Getting suntan or sunburn during the summer is very common. Prolonged exposure to the sun can also lead to severe skin darkening. Removing the tan can be quite a challenge due to the presence of melanin in our skin.
The more melanin our skin has, the darker it becomes. However, beforeattempting to remove melanin, it’s essential to understand that melanin is the body’s natural defence against the sun’s harmful rays, which helps reduce the risk of skin cancer. When exposed to the sun, the skin produces more melanin to protect itself. There are several domestic methods for removing suntan that can be used today.
1. Lemon juice
Cut a lemon and directly apply the lemon juice to the tanned skin. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse with cold water.
2. Rose juice, lemon juice, and rose water
Mix one tablespoon of rose juice, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and one tablespoon of rose water. Apply this mixture to the tanned skin and let it dry before washing off with cold water.
3. Turmeric and gram flour
Combine a small amount of turmeric powder with two teaspoons of gram flour. Create a paste by adding a little milk or rose water. Apply the paste to the tanned skin and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing off with cold water.
4. Red Lentil, Tomato, and Aloe Vera
Soak one tablespoon of red lentil in water until soft. Mix the softened lentils with tomato juice and aloe vera gel. Apply this mixture to the sunburned skin for 30 minutes, then gently scrub the skin with cold water.
5. Honey and ripe papaya
Mash two pieces of ripe papaya and add a little honey to it. Apply this mixture to the affected areas and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
6. Oats and Buttermilk
Soak three teaspoons of oats in a teaspoon of buttermilk. Once the oats become soft, massage them onto the affected areas. Rinse with cold water afterwards.
7. Yoghurt and Tomato Juice
Mix one tablespoon of tomato juice and one tablespoon of yoghurt. Apply the mixture to the tanned skin and leave it on for half an hour before washing off with cold water. Alternatively, you can use orange juice instead of tomato juice.
8. Milk and Strawberries
Mash strawberries and mix them with milk. Apply the mixture to the affected areas and let it dry completely before rinsing with cold water.
9. Potato juice and lemon juice
Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon of potato juice and apply it to the sunburned areas. Leave it on for half an hour before washing with cold water.
10. Sandalwood
Apply sandalwood paste to the affected areas before going to bed. Wash it off with cold water in the morning. Note that this method might not be suitable for those with dry skin. If you have dry skin, use coconut or cucumber water instead of plain water for better results.
These home remedies can help reduce sun tan instantly and improve the appearance of your skin. Remember to protect your skin from excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen to prevent further damage.