Get ready to welcome the sun-sational summer. We enjoy summer thoroughly in different ways such as pool parties, Sunday brunches, camping, beach outing, but all these give us at least two tones of darker skin.

The pigments named melanin are produced by cells called melanocytes. As excessive UV rays fall onto the skin, melanin increases and eventually absorbs UV rays protecting the skin from sunburn. Because of UV ray’s absorption, melanin changes to dark brown and the tanning process is triggered.

Following tan removal remedies or getting anti-tan treatment is good, but it would be best if you also give maximum protection to your skin by using sun protection products such as sunblock lotion, sunscreen gels and sunlight sprays. Following are some remedies that you can follow to remove suntan naturally.

Home-made ubtan - Gram flour, turmeric and rose water. These ingredients are easily available and fantastic for removing tan. Mix 1 tablespoon of gram flour, 1/3rd teaspoon of turmeric with rose water and make a fine paste. If you have dry skin, you can mix aloe vera as well. Apply it all over your face and neck and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle some water and rub it for 1 minute and rinse it with lukewarm water. Gram flour and turmeric both are good for skin lightening and make it firmer. 

Honey with lemon juice/papaya/pineapple/curd - 

  1. Honey - Honey has bleaching properties, moisturises skin and it also exfoliates the skin by removing dead cells. 

  2. Honey with lemon/pineapple - Lemon and pineapple are rich sources of Vitamin C and are highly antioxidant. Take 2 spoons of honey and squeeze 8 to 10 drops of lemon in it. Apply and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. If you are using pineapple, add 1 spoon of pineapple juice. Do a patch test before using.

  3. Honey with papaya - If you have acne-prone skin, you can mix papaya with honey and can apply it to remove suntan from the skin. Papaya can reduce acne by removing dead skin cells that can clog pores.

  4. Honey with curd Curd has lactic acid that acts as a bleaching agent along with anti-aging properties. You can also mix curd with honey for tan removal. It will not only remove suntan but will also help in skin tightening and pigmentation.

  5. Tomato with Yogurt - Mash 1 medium-sized tomato and add 1 teaspoon yogurt in it and mix well. Apply this mixture to the affected area and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Tomato has antioxidants and lycopene that treats suntan and also regenerates new cells. Yogurt contains lactic acid, which helps remove tanning and gives skin a natural glow.

  6. Potatoes - Peel one medium-sized potato, grind it in a mixer and apply on a clean face. Leave it for 15 minutes and rinse off with water. You can also keep thin slices on your eyes to treat dark circles. Potatoes help to brighten skin and get rid of suntan. Do a patch test before using.

Anti Tan Combo Pack - This anti tan combo pack is suitable for all skin types. Mix one sachet of Tan Removing Milk Pack with Brightening Lotion to form a paste. Apply onto the face and neck. Rinse off after 15-20 minutes. The combination of brightening lotion and tan removing milk pack exfoliates your skin and helps to treat sunburns while lightening your complexion. This anti tan combo pack is the time saviour and a healthful way to remove suntan.

Prevention is always better than cure. Avoid maximum scorching sun exposure, if required apply use sunscreen, sunblock, etc. You can follow any of the above remedies for tan removal as they are completely natural and safe. Still, we would suggest going for a patch test.