The summer season is just around the corner and along with it comes its share of blazing sun and the incorrigible tan. In India, summer months last for almost 9 months and the harsh sun leaves its imprint on our bodies. Sunburn and tan go away on its own but take a lot of time. Being exposed to sunlight makes our body release the pigment melanin which is present in the skin. Melanin helps absorb the UV radiations and in turn, leads to skin discoloration.
Useful Hacks to Avoid Tanning
Being exposed to sunlight is essential for our daily requirements of essential vitamin D, but over-exposure is extremely harmful too. Here's how you can avoid tanning.
- Use a scarf, hat or umbrella when stepping out in the sun.
- Avoid being outside in the sun during the peak period spanning from 12 PM to 4 PM.
- Wear full sleeves clothes and in white or light colors, as it will keep you cool.
- Drink loads of water, coconut water, and juices to keep you hydrated.
- Use sunscreen with high SPF content every time you step out.
- Exfoliate and moisturize your skin regularly.
It is almost impossible to avoid getting tanned during the summers, but with a few natural remedies, you can keep lightening your skin tone. You don’t always need to use expensive creams or therapies to get rid of pesky tanning. Some ingredients that are available in a regular kitchen can help you achieve flawless skin tone too. Keep reading to find these tried and tested methods!
Some Natural Ingredients
Here we will know about De-tan ingredients:
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon has bleaching properties that assist in removing tan and lightening the skin tone naturally. Lemon is also a rich source of vitamin C. Also it may sting and irritate people with sensitive skin, so test it on the inner side of your arm before regular usage. Squeeze the juice of one lemon in a bowl and dip cotton in it and apply on the affected areas of your face and body. You may also add a teaspoon of honey to it. Leave it for 30 minutes, before washing it off with water. You can repeat it thrice a week.
2. Tomato
Tomatoes are antioxidants and have a high quantity of vitamins and minerals. You can just rub some raw tomatoes on your tanned skin if you don’t have much time on your hand. You can also make a face pack by making a paste of 2 tomatoes and adding a few drops of lemon juice to it. Apply it on your face and body and let it rest for 15 minutes before washing off with cold water. Alternatively, instead of lemon juice, you can add 1 tablespoon of sour curd to the tomato paste.
3. Cucumber
This common salad ingredient is a rich source of vitamin A and B1, and helps ward off acne and also in keeping the skin cool and also remove the suntan and sunburn. Shred a whole cucumber and squeeze the juice out of it. Dab it on your skin and leave it for 15-20 minutes and wash it off. You can do it regularly to notice visible results.
4. Potato
Potato juice not only helps to remove skin pigmentation but also prevents the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Make a juice of raw potato and apply it directly to your skin. Leave it for 10 minutes and once it dries off, wash off with cold water.
5. Honey and Papaya
Papaya and honey are well known natural hydrating ingredients. Papaya is an excellent exfoliant and removes dead skin cells, thus brightening the skin tone. Take about 5 pieces of ripe papaya and add a tablespoon of honey to it and mash the two ingredients together. Apply it on your tanned skin and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash with cold milk and water mixture. It will assist in moisturizing the skin too.
6. Aloe Vera for de- tan
Aloe Vera is an amazing ingredient and it has manifold usage. Tan removal is one of its many amazing properties. It gives your skin a healthy glow and cools the sunburnt skin. You can directly apply aloe Vera gel to your face and then wipe it off with a wet wipe, or cotton dipped in rose water. Or you can make an amazing face pack using a tablespoon of aloe Vera gel, to a juice of one cucumber and a tablespoon of honey. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water.
7. Masoor Dal (red lentil)
This common ingredient is not only nutritious but were you aware of its beauty benefits. Masoor dal exfoliates the skin and makes the skin less oily. It also helps in cleansing the skin, tightening the pores and brightening the skin.
Soak the lentil overnight and make a paste. Add a pinch of turmeric and 2 tablespoons of milk and a teaspoon of honey or a tablespoon of aloe Vera gel and tomato pulp. You can scrub the entire paste on your face, hands, and legs to remove the tan. Wash with cold water. Use this face pack twice a week.
8. Oatmeal for de- tan
Oatmeal is an excellent ingredient for a DIY face pack for skin brightening and for skin firming & de-tan. It is beneficial in removing tan from the face and neck area. Mix 2 tablespoon of oatmeal with 3 tablespoons of cold milk or plain buttermilk. Add honey to this mixture. Apply this paste in a circular motion all over your face and neck. Wash with cold water and see a marked change.
9. Pineapple
Pineapples are not only tasty to eat but help in fighting free radicals and inflammation. Make a paste of pineapple and honey and apply it on your face and wash it with cold water after 30 minutes.
10. Sandalwood for de-tan
This miracle ingredient is a ubiquitous solution to all skin maladies. It not only de-tan but helps in improving skin tone and texture. Apply a paste of sandalwood with rose water and apply it regularly on your face. Allow it to dry, before washing with normal water. Your skin will glow and look rejuvenated.
11. Besan (bengal gram flour)
Gram flour is an excellent exfoliant and helps to remove dead skin cells and brightening the skin tone. Make a paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of besan, add 3 tablespoons of cold milk, a tablespoon of rose water and a pinch of turmeric. Apply it on your hand and feet. After it dries, wash with cold water in a round, circular motion. Repeat this every alternate day. Best de-tan ingredient.
12. Lemon and sugar for de tanning
Your feet can get tanned easily and due to constant exposure to natural elements, the skin gets shriveled and aged much quicker than other areas of the body. Make a scrub of equal parts lemon and sugar and after soaking your feet in lukewarm water, apply this scrub on your feet as it has de-tan properties. Wash with cold water.
13. Strawberry and Cream
Strawberry is an antioxidant and has excellent de-tan properties, while milk helps to replenish the moisture. Mash a few strawberries into a pulp and full-fat milk cream to it and apply it to your face. Wash with cold water in a circular motion.
14. Orange Juice for de tanning
For instant de-tan, make a mixture of orange juice and yogurt. It helps in revitalizing the skin. Take equal parts of orange juice and plain curd and apply it to your face and other body areas. Wash off with cold water.
Also Read: 6 Home Remedies For Tan Removal
