Continue reading and learn more about how to remove sun tan from your hands.
Why Do We Get Tanned?
Tan is the pigmentation in your skin when it is exposed to excessive sunlight. Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its color. On exposure to sunlight, your skin overproduces melanin, thereby imparting a tanned look. This also often makes your skin look dull. Contrary to popular belief, melanin production in your skin is not mere pigmentation but your body’s mechanism to protect you from harmful UV rays of the sun. This makes it imperative to protect your hands and prevent unwanted tanning. We have discussed prevention tips later in this article. For a more holistic approach, consider trying a tan removal face pack at home that can be applied not just to your face but also to your hands. But, let’s first look at a few home remedies that can help fade the tan on your hands.
Home Remedies To Fade Tan From Your Hands
1. Yogurt
Yogurt contains L-cysteine peptide, a compound that is known to suppress tyrosinase activity (1). This helps reverse the effects of excessive pigmentation, which may fade a tan and effectively exfoliate your hands.
2-3 tablespoons of yogurt 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
If you are looking to remove tan permanently, consistency is key. You can apply this paste on your hands one to two times every week. Caution: Do not forget to carry out a patch test before you use this remedy as lemon juice can cause skin irritation. Chitralekha Paul, a YouTuber, shares her journey of getting rid of tan. She said applying yogurt worked for her. She further adds, “I applied plain yogurt on my face and my body two or three times a week, I did that [and] it did help me achieve a bright skin soft and bright skin (i).”
2. Tomato
Tomatoes are rich in bioactive compounds called carotenoids that function as photo protectants (2). They can reduce the tan caused by harmful UV rays of the sun. 2 medium-sized tomatoes You can do this two times a week.
3. Lemon Juice
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is the major constituent of lemon juice. It is known to have anti-pigmentary properties that can help in reducing the effects of skin tan (3).
A lemon Water Cotton ball
Repeat this two times a week. Caution: Lemon juice can cause a stinging sensation on your skin. Please do a patch test before trying this remedy. It also increases the sensitivity of your skin to UV light. Hence, make sure you use diluted lemon juice and wash it off thoroughly after the specified duration.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains bioactive compounds (aloesin, aloe emodin, and aloin) that suppress tyrosinase activity (4). This translates to reduced pigmentation on your skin.
2-3 teaspoons of aloe vera gel 1 teaspoon honey
For best results, apply this paste on your hands two to three times every week.
5. Cucumber
Cucumber not only has moisturizing properties but also contains bioactive compounds (like trans, cis-2,6-nonadienal) that inhibit tyrosinase activity and reverse the effects of sun tan (5).
A cucumber 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
Apply this once a week until the tan disappears.
6. Papaya
Papaya extracts act as exfoliants and can help slough away dead skin cells from the surface of your skin (6). This helps in fading the tan on your hands.
1 ripe papaya 1 lemon
Repeat two times a week. Caution: Do a patch test before you use this remedy as lemon juice can cause skin irritation.
7. Honey
Honey has excellent moisturizing properties and promotes tissue repair. It not only softens your skin and makes it smooth but also contains antioxidants that reverse the skin damage caused by UV rays (7), (8).
1 tablespoon honey 1 lemon
Apply this paste two times a week. Caution: Carry out a patch test before you use this remedy as lemon juice can irritate your skin.
8. Orange Peel
Studies show that the peel of an orange contains compounds that can suppress melanogenesis and reverse the effects of sun tan (9). The juice in oranges moisturizes your skin.
1 teaspoon of powdered orange peel 1 pinch of turmeric powder 1 teaspoon of honey
You can do this two times a week.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin that inhibits melanogenesis (10). This leads to reduced production of melanin, thereby fading the tan on your hands.
1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon of milk
Do this once every week until the tan disappears.
10. Saffron
Saffron is widely used in traditional medicine to restore the natural complexion. Research shows that it has a moisturizing effect on your skin and also eliminates the damage to your skin caused by UV rays of the sun (11).
¼ cup of fresh milk A few strands of saffron
Do this 1-2 times a week. A survey conducted on 12,397 participants in 2019 found that an estimated 3% of Canadians aged 12 or older used indoor UV tanning in the last year. It was further noted that the prevalence of using indoor tanning was 42.4% for women between 18 – 34 and 21.6% for women between 35 – 44.
Tips To Prevent Your Hands From Tanning
Use sun-protective clothing. Use sunscreen lotion before stepping out into the sun. Do not forget to reapply sunscreen upon prolonged exposure to sunlight. Always wash your hands and apply hand cream before you sleep.
What are the most effective natural ingredients for removing tan and how often should I apply these remedies for best results? Some of the most effective natural ingredients for tan removal include lemon juice, aloe vera, yogurt, and turmeric. You can apply these remedies 2 to 3 times a week, allowing them to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off for optimal results. Is a tan permanent? Tanning by exposure to sunlight need not be permanent. However, if you regularly get tanned by artificial methods, you could be subjecting your skin to permanent damage. Does bleach remove tan? Bleach can remove tan, but not to a large extent. However, regular use of bleach can cause severe damage to your skin. How long does sunburn take to heal? Mild sunburn can take up to 2-3 days to heal. If you have a more severe burn, it can take more than 10 days to heal. Can coffee remove tan? Yes, coffee is a fantastic exfoliant that aids in tan removal. You can apply a mixture of coffee powder with raw milk or honey to your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with cold water. How long does a tan take to fade? While a tan may start fading in 7 to 10 days, it can take up to 30 days to disappear entirely. However, this duration depends on the individual’s skin tone and type. Does coconut oil remove tan? Although coconut oil can help your skin in many ways, tanning is not one of them. While it provides some protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, it does not shield you against sunburn or tanning. Does a scrub remove tan? Yes. Gently exfoliating your skin with a scrub can help lighten its tone by removing the dead skin cells from the surface. Does masoor dal remove tan? Yes, masoor dal may be able to remove tan. Anecdotal evidence claims that masoor dal or Indian red lentils may have anti-tanning properties that may help tackle sun tan, dark spots, and blemishes. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting this claim. Nonetheless, it is considered to be an effective natural exfoliant that may help in achieving clearer skin. You can try soaking masoor dal overnight and then grind it into a paste. Use the paste as an exfoliator and follow up with a gentle moisturizer.
Illustration: How To Remove Tan From The Hands
Say goodbye to sun tanning with these natural home remedies! Check out the video to learn how to remove tan in just 10 days without using any chemicals.
