10 Powerful Ways to Remove Tan – See Results in Days!

Tanning can feel like an inevitable part of life and especially if you love spending time outdoors. While many might enjoy the sun-kissed glow whereas, others might want to restore their original skin tone after a tan.

Whether it’s from a beach vacation or everyday sun exposure, there can be several ways to get rid of tan so, you don’t need to worry.

Let’s dive into these 15 effective ways to remove tan and bring back your skin’s natural radiance with glow.

Ways to Remove Tan

1. Sunscreen is Your Best Friend

SPF 30+ sunscreen bottle on a white bathroom counter next to sunglasses and a sunhat in a well-lit indoor space

Prevention is always better than cure so, applying sunscreen regularly is the easiest way to protect your skin from further tanning.

Go for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and simply reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors to prevent tan.

2. Lemon and Honey Mix

Small glass bowl of lemon and honey mix, surrounded by whole lemons, a jar of honey, and a wooden spoon on a kitchen counter

Lemon has natural bleaching properties, while will honey provides moisture. Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice with a tablespoon of honey then apply it to tanned areas.

Just leave it for 15 minutes before rinsing off. Please go for a patch test first!

3. Aloe Vera for Soothing Relief

Sliced aloe vera leaves on a marble bathroom counter with a small bowl of clear aloe gel in a bright indoor setting

Aloe vera gel not only cools sunburnt skin but also helps in lightening a tan.

You must apply fresh Aloe Vera gel directly to the skin daily for quick results, it is soothing and always gentle on the skin.

4. Milk and Turmeric Paste

Ceramic bowl filled with turmeric and milk paste, with a bottle of milk and turmeric powder on a kitchen counter

Turmeric is known for its brightening effects, and milk acts as a natural exfoliant. You can mix a pinch of turmeric with two tablespoons of milk to create a paste.

Apply this mixture to your face or other tanned areas and wash it off after 15-20 minutes.

5. Tomato Pulp for Brightening

Glass bowl of fresh tomato pulp, with whole tomatoes and a knife on a wooden cutting board on a kitchen counter

Tomato is rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which will help in reducing the tan. Apply a fresh tomato pulp to your face or body.

Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then you may rinse off. This is a simple yet effective remedy to reduce tanning from your skin.

6. Yogurt and Gram Flour Mask

Thick yogurt and gram flour paste in a small bowl, with a whisk, yogurt container, and gram flour jar on a marble kitchen island

Yogurt’s lactic acid content helps in lightening the tan, while gram flour (besan) exfoliates the skin. Make a thick paste by mixing two tablespoons of yogurt with one tablespoon of gram flour.

Apply it and leave it on for 20 minutes, then you can wash off.

7. Cucumber Juice for Cooling Effect

Bowl of grated cucumber and glass of cucumber juice, with cucumber slices and a juicer on a kitchen counter in soft natural light

Cucumber juice can be a fantastic way to reduce heat and calm your skin. It not only cools but also helps lighten a tan.

Grate a cucumber, extract its juice and then apply it directly to tanned areas for 15 minutes on daily basis.

Related: Skincare Tips With Cucumber

8. Coconut Water for a Gentle Touch

Fresh coconut water in a bottle next to a cotton ball and halved coconuts on a bathroom vanity with a towel

Coconut water is incredibly hydrating and helps in lightening tan when applied regularly. Simply dab it on tanned areas using a cotton ball.

Its mild and gentle nature makes it suitable for all skin types.

9. Hydrate and Moisturize Regularly

Glass of water, bottle of moisturizer, and hydrating serum neatly arranged on a bathroom shelf with indoor plants

Removing tan also involves keeping your skin hydrated. You must drink plenty of water and use moisturizers with Vitamin E or hyaluronic acid.

These ingredients will help in skin repair and maintaining a healthy glow on your face.

10. Banana and Honey Mask

Mashed banana and honey mixture in a glass bowl, with whole bananas and a honey jar on a kitchen counter

Bananas are packed with vitamins that nourish the skin and when combined with honey, they help in tan removal while moisturizing the skin.

Mash a ripe banana and mix it with honey. Apply this mask for 15-20 minutes and then rinse off.

11. Rice Flour Scrub

Bowl of rice flour and milk mixture with a rice flour container and a glass of milk on a clean kitchen counter

Rice flour acts as an exfoliant and also helps in reducing pigmentation. Mix rice flour with water or milk to form a scrub then gently exfoliate tanned areas to remove dead skin cells plus lighten the tan.

12. Mint Leaves Paste

Fresh mint leaves being ground in a mortar and pestle, with a small bowl of mint paste on a wooden kitchen table

Mint has a cooling effect and is great for soothing sunburns and tans. Make a paste or mask by grinding fresh mint leaves with a little water.

Just simply apply it to your skin and leave it on for 15 minutes then you can wash it off with cool water.

13. Green Tea Ice Cubes

Tray of frozen green tea ice cubes next to a teapot, fresh green tea leaves, and a glass of brewed tea on a kitchen counter

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and helps reduce skin damage caused by the UV rays. Freeze brewed green tea in ice cube trays.

Rub the ice cubes on tanned areas for a cooling and tan-reducing effect.

14. Egg White and Lemon Mask

Glass bowl of egg white and lemon juice mixture, with a whisk, cracked eggshells, and a sliced lemon on a kitchen countertop

Egg white tightens the skin while lemon helps in lightening a tan. You can mix one egg white with a few drops of lemon juice.

Apply the mixture to tanned areas then let it dry after that you can rinse off with lukewarm water.

15. Watermelon Pulp

Clear bowl of fresh watermelon pulp, with watermelon slices and a knife on a wooden cutting board in a bright kitchen

Watermelon is hydrating and full of antioxidants. So, why not apply fresh watermelon pulp to your skin as this will help soothe sunburns and reduce tan.

Leave the pulp on for 15-20 minutes and then wash it off.

Related: Home Made Face Masks

Conclusion

Removing a tan can take time, but by adding these 15 methods to your skincare routine, you are giving your skin a better chance at rejuvenating itself.

Whether you prefer natural home remedies or professional-grade treatments, consistency is the key.

Don’t forget to hydrate, moisturize, and protect your skin from the sun to keep that tan at bay in the future!