How to Get Rid of Tan Fast From Skin

How To Get Rid Of Tan

Most of us have experienced uneven color or tan lines on our skin when we’ve spent a while in the sun. Getting the tan off of your skin is easier said than done since you can’t simply wash it off.

When your skin tans, your body is trying to protect itself from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Melanin, the chemical in the skin that is responsible for tanning or darkening, is released under the top layers of the skin to absorb the radiation from UV rays. The more you’re exposed to UV rays from a tanning bed or the sun, the more melanin your body will release which will make your skin darker.

The most effective way to lighten your tan is to avoid getting too tanned in the first place. Shield your skin from extreme tanning by protein yourself from the sun. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and protective clothing that will reflect light away from your skin. You should reapply your sunscreen every two hours and choose a product that has an SPF of at least 25 for the best protection. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should use sunscreen daily to protect your skin even in the fall and winter months.

Practical Solutions for Fading Your Tan

If you need to fade your tan quickly, here are some tips to try:

Exfoliate

When you exfoliate your skin gently with a store-bought or homemade scrub, you can lighten your skin tone and remove dead skin cells. Once you exfoliate, stay out of the sun to prevent skin damage. Dead skin cells actually act as a barrier between your skin and the sun so once you remove these cells you’re more likely to develop an unwanted tan or sunburn.

Exfoliation also removes the pigmented skin cells from your body and makes your tan less evident. You can also use alpha or beta hydroxy acids to exfoliate your skin and give you a healthy glow without too much of a tan. Using a sponge or loofah in the shower can also gently remove dead cells from your body and make your skin a little lighter.

If you have sensitive or dry skin, a chemical exfoliator or soft cloth will work best. If your skin is oilier or thicker, you’ll likely need to use stronger exfoliants to get the results you want.

Remember, it’s important to be gentle on your skin when exfoliating no matter your skin type. Being too harsh on your skin can cause redness, irritation, and breakouts. If you have darker skin, over-exfoliating can lead to hyperpigmentation.

Make sure you apply moisturizer to your skin once you exfoliate to keep your skin from becoming too dry. Choose a moisturizer that contains aloe to nourish and soften your skin after tanning.

Baking Soda

If you’re using self-tanner, you’re basically dying the outer layers of your skin. Exfoliation will remove the surface skin cells and reduce a tanned appearance.

Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and rub the paste on your skin. Scrub it gently and reduce streaking without making your skin too dry or irritated.

Nail Bugger

If you have tough areas of skin that are tanned and won’t fade in color, like your feet and hands, use a nail buffer to reduce the look of a tan. The buffer will get rid of any excess self-tanner and keep your hands and feet from looking dingy or orange.

Apply Aloe Gel

Aloe is a natural treatment for sunburn and can reduce inflammation as well. One study found that Aloe vera can also suppress melanin release to reduce pigmentation on the skin. Apply aloe to your skin as soon as you come inside to reduce the chances of developing a deeper tan.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice often used in African, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean dishes. The seasoning has a bright orange or yellow hue and has been scientifically proven to heal your skin from sun damage and lighten your complexion when it is used as a skin cream ingredient. Studies also show that turmeric can improve your skin’s moisture levels and protect the oils your skin cells naturally produce.

However, this popular spice can stain your fingers and clothing and leave a pronounced yellow stain that can be hard to get rid of. Use makeup remover or facial cleanser after applying a turmeric mask to remove any additional residue or stains.

Black Tea

A small study revealed that the extract from black tea can lighten the fur on guinea pigs; however, more research needs to be conducted to see if the tea will have the same effect on humans. You can brew some black tea, allow it to cool, and apply it to your skin with a cotton ball to see if it will lighten your skin. Even if your tan doesn’t disappear, your skin will be nourished due to the antioxidants in the tea.

Products that Lighten the Skin

There are several skin lightening treatments you can purchase over the counter at your local discount department store or drugstore. Be sure to look for products that contain ingredients such as kojic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin C, glycolic acid, or retinoids like tazarotene, retinol, tretinoin. These ingredients can lighten your skin and get rid of dark spots by powerfully exfoliating your skin and promoting the growth of new skin cells. Test a small amount of the product on your skin to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction and avoid sun exposure to prevent skin irritation.

Stronger skin lightening creams should be prescribed by your dermatologist. It’s important to follow the directions your dermatologist gives you to make sure you’re not overusing the products which can lead to permanent discoloration.

Tan Reduction Remedies You Should Avoid

There are a few remedies you should avoid using if you want to get rid of your tan quickly.

One of the treatments you should be careful about using is lemon juice. This natural treatment is often recommended to lighten your skin but you should always make sure that you dilute lemon juice with water so the effects won’t be so harsh on your skin. The juice from lemons or limes can successfully remove dead skin cells but the citric acid can irritate your skin and even cause chemical burns.

If you’re purchasing skin lightening creams from other countries, be sure to check the ingredients to make sure there are no harmful chemicals in the product such as steroids or mercury. Some creams don’t list all the ingredients on the product label so you may have to do some research to figure out if the cream is safe for you to use on your skin.

The Bottom Line for Getting Rid of Your Tan

Overall, the best way to rid your skin of a tan is to shield your skin from UV rays. When you notice that your skin has tanned more than you’d like, there are a few treatments you can use to safely lighten your skin. Make sure that you spot-test all treatments you’re considering on your forearm and check to see if you have an allergic reaction. Stop using any product if you notice burning or stinging on your skin and talk to your dermatologist if you have any questions.

FAQ