The internet is full of easy remedies to remove sun tan naturally and faster. Most of these remedies promise tanning removal in just one application. So I tried many of these remedies and I am telling you only those that really work.
Don’t worry I have proof of what actually works and I have provided the easiest methods to apply them as we all don’t have the time to follow a 10-step tan-removal process.
So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Potato For Sun Tan Removal
Talking about extremities, potato is the best thing to remove tan from hands and feet. You just need to take a potato and wash it thoroughly.
Then cut it in half and rub the inner side of the potato on your skin like you rub a soap. Keep rubbing it gently until you feel that the potato juice has covered your whole face, feet or hand.
Let it work for about half an hour and wash it off!
The result is here –
2. O3 D-tan Pack for Sun Tan Removal Treatment
Please read before you judge me, as O3 d-tan promises just 3 minutes of application and tan-removal in one go.
I tried this on my face and It worked okay in just 3 minutes.
My skin is fair and I remain indoors most of the time so the tan on my face was more like a dullness on my face. So I tried it on my foot, You can see the difference these 3 minutes made (not better than a potato) and it doesn’t sting or tingle and is good for sensitive skin like mine as well.
Pros – If you don’t have 20 minutes for the potato thing, then you can opt for this 3-minute mask. Although I still think Potato is the best!
3. Chickpea flour + Sandalwood Powder + Wild Turmeric
I have the cheat code for this one, I make a mixture of sandalwood powder, chickpea flour and wild turmeric and keep it in a bottle.
Take out some powder in your palm, add a few drops of water or rose water to it and make a paste. Apply it as a facewash and rub it gently before washing it off.
You can add fuller’s earth (multani mitti) to it as well to make it more effective and combat acne.
If you use this one in your daily routine, you won’t need any other facewash, scrub, or exfoliator. Read more about my DIY skincare routine for acne-prone skin.
4. Liquorice Root Powder to Remove Sun Tan
An experienced beauty expert gave me this tip and I am so grateful to her for that. Liquorice root works wonders for tanned skin (study), no wonder it is one of the main ingredients in the famous kumkumadi tailam (the beauty potion oil).
The liquorice root powder is great at reducing tan as it blocks melanin production and clears dark spots, pigmentation and dullness as well.
It also reduces testosterone if taken orally, read more about it here at hormonal acne treatment
5. ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) as a Toner every day To Remove Sun Tan
I kid you not, it works! But hold on, DON’T APPLY IT WITHOUT DILUTING it with half part drinking water.
I use it as a toner daily as vitamin C serums and all that fancy stuff doesn’t suit my sensitive skin anymore.
I apply this VERY SMELLY solution as a toner daily (more info here on how I ditched all skincare products and cured my acne) and the smell goes away within a minute.
Recommended Read – Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Try it, you will thank me later!
6. Tomato Juice For Tan Removal
This soothing and hydrating fruit is quite humble but contains great properties like it boosts collagen, has lycopene and is a good anti-ageing fellow too.
Just cut a washed tomato in half (take a chilled one from your refrigerator) and start rubbing it on your face.
It will be a bit messy & juicy so make sure you are near the basin. Once applied, let it soak in the skin and wash it after at least 20 minutes.
Followed by a cooling moisturizer, Oh, that reminds me about my favourite aloe vera gel. Let’s talk about that one!
7. Aloe Vera Gel for Tan Removal from Face
Another reason that I don’t have tanning on my face is that I use Aloevera Gel Daily as my go-to moisturizer.
It is simply Amazing to remove tan from your face and body naturally and works wonders to remove under-eye dark circles as well. But it works slowly. Not like liquorice root or potato.
However, it has so many other properties as well, like intense hydration, collagen booster, reduces dark spots and pigmentation, anti-acne and reduces acne scars as well.
This is why, keeping it in your skincare caddy is always the best option.
Apply it as a gel moisturiser afterwards and it works great to reduce undereye dark circles too.
If you are using fresh aloe vera gel, straight out of a leaf then cut it as shown in the picture below and rub the gel directly on your face.
Let it dry and wash it off.
If you use the store-bought aloe vera gel, apply it every night before sleeping and get hydrated and plumpy skin every day.
It will handle your daily tan for sure but slowly.
FAQs About Instant Tan Removal at Home
Question 1. Can these home remedies make me get rid of the serious tan I have accumulated over years of sun exposure?
Answer. Yes, the home remedies like potato, liquorice root pack, fuller’s earth and sandalwood powder can help you remove the years of tan at home but it works slowly. If you want a faster alternative then use dermatology treatments like carbon peel or laser etc.
Question 2. Does swimming reduce skin tan?
Answer. Yes, swimming reduces tan due to chlorine in the swimming pool water. However the pool must be covered, otherwise the sun shining bright on your skin will do more harm than good.
Question 3. Are there any other ways to lighten the skin?
Answer. There are many ways to lighten the skin such as glutathione, niacinamide and clinic skin-whitening treatments. If you are suffering from severe skin tanning then consult a good dermatologist first to help you consider the options.
Question 4. Is Sun Burn different from Sun Tan?
Answer. Yes, sunburnt skin is red, inflamed and sensitive to touch, it needs help from a professional to get healed faster. However, tanned skin is just darkened due to sun exposure, like our arms do and the feet get those flip-flop marks when we come from a sun-day!
Question 5. Is there any way to prevent your skin from tanning?
Answer. Yes, there are many ways to protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Wear sunscreen when stepping out in the sun, and take the help of umbrellas, hats, scarves and sunglasses to protect your delicate skin from tanning.
Question 6. Is it true that tanning actually prevents us from the harmful effects of UV rays?
Answer. Yes, melanin is like our body’s umbrella that opens up when exposed to the harsh sun. This umbrella is dark in colour, thereby making our skin appear darker than before. These home remedies will help you get rid of darker skin until you get sun tanned again!
That’s all for today! I will update the results of Liquorice root powder as well but for now, Potato is the hero to remove sun tan from your face and body effectively! It’s super cheap and affordable as well, mother nature is so giving always.
