Sunburn and tanning remain persistent challenges for many of us. Spending time outdoors is great for your mental and physical health, but excessive exposure to the sun can lead to an unwanted tan. While a tan may look appealing to some, others prefer a more even and radiant complexion. If you're wondering how to remove tan from face, we've got you covered. In this guide, we will explore some simple and effective methods to help you restore your natural skin tone.
Let’s dive in.
What is Tanning?
Ever wondered why your skin gets darker after spending time in the sun? That's tanning! It's your body' way of protecting itself from the sun's rays.
When sunlight hits your skin, special cells called melanocytes crank out more melanin, a pigment that gives your skin its color. Melanin acts like a shield, absorbing the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays before they can damage your skin cells. The more sun exposure you get, the more melanin your body produces, resulting in a deeper tan.
Causes of Skin Tan
While a tan might look like a healthy glow, it's actually your skin reacting to sun damage. Here's what happens:
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays in three main wavelengths: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
1) UVA rays: These sneaky rays reach the deep layers of your skin, triggering melanocytes (skin pigment cells) to produce more melanin, the brown pigment that gives you a tan. The problem? UVA rays also damage skin cells.2) UVB rays: These rays mainly hit the upper layers of your skin, causing sunburns. While they don't directly trigger melanin production, UVB damage also tells your body to make more melanin as a defense mechanism.
3) UVC rays: Thankfully, these powerful rays are mostly absorbed by the ozone layer and don't reach our skin in significant amounts.
So, all that extra melanin you see in a tan is your body's way of trying to shield itself from harmful UV rays.
If you have oily skin, don't forget to check out the salicylic acid moisturizer for oily skin.
How to Remove Tan from Face?
“Look for skincare products containing arbutin, niacinamide, licorice extract, or grape seed extract to help fade tans,” says Dr. Harish Koutam, Chief Dermatologist, SkinKarft.
A tan on your face might look nice for a while, but eventually, you might want to even out your skin tone. Here are some natural remedies you can try at home:
Natural Remedies for Fading a Facial Tan:
Lemon Juice and Honey (with Caution)
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, but it can be harsh on your skin. Mix it with honey (a natural moisturizer) to create a paste. Apply sparingly to your face and leave it on for no more than 15 minutes.
Important: Lemon juice makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so avoid using this remedy before going outside. Patch test on your inner arm before applying to your face to check for irritation.
Yogurt and Gram Flour
This combo provides gentle exfoliation and hydration. Mix yogurt with gram flour (also known as chickpea flour) to form a paste. Apply to your face and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Yogurt soothes and hydrates, while gram flour helps remove dead skin cells.
Tomato
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants that can help reduce sun damage. Rub the pulp of a fresh tomato on your face and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Aloe Vera
This wonder plant is known for its soothing properties. Apply fresh aloe vera gel to your face to reduce redness and irritation caused by sun exposure. Aloe vera can also help hydrate your skin.
Raw Papaya
Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that helps exfoliate dead skin cells. Mash some raw papaya and apply it to your face for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Remember: These are natural remedies and may not work for everyone. Patch test before applying it to your entire face, and discontinue use if you experience any irritation.
For best results, pair these home remedies with a good skincare routine. Don’t forget to:
Use Sunscreen Diligently
Prevention is better than cure. While you're working on removing the existing tan, be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you step out. Reapply it every two hours or more frequently if you're sweating or swimming. Protecting your skin from further sun damage will help maintain your even skin tone.
Consider Over-the-Counter Products
If natural remedies aren't yielding the desired results, you can try over-the-counter products containing ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, or vitamin C. These can help fade hyperpigmentation and even out your skin tone. However, it's essential to follow the instructions carefully and conduct a patch test beforehand to avoid any adverse reactions.
Seek Professional Help
If you're struggling with stubborn tanning or hyperpigmentation, it might be best to consult a dermatologist. They can recommend professional treatments like chemical peels, laser treatments, or prescription-strength creams to help remove tan from your face safely and effectively.
The Most Important Tip: Sun Protection
The best way to prevent a facial tan is to protect your skin from the sun in the first place. Here are some essential sun protection tips:
1) Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every single day, even on cloudy days.
2) Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming.
3) Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face and neck.
4) Seek shade during the peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm).
Now that you have learned how to remove tan from face, remember that it is a gradual process, and patience is key. Consistency with your chosen method and protection from further sun exposure will help you achieve the desired results. By following these tips, you can keep your face looking healthy and even-toned all year round. And, if you have oily skin, try out the Sunscreen for Oily Skin dermatologist recommended to prevent future tanning and protect your skin from further sun damage.
Dr Manisha Bindal is the senior dermatologist and laser skin expert with more than 25 yrs of experience in clinical practice. She has to her credit various advanced skin care procedures and Laser skin treatment protocols including chemical peels, fillers, threads and injections. You can trust the expert hands for any skin or hair related problems or any procedure if need be.