How to Get Rid of Tan This Summer is a common question as the hot summer months bring longer days, stronger UV rays, and increased time spent outdoors. While enjoying the sunshine can be fun, excessive sun exposure often leads to tanning, making the skin appear darker, duller, and uneven. Although tanning is a natural response that helps protect the skin from UV damage, many people prefer to restore their natural skin tone and healthy glow.
Fortunately, reducing tan doesn’t require expensive treatments or complicated skincare routines. With the right combination of natural remedies, affordable skincare products, and effective sun protection habits, you can gradually fade tanning and keep your skin looking fresh and radiant. In this guide, we’ll explore simple and budget-friendly ways to get rid of tan this summer and maintain healthy, glowing skin.
What Is a Tan and Why Does It Happen?
When your skin is exposed to the sun, it produces a pigment called melanin to protect itself from UV rays. This increase in melanin is what causes your skin to darken — that’s a tan.
A tan can appear on your face, neck, arms, hands, and feet — basically anywhere the sun touches.
Natural Home Remedies to Remove Tan
These kitchen ingredients are affordable, safe, and surprisingly effective for removing tan.
1. Lemon and Honey Mask
Lemon is a natural bleaching agent, and honey soothes and moisturises the skin. Avoid going out in the sun immediately after using lemon on your skin — it can cause sensitivity.
How to use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of honey
- Apply on tanned areas
- Leave for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with cold water
- Use 2–3 times a week
2. Besan (Gram Flour) and Turmeric Pack
This is one of the oldest Indian remedies for glowing, even-toned skin.
How to use:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of besan, a pinch of turmeric, and enough raw milk or rose water to make a paste
- Apply evenly on the face and body
- Let it dry for 20 minutes, then scrub off gently with water
- Use 2 times a week
3. Tomato and Yogurt Mask
Tomatoes contain lycopene which helps reverse sun damage, while yogurt gently lightens and moisturises.
How to use:
- Blend half a tomato with 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
- Apply on tanned skin and leave for 20 minutes
- Rinse with cool water
- Use 2–3 times a week
4. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a summer skincare hero. It cools the skin, reduces redness, and helps fade tan over time.
How to use:
- Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly on tanned areas
- Leave overnight or for at least 30 minutes
- Rinse with water
- Can be used daily
5. Potato Juice
Raw potato juice contains an enzyme called catecholase, which is known to help lighten dark spots and tan.
How to use:
- Grate a raw potato and extract the juice
- Apply on tanned skin using a cotton ball
- Leave for 20–30 minutes, then rinse
- Use daily for best results
Affordable Products to Help You Get Rid of Tan This Summer Under ₹500
If you prefer ready-made products, here are some great options that won’t break your budget:
| Product | Price (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lotus Herbals Safe Sun De-Tan Face Wash | ₹150–₹200 | Daily cleansing |
| VLCC Papaya De-Pigmentation Face Pack | ₹180–₹250 | Weekly mask |
| Mamaearth Vitamin C Face Serum | ₹300–₹400 | Brightening & tan removal |
| WOW Skin Science Aloe Vera Gel | ₹200–₹250 | Soothing & daily use |
| Biotique Bio Papaya Scrub | ₹150–₹200 | Gentle exfoliation |
Simple De-Tan Routine to Follow
Removing tan doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. A simple and consistent skincare routine can help fade tanning, brighten your complexion, and keep your skin healthy. By combining gentle cleansing, natural de-tan remedies, moisturizing, and daily sun protection, you can gradually restore your skin’s natural glow. Follow this easy de-tan routine to keep your skin fresh, radiant, and protected throughout the summer. For best results, follow this easy routine:
Morning:
- Cleanse with a de-tan face wash
- Apply a Vitamin C serum
- Always finish with SPF 30+ sunscreen (this is the most important step!)
Evening:
- Double cleanse to remove sunscreen and dirt
- Apply a home remedy mask (lemon + honey, besan, or tomato + yogurt)
- Moisturise with aloe vera gel
Weekly (1–2 times):
- Use a gentle scrub to exfoliate dead, tanned skin cells
- Apply a de-tan face pack
Tips to Prevent Tan After You Get Rid of Tan This Summer
Getting rid of tan takes effort — but preventing it is much easier:
- Always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days
- Reapply sunscreen every 2–3 hours if you’re outdoors
- Wear protective clothing — full sleeves, scarves, or hats when stepping out
- Avoid peak sun hours — try to stay indoors between 11 AM and 3 PM
- Stay hydrated — drinking enough water keeps your skin healthy and less prone to sun damage
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Tan This Summer?
The time required to remove a tan depends on factors such as your skin type, the depth of the tan, sun exposure habits, and the skincare routine you follow. With consistent home remedies and proper skincare, you may start noticing improvements within 2–4 weeks. However, deeper or long-standing tans can take 6–8 weeks or longer to fade completely.
To speed up the process, focus on gentle exfoliation, regular moisturizing, and using ingredients like aloe vera, yogurt, vitamin C, and niacinamide. Most importantly, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy or you’re indoors near windows. Consistency is the key to achieving brighter, healthier-looking skin and preventing new tanning from developing.
