you avoid getting tanned.

  • Wear a wide brimmed hat or use an umbrella to keep your face out of the sun.
  • Wear loose full sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid exposing your skin to the sun.
  • Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 that will limit tanning.
  • Avoid going out at times in the day when the sun is at its hottest, between 10AM and 4PM.
  • Remember to drink a lot of water, and include a lot of tomatoes and green healthy veggies in your diet.

Getting tanned is something that cannot always be avoided. In fact, getting a bit of sun is actually good for you; however, taking a few precautions will help your skin not darken too much, while still being able to absorb all the essential vitamin D it can from the sun.

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