Sun Tan: How to Remove Those Ugly Tan Lines and Dark Spots?

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you might have noticed the skin on the exposed parts of your body turning darker. This is called a sun tan and may cause your skin to appear uneven in both tone and texture. The UV rays from the sun cause darker patches and may also lead to premature skin aging if not treated timely. This is why skin care experts advise using SPF-based sunscreen to limit the damage caused by UV rays. But what if you already have tanned skin? 

Tip:

The best way to lighten a sun tan (especially on the face) is to avoid getting it in the first place. 

Why do we, Tan?

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Prolonged exposure to the sun causes the most common skincare issue, tanning. We all have experienced tan lines or uneven tones that we wish could go away. They are our body’s natural way of protecting itself from the sun’s damaging UV rays. But sometimes, getting rid of stubborn tan lines seems quite difficult. 

When the skin is exposed to UV radiation for a prolonged period, it powers on its protection mode. This protective mechanism triggers more melanin production in the skin cells, the chemical that absorbs UV radiation. It is responsible for the skin’s dull and uneven texture. So certainly, people with lighter complexions typically can’t produce enough melanin, and thus, their skin burns easily. 

The sun’s rays emit two types of ultraviolet rays- Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). When UVA and UVB penetrate the skin’s lowest layers, they trigger cells called Melanocytes to synthesize melanin, so both UVA and UVB are responsible for tanning. It may seem like melanin is not good for the skin’s health, but actually, it is useful because it protects the skin from further damage. However, too much exposure to the sun can also reduce elasticity and cause premature skin aging. It may also make you look less attractive.

So, when you step out, you should protect your skin with sunscreen and sun-protective clothes. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one should use best sunscreen every day to protect one’s skin in the best possible way. And if you can safeguard your skin from external damage, it’s a gift. 

In usual scenarios, hyperpigmentation can only be reversed by following a personalized care regimen. We shall list a few important pointers related to reducing or removing sun tan from the face in the next few sections.

How to Remove Sun Tan from the Face? 

You will be surprised to know that ingredients from your kitchen can also help you get rid of tanning on your face. 

• Aloe vera: This succulent plant works as a sunburn salve for its anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties. Studies have found that aloe vera may reduce melanin release and ward off multiple signs of aging, such as hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. You can use our Aloe Ashwagandha Face Gel to get a youthful glow. 

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• Cucumber: This hydrating ingredient can be used to heal skin and remove tan from the face. It also has vitamin C to promote skin brightening while its cooling effect soothes inflammation and soreness. Its high water content helps retain moisture in the skin cells and accelerates healing. 

• Turmeric, gram, and curd: Yes, a homemade ubtan made from this classic combination can only also be applied on the skin for promoting healing. Let it stay on your skin for 10-15 minutes, and rinse off with lukewarm water. You may also use our Ubtan Face Wash or Ubtan Face Scrub to get the same benefits.

• Raw milk: This ultra-nourishing ingredient from the Indian kitchen is used to lighten the tan and brighten the complexion. The skin lightening and brightening properties work wonderfully on uneven skin. This is because of lactic acid in the raw milk that lightens blemishes and reduces hyperpigmentation marks. 

• Papaya and honey: Papaya helps cleanse your stomach and is a great exfoliator. It has enzymes that smoothly clear dead skin cells and regulates ]hyperpigmentation. You can use raw papaya on your face or mix it with honey and keep it for 30 minutes to cut down on wrinkles and suntan. It may also work as a face toner.

• Orange: This powerhouse of vitamin C never fails to impress skin enthusiasts with its amazing properties. This nutrient also helps remove blemishes, improves elasticity, makes skin supple skin, and promotes skin lightening. To make your face mask, take one tablespoon of orange peel powder and honey, making a fine paste. Apply it on your face and then rinse it after 5 to 7 minutes. 

• Masoor daal: Red split lentils have exfoliation properties. Using their paste helps address various skin problems, such as annoying tan lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, rough patches on the skin, premature skin aging, etc. It contains vitamins B6 and C, iron, calcium, and magnesium. This makes it very effective at removing sun tan on the face. 

• Turmeric: This bright yellow spice helps lighten and brighten the skin. A study has found that turmeric helps protect the skin against sun damage when used in skin care products. It also improves the skin’s hydration level and natural essential oils.
  
  Raw turmeric can stain your face, so it’s best to use skin care products enriched with turmeric. You can also try our Ubtan Face Scrub with Turmeric and Walnut to gently exfoliate dead skin and reveal fresh & healthy skin. 

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• Green Tea: Green tea is saturated with antioxidants that reverse face tan by reviving new skin cells. Its topical application causes a photo-protective effect, thus bringing down the number of sunburn cells and protecting the skin. It may also help reverse the damage caused to the DNA after UV exposure. 

• Almonds: This rich dry fruit has vitamin R that helps your skin battle sun damage. Health experts recommend soaking 4-5 almonds overnight and eating them in your breakfast for the best results on your skin. 

• Potato: The juice from the potato acts as a natural bleaching agent in correcting skin tone and making it brighter. Potato juice has an enzyme called catecholase, which helps to lighten skin tone. It may thus be used as a simple solution to get rid of dark circles and sun tan. 

• Sandalwood: is yet another time-tested ingredient known to improve texture in many ways. It helps you get rid of tan lines and treats acne and pimples. Since it has antioxidants, it helps maintain the skin cells’ structure, improves elasticity, and prevents wrinkles by fighting free radical formation. 
• Skin-lightening products: The ingredients rich in antioxidants are known to improve skin health and lighten darker patches. As per the American Academy of Dermatology, products enriched with these ingredients help impart a radiant glow to the skin. 

1. Vitamin C
2. Kojic acid
3. Glycolic acid
4. Retinoids or retinol
5. Azelaic acid

These active ingredients are also called chemical exfoliators, as they exfoliate dead skin cells and lighten tan or dark spots. Regularly using these ingredients in your regimen helps boost new cell growth and slows down melanin production. However, it is important to use them in small doses, especially if used for the first time. 

Ingredients to Avoid

At the same time, you should avoid the following ingredients in your skincare regimen- 

1. Lemon juice

Here’s a fact about lemon juice- it should never be used undiluted on the skin. Although it helps reduce tan lines, using it as a standalone ingredient may cause skin irritation, excessive dryness, or inflammation. 

But if you still want to use it topically, you should mix it with a moisturizing agent to ward off irritation and wash it off properly. Even if you wash it off completely, going out in the sun after using it may lead to chemical burns and make your skin sensitive to UV light. 

2. Bleaching agents

Sometimes we get so swayed by the effectiveness of certain agents that we overlook if it is good for the skin or not. For instance, bleaching agents with lightning properties should never be used on the skin. 

How to prevent sun tanning?

Everyone loves going outdoors in the winter but hates the tan that comes with it. So, the easiest way to keep your skin from UV damage is to avoid going out in direct sunlight. The sun’s rays are direct in peak hours- 12 pm to 4 pm- when you are more at risk of getting tanned. 

How to Prevent Sun Tanning?

1. Apply a sunscreen face moisturizer with an SPF above 30 once every 2 hours. Apply it for at least 20-30 minutes before stepping out.
2. Drink enough water when you are out in the sun. This will keep your skin well-hydrated when the rays try to absorb the moisture. 
3. Wear sunscreen-protective clothing, such as a broad-brimmed hat, cotton stoles, etc., to protect your skin. 
4. Wear sunglasses that filter UV light.

Pro tip-

Your sunscreen only works when you follow a personalized skincare routine. It should comprise a sulfate-free face cleanser, face toner, and moisturizer. 

Our recommendations

• Mamaearth Sunscreen Lotion

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Are you aware that you should protect your body from the sun just as much as your face? Additionally, to avoid just tanning. Premature aging and hyperpigmentation are other effects of sun damage. It’s time to use our Ubtan Sunscreen Body Lotion to protect the UV rays. This moisturizing and light body lotion protects the skin from sun damage while providing deep hydration.

Our Ubtan Sunscreen Body Lotion nourishes your skin with a radiant natural glow since it contains the beneficial ingredients turmeric and saffron. It has been proven that saffron helps lighten complexion, lessen hyperpigmentation, and offer natural sun protection. This toxin-free body lotion with sunscreen is thus your skin’s best friend since turmeric contains antioxidants that help prevent free radical damage. 

• Mamaearth Ubtan Face Wash

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We are home to a super-effective range of skincare products that could help de-tan your skin with the Goodness of Nature. Like home remedies, our products formulate a few time-tested ingredients that have been used since immemorial. You may opt for our Ubtan Face Wash with Turmeric & Saffron to reverse signs of UV exposure in a hassle-free manner.

This toxin-free sun tan removal face wash helps reverse skin tan, thus making it glowing and radiant. It is crafted with Turmeric, Saffron, Carrot Seed Oil, and Walnut that directly provide deep exfoliation. Antioxidants in Turmeric defend skin from free radical damage, fight sun tan, and brighten the natural skin tone.

Carrot Seed Oil clears annoying age and sun spots, unveiling a youthful glow. It also helps with premature skin aging, which fights hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and tan lines. With no harmful chemicals or toxins, this face wash does not cause any allergic reaction to the skin. 

Summing Up!

No matter your skin tone, it is important to cushion your skin. Keeping your skin safe is 

much easier than reversing the signs of sun tan when damage has already been done. If your skin is already tanned, using our Ubtan-based products can help you have better results.

You should also keep yourself adequately hydrated by drinking about 2-3 liters of water every day. You should switch to a nutrient-rich diet and eat vegetables and fruits to boost your antioxidant consumption. All these way-outs will help you have tan-free glowing skin. This will also help you reduce sun tanning at your home using simple remedies.

You can also get your hands on our skincare range formulated with nature-inspired ingredients to lighten your tone. We have an array of skin care ranges your skin will love because we feature a blend of non-toxic and natural ingredients. From face cleansers to face creams to serums, we have everything to make you fall in love with your skin. 

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