A few things can give us a break from the humdrum of daily life that is as good as a beach holiday. The sun and the sand make you feel like you’re in another world, away from dreary office cubicles and household chores. However, one unwelcome souvenir you often bring back from your fun holiday is a tan! And now you’re left wondering: how to remove tan from hands and legs?

Yes, all those pretty sleeveless summer dresses and cute swimwear have a disadvantage – they expose your skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays. This often takes its toll and results in a rather unattractive tan all over your arms and legs. But, before we get to how to remove tan from hands and legs, let us understand sun tan and how it can affect your skin. 

What is Sun Tan?

Extended exposure of the skin to harsh sunlight causes the skin to get darker, which is what we call sun tan.

The sun emits UVA and UVB rays. Of these, UVA causes sun tanning, while UVB rays cause sunburns. This is because our skin contains cells called melanocytes beneath the upper layers. When UVA rays hit them, they produce melanin to protect the body. This extra melanin causes the skin to appear darker. 

Tanned skin appears differently on different people, and those with darker skin tan more deeply. This occurs more in summer as we wear shorter or fewer clothes, and often don’t reapply sunscreen cream. (You should apply sunscreen for men with an SPF of over 30 to stay safe from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays).

Also, as our arms and legs get more exposed to the sun, they are more likely to get tanned. This can make you feel less confident, and you need to find ways to undo the sun damage on your hands and legs.

How to Remove Tan from Hands and Legs?

For many people, the first response to sun tanning on their body is to go for a bleaching session. While that may help in the short term, it can worsen your pigmentation in the long term by causing more harm than good. Bleaching can also excessively dry out skin, and cause allergic reactions in some people. It is better to opt for some proven natural ingredients to remove tan from hands and legs. We recommend to use Mamaearth Tan Removal Regimen. It features a safe and effective set of three skincare products- viz., a face wash, face serum, and face mask.

Our Tan Removal Regimen Kit, created from 100% natural ingredients and free from preservatives or harmful chemicals. It comprises Ubtan Face Wash, Ubtan Face Scrub, Ubtan Face Serum, and Ubtan Face Mask

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Together, the trio helps remove sun tan, brighten the skin, and exfoliate dead skin cells. It features Saffron, Turmeric, Walnut Beads, and Carrot Oil that improve the skin’s natural radiance and soothe inflammation.

Here is a full-fledged skincare routine to follow to get rid of the tan from your hands and legs with minimal effort and no chemicals.

12 Ingredients to Remove Tan from Hands and Legs

The following section lists 12 natural ingredients that help remove sun tan from hands and legs.

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is well known for its natural bleaching properties, making it an ideal alternative to chemical bleach. Besides, lemon juice contains the powerful antioxidant ascorbic acid, which lightens sun tan and heals damaged skin.

You can create a pack of lemon juice and honey and apply it to your hands and legs. For extra exfoliation, add some sugar to the mix. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash it off. You can also soak your hands in a mix of warm water and lemon juice for fifteen minutes. 

2. Saffron

Saffron is a valuable spice – not just because it’s expensive, but also because it has many skin benefits. Among the latter is its natural capacity to help reduce excessive sun tan. In addition, it can also treat pigmentation, improve skin texture, and add an extra glow to dull skin. You may opt for Mamaearth Ubtan Foaming face wash with Saffron for Tan removal.

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3. Curd and Buttermilk

Yogurt is rich in probiotics and has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe sunburned skin. In addition, curd or yogurt and buttermilk are rich in lactic acid, which helps lighten tanned skin while also making it softer. 

It can be mixed with other ingredients in this list too. It thus makes a great natural remedy to remove sun tan from hands and legs.

4. Sandalwood

Sandalwood doesn’t just smell great; it also has Sesquiterpenoid alcohols that help reduce sun tan and brightens skin. Besides, sandalwood is inherently cooling and feels great on skin that has been exposed to harsh sunlight.

You can make a sandalwood pack for your hands and legs by mixing sandalwood powder with milk, cream, aloe vera gel, or curd. Leave on for 20 minutes and then wash off.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel is one of the most soothing ingredients for summer, primarily because the gel is mainly composed of water. Aloe vera is packed with antioxidants that can reverse sun tan and is mild enough for all skin types.

Aloe vera gel is best extracted fresh from the leaves. Simply apply the aloe vera gel over your hands and legs, leave it on for half an hour, and rinse off. You can also try it as an overnight treatment. We welcome you to try our Aloe Vera Gel for Skin and Hair for the best results.

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6. Turmeric

Turmeric has long been used to improve complexion, and it also works to remove sun tan. Curcumin is the main compound in turmeric, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can protect the skin against photodamage. It effectively reduces hyperpigmentation and improves skin tone.

Turmeric can be mixed with curd or honey to make a paste. Apply this on the hands and legs and leave for 20 minutes before washing off.

Since saffron is expensive, it needs to be used carefully. Soak some strands in warm milk for 15 minutes and then use a cotton ball to apply over the tanned areas. Let it dry over the tanned skin, and then wash it off with cool water. 

7. Cucumber

Cucumbers are popular summer fruits for a reason – they are full of water and are cooling. They also help lighten tanned skin on the hands and legs, and their astringent properties help tone skin. 

You can rub your hands and legs with fresh cucumber slices or make a pulp and add your choice of ingredients, like honey or rose water. 

8. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is rich in lauric acid, which is great for soothing sunburn and lightening sun tan. Coconut milk also has antioxidants and can restore the skin’s pH balance. 

You can soak your hands and legs in coconut milk for half an hour or use it as a rinse. Then, follow up with a mild cleanser. 

9. Orange Peel

Like lemons, oranges are also an apt answer to the question: how to remove sun tan from hands? Oranges are rich in Vitamin C, a much-sought-after ingredient for skin health. This antioxidant heals sunburn and restores the complexion of the skin. 

Grind dried orange peel with curd to make a pack for your hands and feet. You can add a few drops of orange juice if you like. 

10. Papaya

Papaya is a common ingredient in skincare since it contains an enzyme, papain, that helps reduce pigmentation and improve skin color. In addition, papaya is rich in Vitamins A and C, encouraging cell regeneration and glowing skin. Simply mash ripe papaya flesh in a bowl and use it as a mask for your hands and legs. Leave for 15 minutes and wash off.

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11. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are an unlikely ally in fighting sun tan, but the lycopene in them makes it possible. Lycopene fights cell damage and inflammation and can also balance the pH level of your skin, resulting in brighter, tan-free skin.

Mash tomato pulp with curd and honey to make a mask for the feet and legs. Leave it to dry and wash it off. 

12. Masoor Dal

If you ask older generations how to remove sun tan from their legs, they will suggest one ingredient – ubtan made of masoor dal. This is an Ayurvedic scrub that exfoliates the tanned upper layers of skin, revealing brighter skin underneath. 

To make a Masoor dal:

  1. Soak the dal overnight and grind it to a coarse paste with raw milk.
  2. Massage into the affected areas and leave it on for 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse off with cool water.

While these ingredients are helpful and much safer than chemical bleaching, it can be a little cumbersome to create the masks and treatments from scratch – not to mention messy and time-consuming!

Ideal Routine to Remove Tan from Hands and Legs

Every Morning

  • Cleanse your body with the Ubtan Body Wash With Turmeric and Saffron. Pat it dry with a soft towel.
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Every Night

  • Cleanse your body with the Ubtan Body Wash with Turmeric and Saffron. Pat dry with a soft towel.
  • Apply the Vitamin C Underarm Cream on the underarm area. 
  • Apply the Rose Body Lotion with Rose Water and Milk all over the legs and feet.
  • Apply the Ubtan Hand Cream with Turmeric and Honey all over your hands and massage the cream. 

Twice a Week

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  • Apply the Ubtan Body Scrub with Turmeric and Saffron for Tan Removal all over the hands and feet after cleansing the body. Rinse off and pat dry.

Weekly

  • Apply the Vitamin C Underarm Mask on your underarms and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash off and dry.
  • Soak your hands in a bowl of warm water and lemon juice for 20 minutes. Wash off, dry, and apply the Ubtan Hand Cream with Turmeric and Honey
  • You can also get the Wedding Glow Skincare Kit or the Tan Removal Regimen Kit to get the different tan-removal products in a single combo and at a better price. 

Tips to Prevent Tan on Hands and Legs

  1. Avoid peak sunlight hours, between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
  2. Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs – choose breathable fabrics to stay cool
  3. Add extra protection with umbrellas and hats and stay in the shade as much as possible
  4. Before stepping outside, apply a spf 50 sunscreen lotion with at least 30 and reapply every two hours
  5. Stay well hydrated to prevent skin from drying out
  6. Take a cool shower when you get home to soothe the sun-exposed skin
  7. Eat a diet rich in antioxidants and protein, so the skin repairs itself faster.

FAQs

  1. Is sun tan permanent?

    No. Sun tans are not permanent since the skin goes through natural exfoliation. However, this can take time and does not help the other forms of sun damage, which may be more permanent. 

  2. How to remove sun tan from hands?

    A good skincare regimen focused on the hands can get rid of the tan from the hands. Using a tan-removal cleanser, moisturizing with a hand cream with tan-removal properties, and general moisturization can help. 

  3. How to remove sun tan from legs?

    You can remove sun tan from your legs by taking special care of them. Have pedicures at home using natural ingredients and apply a tan removal body lotion all over the legs and feet, especially before bed. 

  4. How to remove tan from hands and legs for men?

    Men are just as susceptible to sun tan as women, and the same remedies will work for them – a tan-removing cleanser, followed by a body lotion with tan-removing natural ingredients. In addition, it is advisable to opt for sunscreen to protect oneself from the sun’s rays, and to use toxin-free Ubtan-based skincare products to restore skin tone.

  5. Will sunscreen remove tan?

    No. Sunscreens are designed to protect your skin before sun exposure but cannot remove tan from the already exposed skin.

  6. How many days does it take to get rid of a sun tan?

    If you don’t use any products, it can take weeks to notice a small reversal in tanning. However, the use of the right products can hasten the process, and you can see results much faster. 

  7. Can I use my facial products on my hands and legs?

    No. The skin on the face is completely different from that of the hands and legs. The hands and legs have thicker skin, requiring more intense products for effective results.

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