Want to see your sun tan fade away soon? Try these 5 kitchen ingredients

It might be a thing in foreign countries to lie down under the sun at a beach and get tanned, but in India getting tanned starts to ring alarm bells. Being born in a country where there are more than enough appearances of the sun, we are hardly looking to get tanned.

What is tanning?

Tanning is our body’s way of protecting our skin from the sun. When we get exposed to the sun, we also get exposed to UV rays. So, to protect our skin from the UV radiations, melanin (responsible for darkening the skin) is transferred to the surface of our skin cells to protect them from damage. Therefore, we get tanned in the areas that get exposed to the sun.

When you lift up your sleeve and realize that there is a difference in your skin tone, you will start applying anything and everything that claims to get rid of your sun tan. But are you sure that is healthy for your skin? No matter how much these products claim that they are “organic” and are made from “natural” products, they are chemically infused to cut production cost and increase shelf life.

There is nothing more natural than the actual natural ingredients and we are happy to tell you that these can be used to remove your sun tan naturally.

Here are some natural remedies to remove sun tan:

1. Potato

Rubbing potato slices on your skin is one of the oldest home remedies to get rid of sun tan or any kind of dark pigmentation. Potatoes are rich in an enzyme called catecholase which helps with the skin lightening. They also have antioxidants which fight off free radicals that increase as a result of prolonged sun exposure.

2. Pineapple pulp

Apply pineapple pulp mixed with honey to the tanned area and wash after 20 minutes. It will reverse your skin damage by lightening your skin as it is rich in vitamin A and C. Pineapple also has antioxidants and an enzyme called Bromelain which helps fight free radicals.

3. Strawberries

As delicious as they are, strawberries are also a great remedy to remove sun tan. They are rich in AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) and vitamin C and hence, strawberries have natural skin brightening properties. Mash some strawberries and mix them with a spoonful of fresh cream. Apply it for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. This will lighten your skin color and also moisturize it.

4. Lemon

Lemon is famous for being a natural bleaching agent. You will hardly find a natural face pack which doesn’t use lemon in it. The high levels of citric acid and Vitamin C in it helps in getting rid of the dead skin cells and also removes the melanin which is causing the tan.

5. Aloe vera

Rich in Vitamin E and good for all things related to beauty. Aloe vera will always make the list when it comes to a glowing and healthy looking skin. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which cools the skin and helps in removing the tan. Apply it every day like a moisturizer and you are good to go!