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A lot of you might love the glowy, sun-kissed tan you get blessed with during a tropical vacation. But for people who don’t, it could be very well something they can’t seem to get rid of STAT. Most of us don’t realise when sun tan comes creeping up on us – till we notice the appearance of tan lines. Sure, you might be the most diligent when it comes to sun protection (RE: from sunscreen to scarf) before stepping out but during harsh summers, the sun wins, and you still end up with a tan. Sigh.
As much as one loves a relaxing sunbath, tanning comes with its own fair share of disadvantages. For example, it can leave you painfully sunburned, which is anything but calming. We mean why wouldn’t you want to learn how to remove tan from face? Excessive exposure to UVA causes tanning as the amount of melanin, the pigment of the skin increases, as a defence against excessive rays may not be as safe as one might think. Thus, it’s very important to not only indulge in post-tanning aftercare but also carefully de-tan.
Our face, neck, arms, back, and legs are most prone to the dreaded tan. This is why it’s essential to treat these areas with a regular anti-tan treatment. Lucky for you, we are here to have the long-due discussion on all things on how to get rid of tanned skin.
What is Tanning?
Excessive exposure to the sun can leave you absolutely burnt, which is not the most fun experience. Remember when you went to the beach and your skin came back a couple of shades darker than before, that is called tanning. This happens because your skin's pigment, melanin, kicks into overdrive as a defence against harmful UVA rays. For example, think of the number of times you went out in the sun for hours together and forgot to put any sun protection on. By the end of that day, your skin becomes significantly darker or red. That is how your body protects itself from the negative effects of the sun. It is the excessive exposure that can become a gateway for critical skin problems later down the line, even though a small amount of tan is usually not bad.
The Science Behind Tan
Wonder how tan is formed on your skin? Well, the sun emits two kinds of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB. When UVB rays hit bare skin, they burn the top layer (epidermis) and result in sunburn. On the other hand, when UVA rays hit bare skin, they penetrate the deepest layers of skin and trigger melanocytes to produce melanin. What’s melanin? It’s the natural brown pigment that is produced as the body’s defence to protect skin from damage. This is when you notice your skin colour becoming darker and thus, tanned. Here’s more on how damaging the sun can be for your skin:
- When the stronger and longer wavelengths of UVA rays enter the layers of your skin, it causes the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Consequently, your skin loses elasticity and becomes less firm. Think premature ageing.
- Recently noticed tan on your complexion? Here’s a quick peek at what happened behind the scenes: Your body had to enter protection mode (RE: tanning) to protect your DNA from getting damaged.
- When some melanocytes are more stimulated than others, brown spots or pigmentation marks show up on your skin. This is usually evident in aged people however, younger people who don’t protect their skin enough can be susceptible to these patches of pigments too.
- If you expose your skin to the sun repeatedly, you are causing irreparable damage to the cells. In extreme cases when a cell tries to repair itself but fails, it can turn cancerous.
- If you’ve fair skin, there's a higher possibility of you getting melanoma. This is because fair skin, unlike dark skin, is not equipped to produce adequate amounts of melanin. Don’t freak out yet; a good sunscreen can very well be your saviour.
Tanning Vs. Hyperpigmentation – Know the Difference
Although they might sound similar, tanning, and hyperpigmentation are worlds apart. What is referred to as tanning is the temporary darkening effect on the skin after exposure to the UVA rays of sunlight. Thus, with continued exposure to the sun, your skin produces more melanin as a sort of defence mechanism against your body's being changed to that golden or bronzed effect.
In contrast to this, hyperpigmentation means that there are spots on the skin that are coloured and relatively darker than the remaining skin. It might be induced by many factors, such as genetics, sun damage, hormonal changes, or inflammation. Unlike tanning, it does not go away with time, and it might take far longer to treat.
Skincare Routine to Follow if You Have Tanned Skin
Facing issues with tanned skin or wondering how to get rid of tanned skin? Well, it's pretty common. While sun-kissed skin looks great at times, excess exposure for a longer period will leave your skin lifeless and blotchy. So, what would be the perfect skincare routine for your skin to bounce back?
Gentle cleansing is essential. A light cleanser will not take away the natural oils from your skin, keeping it hydrated and helping to avoid further damage. Next is exfoliation. Exfoliate two to three times a week to rid your skin of all those dead cells so that new, bright skin can appear. But gently, or you will be over-exfoliating your skin, which in turn might irritate your skin even more and deteriorate tanning.
Now, coming on to hydration, much the same as a good moisturiser helps restore that natural barrier of your skin, it will go a long way in keeping your skin well-hydrated too. So things like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid are going to soothe and hydrate the skin from within.
Slap on some sunscreen, yeah? It's just as important to protect your skin from any further damage, even when it's already tanned. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or above daily, even if you just stay indoors.
Finally, brightening serum or cream will even out your skin tone with its vitamin C or niacinamide and help in the fading of the tan over some time.
Stay true to this routine, and that shall not only help you in managing tanned skin but also maintain healthy and glowing skin.
Best Tan Removal Creams
Wondering how to remove tan from face? Using a sunblock is non-negotiable if you want to absolutely protect your skin from sun damage. For times when you want to get rid of the tan to reveal your hidden glow, you can count on sun tan removal creams. We’ve rounded up the best creams to remove tan and help detoxify tanned skin ASAP.
1. O3+ Brightening & Whitening Dermal Zone D-Tan Pack For De Tan
If getting your glow back is your number one priority, you can count on O3+ Brightening & Whitening Dermal Zone D-Tan Pack For De Tan. Enriched with a blend of mint and eucalyptus oil, it minimises all signs of dullness and sunburn. The D Tan pack is dermatologically tested and deemed fit for all skin types and has a solid customer rating of 4.3/5. It boasts an exquisitely cream texture and effectively buffs away dirt and grime along with stubborn tan.
2. Raaga Professional De Tan Removal Creme With Kojic & Milk
How about a tan removal cream that goes the extra mile to inhibit melanin production? Enter Raaga Professional De Tan Removal Creme With Kojic & Milk. Enriched with a blend of natural actives like milk, tomato, lemon, bilberry, grapefruit extracts and essential oils, it improves skin tone without affecting facial hair. Plus, it is infused with honey to keep skin hydrated. Bonus points for being ammonia-free and having a 4.4/5 rating.
3. St.Botanica Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid Depigmentation Cream
A de-pigmentation cream that also contains sun-blocking agents to prevent further tanning? Yes, please. St.Botanica Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid Depigmentation Cream contains a luxurious blend of vitamin C and botanical extracts to repair damaged cells and even-tone complexion that also gets a 3.9/5 in the customer ratings front. Plus, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid aid in hydration to restore the supple texture of the skin. Even better? It’s free from toxic elements like parabens and sulfates.
4. Nature's Essence De-Tan Therapy Wipe Off Mask
If you think of a soothing therapy to revitalize damaged skin and get back to your radiant best, think Nature's Essence De-Tan Therapy Wipe Off Mask. The product that scores up to 4.3/5 is infused with grapeseed and papaya extracts as the active ingredients, this cream calms the skin, accelerates the skin repair process, evens skin tone and removes discolouration. To ensure your skin stays hydrated, coconut oil and glycerine team up to retain moisture. Add this to your routine and give yourself the well-deserved self-care.
5. The Body Care Professional Detanning Cream
Why go to the salon when you can invest in a cream that does the job of de-tanning your skin perfectly well? The Body Care Detanning Cream with its butter-like texture glides on the skin smoothly to eliminate existing tan. Replete with peppermint oil, clove oil, camphor oil and other active ingredients, it imparts a radiance to your complexion. The best part? It’s free from fragrances, parabens and formaldehyde and has a 4.3/5 from its customers.
6. Neude Skin All Wet Deep Cleansing Detanning Milk Body Wash
Giving ancient milk baths a modern twist, Neude All Wet is a moisturising body wash. Real Milk, Lactic Acid, and Vitamin C come together in this modern formula to transform your shower into a rejuvenating experience that deep cleanses without drying, leaving radiant and refreshed skin behind. Lactic Acid gently exfoliates, working on the skin to further even tone and texture and reduce pigmentation. Meanwhile, Vitamin C boosts collagen production, brightening your skin, this product has a crazy high score of 4.8/5 in the customer rating chart.. For every wash, All Wet body wash brings the luxury of Cleopatra's milk baths, revitalising your skin.
7. Nykaa Naturals De-Tanning Serum Oil with Sandalwood
With a whopping 4.2/5 rating from customers, Nykaa’s in-house de-tanning serum oil is a lightweight serum oil that helps fortify and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. The key players are turmeric oil and sandalwood oil which aid in brightening skin and even your skin tone. Made with a rich blend of oil, this serum is 100% plant-based is super absorbable and gently clarifies your skin.
8. Light Up Drench Hydrating Jelly Mask For De-Tanning & Brightening
Treat your skin to this gentle Luz del Sol Drench Hydrating Jelly Mask. Cucumber replenishes lost moisture, spirulina is rich in phytonutrients, and carotenoids revive natural glow. Chlorophyll boosts oxygen levels with magnesium-rich content, while rose water tightens pores. Papaya reduces blemishes visibly, and aloe vera helps to soothe irritated or sunburned skin. This 4.3/5 rated mask helps drench your skin in intense hydration by combining water-rich cucumber with a soothing rose water and aloe vera blend for a refreshed, revitalised glow.
Conclusion
While it may seem like a fairer skin problem, de-tanning is universal if the said person stays out in the sun long enough. On products that lighten tans, they really do help, but sometimes their effectiveness varies. It often depends on how deep it is and how regularly you apply the product. Exfoliating regularly or adding tan removal packs or clay masks into your skincare routine, along with skin-brightening products, will definitely help in lightening the sun tan and give way to nice glows. If you want to remove tan from face, don’t forget to slather sunscreen while going out to avoid further tanning. So, here it is—tips for rejuvenated, tan-free skin so that the next time you have a resting sun bath at the beach, getting tanner isn’t a cup of your problems.
FAQs On Best Sun Tan Removal Cream
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How to remove tan from hands? Suggest tan removal cream for hands.
As much as possible wear a long-sleeved shirt to keep your hands from being exposed to the sun rays. If you choose to wear a short-sleeved shirt, you can wear a jacket while you commute outside. Don’t forget to slather sunscreen lotion on your hands even during cloudy weather.
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How to remove tan from body? Can I remove sun tan overnight?
These two home remedies work great at reducing sun tan fast:
- Lemon And Honey
- Step 1: Make a concoction of fresh lemon juice, sugar and honey.
- Step 2: Massage this paste on the affected area and leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Rinse off with water and pat dry.
- Lemon And Yoghurt
- Step 1: Make a paste of fresh Lemon juice and yoghurt.
- Step 2: Massage this paste on the affected area and leave it on for at least 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Rinse off with water and pat dry.
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Is tan permanent?
Tan is not permanent. As your skin naturally exfoliates itself, the appearance of tan gradually diminishes as the skin renewal process starts. How to remove tan from face? You can scrub the skin and consider tan-removal treatments. Start by using a face wash dedicated to removing tan like the Nykaa Naturals Sandalwood & Orange Peel Face Wash for Tan Removal.
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How can I get my original skin colour back naturally?
- Sleep enough to let the skin renewal process take place
- Massage your face regularly to boost blood circulation to the skin cells and remove tan or dullness efficiently.
- Exfoliate your skin with a mild scrub at least once a week as it helps slough off the dead skin cells and reveal fresher-looking skin.
- Make it a habit to wear sunscreen not just when outdoors but also when indoors.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day. Drinking plenty of water makes it easier for your body to flush out toxins and consequently improve the look and texture of your skin.
