Whether you love or hate the sun, if you tend to hang around in its embrace, it is bound to make your skin a little darker and patchy. And sure, the tan fades after a while. But if you are in a hurry or have an important day coming, we understand the urgency. You’ve come here looking for tan removal home remedies and we will give you just that.
Sun Tan Removal: The Basics
Even after applying sunscreen, your skin can get tanned if you forget to reapply or are too active under the sun for too long. Since you can't go back in time to correct your mistake, let's move forward and take a look at tan removal home remedies.
- Tan Removal Home Remedies
- 1. Gram Flour and Turmeric
- 2. Potato Juice
- 3. Honey and Papaya
- 4. Milk and Rice Flour
- 5. Fuller's Earth and Aloe Vera
- Detan Products
- FAQs about Tan Removal Home Remedies
Tan Removal Home Remedies

The best way to treat sun tan is by allowing it to heal on its own, but that can take a while. These tan removal home remedies will help get rid of sun tan and return that healthy glow.
1. Gram Flour and Turmeric

The gentle exfoliating properties of gram flour can effectively lighten suntan. Adding turmeric for tan removal will brighten your skin and accelerate the healing process.
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Take a cup of gram flour and add a teaspoon of turmeric to it, pour milk or water to make a paste.
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Apply it on your face, body or any other area that is tanned.
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Let it dry off completely, then remove it with lukewarm water.
2. Potato Juice

Potato juice is a natural bleaching agent that corrects skin tone and makes it brighter.
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Take one raw potato and extract its juice, you can grate it and then squeeze it in a cloth to get the juice.
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Apply it on the tanned areas and leave on for 10-12 minutes then wash off for glowing skin.
3. Honey and Papaya

Honey has skin-soothing and nourishing properties, applying it to your skin will offer relief from dryness, irritation and sunburn. Add papaya for removing tan, on the other hand, contains bleaching, exfoliating, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, and skin-brightening properties. This makes it the perfect ingredient for tan removal home remedies.
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Take half a cup of papaya and mash it using a fork.
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Add a teaspoon or two of raw honey to it and mix well.
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Apply the mixture all over the tanned area and allow it to dry.
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Wash off with lukewarm water to see the difference in your skin.
4. Milk and Rice Flour

Milk contains lactic acid that mildly peels the layer of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and reveals the brighter-looking skin underneath. Rice flour acts as a brightening agent to correct uneven skin tone, making it a must for sun tan removal home remedies.
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In a bowl, take 2 tablespoons of rice flour, add cold milk to it, and pour enough to form a thick paste.
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Apply generously all over the face and other areas that are tanned and leave it to dry.
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Keep it on your face for at least 30 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.
5. Fuller's Earth and Aloe Vera

Use aloe vera for skin repair as it has calming properties. Applying it to your sunburn or rashes can heal the skin faster. Fuller's earth or ‘multani mitti’ contains anti-inflammatory properties that remove dirt, bacteria and other impurities that could lead to infection.
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In a bowl, take two tablespoons of multani mitti. To this add 2-3 tablespoons of freshly extracted aloe vera gel.
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Transfer to a grinder and blend it to form a thick paste.
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Apply this mixture to the tanned areas of your body with a brush.
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Allow it to stay on for about 15-20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.
Detan Products

Embrace the ease of detan and sun protection products for a radiant glow, even when life keeps you busy to DIY sun tan removal home remedies!
Pond's DeTan Facewash - Infused with vitamin C and niacinamide, it not only effectively lifts away tan but also brightens the complexion, leaving behind a refreshed and radiant skin tone. Its deep cleansing action goes beyond surface dirt, purifying the skin from within and preventing further tan buildup.
Lakmē Sun Expert SPF 50 PA+++ Ultra Matte Lotion - This is a must if you want to prevent suntan in the first place. Its high SPF formulation ensures high defence against UV rays, preventing sunburns, tanning, and premature ageing. What sets it apart is its ultra-matte finish, which leaves the skin shine-free and comfortable throughout the day.
Pond's Serum Boost Sunscreen Gel - This combines the benefits of a serum with the efficacy of a sunscreen. With its SPF 50 formulation, it provides high-level protection against UV rays, shielding the skin from sun damage and tanning. Enriched with skin-loving ingredients, this sunscreen gel not only protects but also nourishes the skin, leaving it hydrated and radiant.
Vaseline Sun + Pollution Protection SPF 30 Body Lotion - We’ve got something for body tan as well! Its dual-action formula offers SPF 30 protection against harmful UV rays, preventing sunburns and tanning while keeping the skin hydrated and supple. The lightweight and non-greasy texture ensures quick absorption, leaving the skin feeling soft and nourished without any stickiness, perfect for the Indian climate.
FAQs about Tan Removal Home Remedies

Q1. Is sun tan permanent?
A. Sun tan is not permanent; both natural and artificial tans will fade off eventually and your skin will regain its natural colour. The process is slow and can be accelerated by using natural remedies at home or by visiting a dermatologist for treatments.
Q2. How long does a sunburn take to heal?
A. Sunburns can be mild or moderate. A mild sunburn takes about 3-5 days to heal. The redness and sensitivity should calm down within 5 days and there will be some peeling as the skin heals. Moderate sunburns take longer, maybe up to a week to heal and sometimes you may also have to visit a dermatologist.
Q3. How can I prevent my skin from getting tanned?
A. Avoid stepping out in the sun without protection, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and carry an umbrella to protect your skin. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours for maximum protection. Use DIY masks and scrubs regularly to get rid of suntans at home.
Written by Lopa K on 5th Mar 2024