One of the most common skin concerns which most face includes skin dryness, uneven skin tone, and even tanned skin. For a healthy glowing skin, we need to stay away from issues like patchy skin, dry skin, and dehydrated skin. But the good news is, you can de-tan with some of the simple yet natural steps.

There are even simple DIY home remedies which are completely safe and even recommended by dermatologists. In this guide, you will know the reason for tan, why they don't fade away, and how to make skin glowing post tan!

Best 6 Methods to Detan Your Skin

1. Exfoliation

Exfoliation is one of the key tips, which helps in giving healthy and glowing skin. For exfoliating skin, there is a simple routine to be followed. Regularly exfoliating your skin helps in detanning your skin and reduces the melanin pigment. 

Exfoliation is generally classified into two types:

1. Physical Exfoliation - This is done by scrubs, brushes, and loofah; They help in removing the dead skin cells, which is effective and at the same time you can play with ingredients. You can use them once to twice in a week, based on your skin type.

2. Chemical Exfoliation - It is based on acids like AHA, BHA, and PHA. AHA’s are generally water-soluble agents, which helps in brightening skin. While BHS is oil-soluble, and will deeply penetrate into the pores. You can use them twice a week, for better results.

2. Brightening Natural Ingredients

While exfoliation helps in detanning skin, there are few ingredients which help in inhibiting melanin products and lightens pigmentation.

• Aloe Vera - Known for their healing properties. Aloe vera has a pigment called “Aloin”, which works as a natural de-pigmenting agent. Just apply a gentle amount of aloe vera gel twice a day.

• Turmeric - A golden ingredient which inhibits tyrosinane, one of the enzymes which is responsible for melanin. You can mix turmeric with besan and curd. Use them once a week, and you will see the glow after a time period.

• Papaya - Papain, an enzyme, which naturally exfoliates, and removes dead skin cells. Mash them and apply on your face, let them sit for 10mins, and you can wash them off!

3. Vitamin C: An Antioxidant Superhero

Vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant helps in preventing new melanin production and helps in repairing skin damages. 

You can use them in your AM routine, under your sunscreen. This helps in improving skin tone, fades sun spots, and even reduces skin tan. Start with a lower percentage, and you can increase them gradually.

4. Professional Treatments for Tan

If you are not using natural remedies, you can go with professional treatments crafted specially for tanned skin.

• Peels - There are chemical peels available where high concentration acid is applied as a thin layer on the skin. This helps in peeling the damaged layers of the skin.

• Microdermabrasion - It is a nonoo-invasive procedure where tools are used to exfoliate the layers of the skin. Helps in improving skin texture.

• Laser Toning - Laser is a procedure where light is focussed and targets on the melanin pigment in the skin. One of the best treatments for melanin deposits.

5. Moisturize and Repair 

Tanned skin will often be damaged and dehydrated. So, incorporating a good quality moisturizer helps in maintaining skin barrier. Make sure the ingredients used in the moisturizers are Niacinamide, Kojic Acid, Licorice extracts, and more.

6. Daily Sunscreen - Mandatory Application

One of the mandatory steps which you should not miss, when you have tan issues. If you are not using sunscreen in the AM routine, it means the other products which you are using does not work. Make sure to apply sunscreen properly.

This is the most critical step in any journey. Even if you are indoors or it's cloudy, using at least SPF 30 sunscreen is a must!

Building Your Daily Detanning Routine

When you are working on any skincare concern, consistency is key. Here’s a simple routine for how to structure your skincare regimen:

AM Routine

1. Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser.

2. You can use the toner of your choice. Any hydrating toner or exfoliating toner might help!

3. Applying Vitamin C serum, helps in brightening skin and fading away the existing marks on the skin.

4. Finish it off with SPF 50 Sunscreen.

Evening Routine:

1. Double Cleanse with oil based cleanser followed by water based cleanser. This helps in removing sunscreen and other makeup buildups in the skin.

2. Exfoliate your skin with toner or even serum. You can choose any exfoliants like AHA/BHa based on your needs.

3. Go with treatment serums or creams like Retinols and Arbutin.

4. Finish it off with a rich moisturizer to hydrate and repair overnight.

Dont’s while Skin Detanning

If you want to remove your skin tan, here are some mistakes that you should avoid:

• Never scrub or exfoliate too hard, since they will damage your skin barrier.

• Pick exfoliants which are gentle to the skin. Avoid ingredients like lemon, vinegar, etc, since they will cause irritation and burns.

• Never miss SPF in your everyday AM routine. You can choose between physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen, based on your choice.

• In active acne, never scrub too much since they will damage the layer.

When to See a Dermatologist

When none of the skincare products work and your tan gets severe day-by-day, then it is better to consult with a dermatologist. Getting help with dermats helps in reversing your skin tan and using products which will be specifically recommended to you.

Conclusion: 

If you are confused in picking the right detan method, here are some of the simple methods which can be done at home or even with your dermatologist. Even though they are not instant fix remedies or solutions, when you do them consistently.

FAQs

How long does it take to detan skin naturally?

They will generally vanish in a week based on your sun exposure and the right kind of skincare.

Can a tan become permanent?

Skin tan is not permanent; But when it's left untreated, they may lead to pigmentation marks, which takes months to vanish.

What is the fastest way to remove a tan from the face?

At home, you can use sunscreen and go with brightening masks. This will take some time. For a fast remedy, you can consult with your dermat, and go with procedures like peels, lasers, etc.

Does exfoliating remove a tan?

Yes, exfoliation helps in removing dead skin cells in the skin, making the tan fade over a time period.

Can aloe vera remove tan?

They don't completely remove tan, but helps in lightning the skin damages caused in the face.

Why is my tan not fading?

This is because of various reasons like too much sun exposure, not properly applying sunscreen, or even naturally high melanin production.

What is the difference between tanning and hyperpigmentation?

Tan is a temporary damage caused by too much sun exposure; But hyperpigmentation is spots or patches in the skin caused by sun damage.

Can diet help in detanning?

Yes, Intake foods which are rich in Vitamin C, Antioxidants, etc help in fading away tan after a time period.

How can I prevent getting a tan?

Use SPF everyday; Exfoliate once in a week; Use proper protections like hats, sunglasses, etc.

Is it possible to detan skin overnight?

No, not possible with natural methods. Even if you go to dermat treatments, it might take 24 - 48hrs.