Various home solutions can help fade the color of tans, tan lines, and self-tanning. Find out here how exfoliation and other methods can help you, and what to avoid.
Tanning occurs when the ultraviolet rays of the sun change the pigment of the skin and give it a darker color. Getting a tan off isn’t easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight. However, some methods can help make the tan fade faster.
Without intervention, the tan usually begins to fade within a few weeks, and tan lines fade until they become unnoticeable. This is because the body sheds dead skin cells and replaces them with new ones. The tan obtained with tanning products also fades over time, as the skin renews itself. This article presents the safe methods one can use to remove a tan or self-tan at home. It also discusses methods to avoid that could damage the skin, including lemon juice and bleaching creams.
How to get rid of a tan
Most methods for getting rid of a tan, whether from a tanning booth or from the sun, come from recommendations on exfoliation and skin care. There hasn’t been much clinical research on ways to get rid of a tan, but many popular methods are safe and have few side effects. There are many skin types and ways to apply products. The best method may vary depending on the person’s skin tone, the products they prefer, and the methods they use.
How to fade a tan
The following methods can help remove or fade a tan caused by the sun or a tanning bed:
Exfoliation
A gentle exfoliation of the skin removes pigmented dead cells from the outer layer of the skin. This can lessen the appearance of the tan.
The two main types of exfoliation are chemical and mechanical techniques:
Chemical techniques use chemicals that dissolve dead skin cells, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids.
Mechanical techniques use brushes or sponges to remove dead cells.
People with dry, sensitive skin may find that a soft washcloth and chemical exfoliator work best. People with thicker, oilier skin will find stronger chemicals and mechanical methods work better for them.
Regardless of skin type, be sure to gently exfoliate. Excessive scrubbing can redden the skin and cause acne breakouts. People with darker skin may find that excessive exfoliation can cause dark patches on the skin. Care must be taken to moisturize the skin after the exfoliation to prevent it from being too dry. Moisturizers containing aloe are a good starting point for softening the skin.
Lightening products
These products may require several repeated applications to be effective, but they do help fade darker areas of skin.
Look for products containing the following ingredients
azelaic acid
glycolic acid
retinoids
vitamin C
kojic acid
Skin lightening products are sold both in pharmacies and online. Remember to check the ingredients before purchasing.
How to remove tanning products
People may be able to remove excess self-tanning product from their skin by taking a shower. People can try the following methods to help remove self-tanning products from the skin:
Take a shower or a bath
If a self-tanner leaves streaks or lines of color, a shower, bath, or even a quick rinse with soap after applying the product can help even out skin tone. You can use a soft, damp washcloth to exfoliate the skin and remove excess product.
Baking soda
Since self-tanner essentially “dyes” the outer layers of skin, exfoliation methods aimed at removing skin cells are among the safest ways to reduce the appearance of self-tanner. Combining baking soda with just enough water to make a paste is a very effective way to remove excess tan or streaks from the skin. Gently rub in circular motions to reduce the appearance of streaks without irritating the skin.
A soft pad for the nails
This solution is only suitable for calloused and harder areas of the skin, such as the hands and feet. Use a nail polisher to gently remove collected areas of tan that make hands and feet look dirty or too orange.
Self tanner removers
Pharmacies also offer products to help remove self-tanner. These include soaps, lotions and exfoliating gloves. It is also possible to choose types and brands of self tanner removal products online.
What you should not do
Many blogs and social media accounts offer tips on getting rid of self-tanners, but not all tips are good. The skin is a delicate organ, so it is important not to apply products that are not intended for the skin.
Here are some examples of methods to avoid when removing self-tanner:
lemon juice
For many years, lemon juice has been used as a hair and skin lightener. Many blogs offer to use fresh lemons to remove tan lines or lighten the skin. However, undiluted lemon juice can be very acidic and damage the skin. If a person wants to use lemon juice, they should dilute it in water and rinse it off a few minutes after applying it. This reduces the risk of skin irritation.
skin whitening products
Whitening creams can be irritating to the skin and change the pigmentation of the skin so that instead of having darker streaks, the person has lighter streaks. Liquid bleach should never be used on the skin, as it can severely burn and damage it.
In summary
Gentle exfoliation and some approved lightening products can help reduce the appearance of a tan. A series of home solutions can help even out an at-home self-tanner. Exfoliating before applying the tan can help reduce any unevenness or streaking. Although spending time in the sun has many health benefits, it is advisable to always wear sunscreen and limit time spent outdoors in the hot sun to reduce the risk of skin cancer. skin and premature aging. If a person is unsure about the safety of a tanning removal method, they should talk to their dermatologist before trying it.
