Tanning can be a serious concern for our skin, as the sun’s UV radiation can cause sunburns and, in extreme cases, lead to skin cancer. While the sun is a natural source of vitamin D, prolonged exposure to its harsh rays can damage the skin, often turning it brownish or reddish. The market offers a range of expensive products designed to combat tanning, but some effective home remedies can work wonders in removing tan and healing sunburns naturally.

What causes tanning?

The epidermis of our skin’s outermost layer experiences the condition of tanning. Melanocytes are mainly cells that cover around 5% of the epidermis. They create melanin when exposed to ultraviolet B lights and get exposed to UV radiation. This process darkens your skin and further creates a defensive range over the UV rays. The darkened area is what we call tanning on our skin. Let’s look at 7 effective home remedies that will miraculously remove tanning in the summers.


Aloe vera

Known for its therapeutic qualities, aloe vera lightens the tan. Simply apply the natural aloe vera gel from the plant and keep it overnight in the exposed area. Wash it off in the morning, and witness the change in a week.

Lemon and honey

Honey moisturises and prevents excess dryness from the skin, whereas citric acid naturally lightens the skin. Take a tablespoon of lemon juice and blend it with some drops of honey on the sun-exposed regions. After 20 minutes, wash it with lukewarm water, and apply this 4 times a week to see the change.

Cucumber

Brimming with cooling qualities, cucumber aids in calming the skin and also improves the sun-damaged skin. Take a cucumber and squeeze out the juice. Apply it to the sunburnt area using a cotton ball and then apply the slices straight to the skin. Sit down for 20 minutes and do this process to cool down your skin and lessen the tan lines as well.

Yogurt and turmeric

Lactic acid present in the yogurt brightens and exfoliates the skin, whereas turmeric soothes the irritation. Add half a teaspoon of turmeric with two tablespoons of yogurt. Mix them gently and apply them to the sun-exposed areas. Rinse it off after 20 minutes with cold water, and repeat this thrice a week.


Tomato pulp

Tomatoes contain lycopene, which helps in lessening the redness and pigmentation on our skin. Just grind up a ripe tomato and use the pulp on the sun-kissed area. Leave it for 20 minutes and wash it with cold water every day to see the tan reduction.

Potato

Potatoes are rich in catecholase that brightens dark areas. Squeeze the juice from a raw potato and apply it on the sunburnt area. Now, leave it for half an hour and see the tanning fade away in 2-3 weeks.


Milk and rice flour

Milk is known for lightening and softening the skin, whereas rice flour is a natural exfoliator. Make a paste combining both, and in a circular motion apply this paste every day. Keep it for 15 minutes and get rid of the dead skin that would further lessen the tanning.