All you need to know about how to remove tan

If you are looking at how to remove tan, consider natural remedies like lactic acid (Image via Pexels @Armin Rimoldi)
If you are looking to remove tan, consider natural remedies like lactic acid. (Image via Pexels/Armin Rimoldi)

Come summer, and suddenly everybody is searching 'how to remove tan'. Worry not: we are here to address that. In this article, we will tell you about some simple and natural home remedies that are helpful in removing sun tan.

When exposed to the sun, the skin's pigment darkens, as ultraviolet rays cause a change in the skin's melanin content, resulting in a tan. Tan removal is not easy and does not happen overnight. A tan can, however, fade more rapidly with the help of certain techniques.

A suntan fades, and tan lines diminish over the course of several weeks if left untreated. That occurs, as the skin constantly renews itself by shedding old cells and revealing new ones. Sun- and tanning-product tans, like natural ones, gradually fade as skin cells replace themselves.

Here we discuss some home remedies that are safe enough to use on a suntan or self-tan. Methods like using lemon juice or skin bleaching creams are to be avoided because of the potential damage they can do to your skin.


How to remove tan: What are the methods?

Tan lines can make the skin appear dull and segmented. (Image via Pexels/Yan Krukau)
Tan lines can make the skin appear dull and segmented. (Image via Pexels/Yan Krukau)

The best way to remove a tan is to use exfoliating products that are gentle on the skin. While there's a lack of clinical research on methods to remove a tan, many of the most common approaches are safe and have minimal risks.

Different products and methods of application are needed for various types of skin. A person's skin tone, preferred products and preferred methods may all play a role in determining the optimal approach.

1) Skin-lightening products

How to remove tan: Skin-lightening products containing active ingredients. (Image via Pexels/Sora Shimazaki)
How to remove tan: Skin-lightening products containing active ingredients. (Image via Pexels/Sora Shimazaki)

These have gained a lot of prominence in recent years, especially for being very effective when used regularly.

They work by exfoliating the topmost layers of the skin to reveal newer skin underneath. However, if you're using these products, you must always wear sunscreen and keep re-applying it, as they sensitise the skin to the sun.

Wondering how to remove tan through skin-lightening products? Keep an eye out for products that contain the following:

  • kojic acid
  • glycolic acid
  • azelaic acid
  • vitamin C
  • retinoids

Skin-lightening products can be purchased from both drugstores and online retailers. If you want to make sure something is safe to consume, check the label first. You can also consult a dermat for the same.

2) Exfoliation

How to remove tan: Exfoliators are one of the best ways to reduce sun tan. (Image via Pexels/Monstera)
How to remove tan: Exfoliators are one of the best ways to reduce sun tan. (Image via Pexels/Monstera)

If you are wondering how to remove tan with exfoliation, the outer layer of skin can have its pigmentation lightened by gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliation can be accomplished through either chemical or mechanical methods.

  • Using chemicals like alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, dead skin is removed chemically.
  • Brushes or sponges are used in mechanical exfoliation to remove dull, lifeless skin.
  • Soft washcloths and chemical exfoliants may be the best options for those with dry, sensitive skin. Stronger chemicals and mechanical methods may be more effective for people with thicker, oilier skin.

How to remove tanning products

If you are wondering how to get off spray tan or how to remove fake tan, this is the section you are looking for. Here we will talk about how to remove tan from artificial products:

1) Take a bath

How to remove tan: Taking a bath can help reduce tan from tanning products (Image via Pexels/Yaroslav Shuraev)
How to remove tan: Taking a bath can help reduce tan from tanning products (Image via Pexels/Yaroslav Shuraev)

A shower, bath, or even just a quick rinse with soap after applying a self-tanner can help eliminate streaks and lines of color. To exfoliate the skin and remove the excess product, use a wet, soft washcloth.

2) Gentle nail buffer

If you're wondering how to remove tan from skin that has hardened and become calloused, like that on the hands and feet, a gentle nail buffer is a good solution.

Gently buff away any built-up tanner with a nail buffer if it's making your hands or feet look dirty or too orange.

3) Self-tan removal products

Products designed to remove self-tan can also be purchased at drugstores. Soaps, lotions and exfoliating gloves are all such examples.

4) Baking soda

How to remove tan: A paste of baking soda and water has proved to be effective at removing tan from products (Image via Pexels/Kaboompics)
How to remove tan: A paste of baking soda and water has proved to be effective at removing tan from products (Image via Pexels/Kaboompics)

To remove streaks and build-up from a tan, mix the baking soda with enough water to form a paste, and apply it to the skin. Reduce the appearance of streaking without irritating the skin by using a mild circular motion to scrub.


How to get rid of sun yan

If you're still wondering how to remove tan, here's an overview. Tans can be reduced with the help of gentle exfoliation and specific FDA-approved skin lightening products.

Self-tans can be made more uniform with a variety of at-home remedies. If you exfoliate before applying fake tan, you might see less unevenness or streaking.

While there are many health benefits to sunbathing, people should still take precautions against skin cancer and premature aging by always using sunscreen and limiting their time in the direct rays of the sun.

You should also avoid commonly used home remedies that are often promoted by celebrities. A famous celebrity recently claimed that she uses window cleaning products to remove tan. That's highly unsafe and should not be attempted. Also, things like lemon juice and skin bleaching agents can harm the skin.

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