The constant exposure to heat all year round is responsible for dehydrating our skin and giving it a dull and lifeless look. The ultraviolet rays from the sun are the leading culprits that cause tanning. How? They penetrate deep into the skin and trigger the melanin-producing cells called melanocytes. These jump into action and produce the pigment that gives our skin its brown colour. We hardly ever forget to apply sunscreen on our face and neck but often skip our hands and feet, two areas that are exposed to the sun the most. This causes uneven tanning on our body because of which people often resort to harsh approaches like bleaching and skin-lightening creams that can cause more damage than they’re worth. If you’re looking for some easy ways to get rid of even tanning from your hands and arms, keep reading.
Why do you get tanned?
When you get a tan, it is a sign that your skin is getting damaged at a cellular level and that microscopic damage can lead to cancerous growth in the future. When your cells sense danger from the UV rays, they kick into defence mode and start dealing out more melanocytes to the cells on the surface of the skin. This melanin pigment blocks out the UV rays from coming in contact with the cells’ most valuable parts the best it can.
Home remedies for removing a suntan
Please note, prevention is always better than trying out cures, especially when dealing with a tan. It is okay to go down the home remedies route but consult your dermatologist before trying out any and every solution you hear about.
Why you should opt for home remedies to remove your suntan
Some home remedies can do wonders in removing a tan but they will do so gently and over some time. In fact, according to ancient ayurvedic scriptures, kitchen staples like milk, saffron, and coconuts are great ingredients that help remove tan from the skin. If you’re looking for a quicker solution for an even skin tone, try in-clinic detanning or peel treatments.
Top 5 effective home remedies to remove sun tan from your hands
Coconut milk and honey
Coconut milk hydrates and nourishes skin by restoring moisture and honey is a gentle and effective exfoliator.
How to: Begin by making a thin lotion of coconut milk and honey. Apply it on your hands with a thin muslin cloth. Let it sit till it gets absorbed into the skin and wash off with a very gentle body wash.
Tomato juice and honey
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a component that protects skin from sun damage and cancer. This wonder ingredient soothes sunburns but it is wise to use it with honey as it acts as a natural moisturiser.
How to: To some fresh tomato juice, add some honey and apply the paste to your hands. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes and then wash it off with a mild cleanser. If you’re someone who enjoys scrubs, you can mix some brown sugar into the mixture as that will help you to slough off dead skin cells from the surface.
Papaya
Using papaya on your hands can help remove tan because it contains an enzyme called papain that reduces the appearance of sunspots.
How to: Take some cubes of papaya and rub them all over your hands. Let it dry and then rinse off. It can get a little messy so be careful while applying the fruit.
Curd and honey
A fridge staple that is easily found in every Indian home, curd. Curd is rich in lactic acid that removes the dull and dead skin cells and moisturises, all at once. Pair it with honey, another exfoliating and moisturising agent and you have an effective remedy ready in seconds!
How to: Mix some curd with honey and apply it to your hands. Wash off with a gentle cleanser.
Sandalwood, turmeric, and milk
Sandalwood has been famous for centuries for its soothing properties and milk does a great job of exfoliating skin. Turmeric is known for being a great healing agent and along with the two wonder ingredients, it brightens skin.
How to: Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with a teaspoon of sandalwood powder and milk. Apply it on your hands as a mask and let it semi-dry. Scrub it off with water and you’re done!
Effects of bleach while removing tan from hands
• Allergies: Some ingredients like orthophosphoric acid commonly found in bleach can cause allergic reactions like the reddening of the skin, swelling, itching, and stinging.
• Dryness: Bleach often contains hydrogen peroxide that can cause dermatitis and eczema.
• Sun sensitivity: Bleaching often can thin the skin, making it more susceptible to sun damage.
3 tips to prevent your hands from getting tanned
1. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 as it will protect your skin for a longer time.
2. Avoid the sun when it is at its peak as your skin is more likely to get damaged then. If you do have to step out, make sure you’re walking in the shade.
3. Wear UV protective clothing and cover your hands and feet to minimise sun exposure. Even when you’re driving, make sure you wear gloves.
4. This one is a no-brainer but remember to apply sunscreen on your hands, feet, and body. Reapply it every two to three hours and you’ll be fine.
5. Keep your skin hydrated by applying moisturisers and lotions. Dry skin is more susceptible to damage.
Conclusion
When it comes to removing a tan, there is usually no harm in trying out home remedies but always do a patch test and keep your dermatologist in the know. Tanning is not bad and more often than not, it fades away by itself. So if you have time, don’t mess with your skin and let it do its thing.
FAQs
How often can I try these remedies?
Not more than once a week. Always patch test any products, homemade or store-bought, as they can cause allergic reactions.
What kind of aftercare do I need to keep in mind when trying out these remedies?
Always follow up with a moisturiser and an SPF (if trying out the remedy during the day) as these masks and packs can sometimes dry out the skin.
Can I use lemon juice on my body?
Lemon juice is highly acidic in nature and can make skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays. Over time, regular use can lead to sun damage so it is always advised to steer clear of this ingredient.