20 Homemade Face Packs To Remove Tan

If your skin is excessively tanned, face packs for tanned skin may help brighten the skin and minimize tan. These DIY recipes can smoothen, moisturize, and protect your skin. Tanning may also make your skin dull, and these face packs can help restore your natural glow. This article lists the 20 best natural remedies for tanned skin below. They are easy to prepare and use. Keep reading to learn how to prepare and use them.

Homemade Face Packs To Remove Tan

1. Aloe Vera, Honey, And Turmeric

You Will Need

•  3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
•  2 tablespoons of honey
•  1 teaspoon of turmeric powder

Directions

1.  Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to form a lump-free paste.
2.  Apply this paste to your clean, damp face.
3.  Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
4.  Wash your face with water

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Aloe vera contains aloesin, which can have a lightening effect on the skin and treat pigmentation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that relieve burns, eczema, and wounds (1). Honey adds a natural glow to the skin, keeps it moisturized, and reduces acne and pimples (2). Turmeric can reduce facial hyperpigmentation and prevent signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles (3). It contains cuminoids, which are known for their skin-lightening, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties (4).

Ideal For

All skin types

2. Tomato Face Pack

You Will Need

•  3 tablespoons of tomato pulp

Directions

1.  Place a warm, damp towel on your face for about five minutes.
2.  After that apply the tomato pulp on your face.
3.  Let it stay for 15-20 minutes.
4.  Then, wash it off with water
5.  Pat your face dry with a towel.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Tomato is a natural skin-lightening agent rich in antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C. These help fight free radicals to protect the skin from oxidative damage. This, in turn, protects it from sunburn and minimizes photodamageⁱ  Skin changes caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. It results in premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and freckles on the skin. . Tomatoes help nourish, soothe, and rejuvenate dry skin while reducing pimples (5).

Ideal For

Oily and acne-prone skin

3. Milk Powder, Honey, And Lemon Juice

You Will Need

•  2 tablespoons of milk powder
•  1 tablespoon of honey
•  1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Directions

1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
2.  Apply it to your face and wait for 30 minutes.
3.  Wash it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Milk powder provides long-lasting nourishment to dry and rough skin. It helps lighten blemishes, spots, and hyperpigmentation and prevents acne (6). Honey moisturizes the skin and imparts a natural glow to it. Lemon exhibits antioxidant properties and can reduce excessive melanin production (1).

Ideal For

Normal and dry skin

Note: Lemon juice is highly acidic and should always be diluted with water before use to prevent burning and redness. Always perform a patch test before using it on the skin and avoid it altogether if you have extremely sensitive skin or have any existing skin condition.

4. Besan, Turmeric, And Yogurt

You Will Need

•  1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
•  1 tablespoon of besan
•  2 tablespoons of yogurt

Directions

1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
2.  Apply this paste to your face and leave it on for 30-40 minutes.
3.  Wash it off with water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

This detan face pack contains besan (gram flour) that helps remove tan and lightens the skin tone. It reduces excess oil and prevents pimples. Turmeric delays the signs of aging and treats pigmentation. It is also beneficial for reducing uneven skin tone and dullness (6). Yogurt contains lactic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids, which help moisturize and exfoliate the skin, making it soft and radiant. It exhibits mild bleaching properties that can correct skin discoloration and age spots. Yogurt or sour curd also helps prevent acne and pimples (2).

Ideal For

Oily, combination, and acne-prone skin

Sampurna, a skincare blogger, shared a DIY face pack recipe for instant tan removal using gram flour (besan), milk, honey, lemon juice, and turmeric. She shared her before and after photos to highlight the effectiveness of the face pack and how it helped her remove the tan while making her skin glowy and smooth. She writes, “Now see the results for yourself! I didn’t believe it myself till I saw the difference in the two pictures I took (before and after use) and the change was remarkable! You can use this face pack twice a week to remove tanning or to even get fair (i)!”

5. Coffee, Turmeric, And Curd

You Will Need

•  1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
•  1 tablespoon of coffee
•  2 tablespoons of curd

Directions

1.  Blend all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
2.  Apply this paste to your face and leave it on for 30-40 minutes.
3.  Rinse it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Coffee has antioxidant and skin-lightening properties (1). It is also said to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration with continuous usage.

Ideal For

Oily and acne-prone skin

6. Orange Peel And Milk

You Will Need

•  Handful of cut orange peels
•  1-2 tablespoon of milk

Directions

1.  Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2.  Massage the mixture on your face.
3.  Leave it on for about 10 minutes before washing it off.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Orange peel contains hesperidinⁱ  A type of plant chemical commonly found in citrus fruits. It promotes skin healing due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. , which may help reduce melanin production. It has high antioxidant properties, which can prevent free radical damage and protect the skin (7).

Ideal For

All skin types, except sensitive skin

7. Papaya, Lemon, and Honey

You Will Need

•  1 tablespoon of papaya pulp
•  1 tablespoon of honey
•  1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Directions

1.  Combine all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
2.  Apply this paste to your face and leave it on for about 10-15 minutes.
3.  Rinse it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Papaya pulp unclogs the pores, clears acne and pimples, and reduces excess oil (8). It is also said to reduce tan and pigmentation issues, though there is not enough scientific evidence to prove the same.

Ideal For

All skin types

8. Lemon And Sugar

You Will Need

•  1 tablespoon of sugar
•  1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Directions

1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a paste.
2.  Apply this paste to your face and scrub it gently.
3.  Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes.
4.  Rinse it off with water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Lemon contains antioxidant properties, which help brighten the skin tone by fighting free radical damage (1). Sugar granules exfoliate your skin and clear dead cells, making it smooth and glowing.

Ideal For

All skin types, except sensitive skin

Note: Avoid using sugar scrubs on irritated or broken skin, as the sugar granules are harsh and cause microtears, exacerbating sensitivity and causing further damage.

9. Cucumber, Rose Water, And Lemon Juice

You Will Need

•  1 tablespoon of cucumber pulp
•  1 tablespoon of rosewater
•  1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Directions

1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a paste
2.  Apply the paste to your face and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3.  Wash it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Cucumber regulates sebum production and enhances the skin’s natural moisture level (9). Rosewater has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce photoaging effects (10).

Ideal For

Oily, combination, and acne-prone skin

10. Papaya And Honey

You Will Need

•  1 tablespoon of papaya pulp
•  1 tablespoon of honey

Directions

1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
2.  Apply the paste to your face.
3.  Let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then wash it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Papaya unclogs the pores, and honey imparts a natural glow (8). Honey is rich in antioxidants that help scavenge free radicals to fight oxidative damage. This may help protect the skin from sun damage (11).

Ideal For

Normal to dry skin types

11. Tomato, Yogurt, and Lemon Juice

You Will Need

•  1 tablespoon lemon juice
•  1 tablespoon yogurt
•  1 tablespoon of mashed tomato pulp

Directions

1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste
2.  Apply this tan removal face pack to your face and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes.
3.  Wash it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Yogurt contains lactic acid and AHAs, which help exfoliate the skin gently to keep it soft and glowing (2). Lemon has antioxidant properties, and tomato contains lycopene, an antioxidating agent that may help reduce hyperpigmentation (1) (12).

Ideal For

Oily, combination, and acne-prone skin

12. Aloe Vera, Masoor Daal (Red Lentil), and Tomato

You Will Need

•  2 tablespoons of aloe gel
•  1 tablespoon of ground red lentils
•  1-2 tablespoons of tomato juice

Directions

1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
2.  Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
3.  Rinse it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Aloe vera contains aloesin, which reduces melanin production (1). Tomatoes have skin-lightening properties and add a natural glow to the skin (12). Red lentils help brighten your skin, making it soft and smooth (13).

Ideal For

All skin types

13. Oatmeal And Buttermilk Exfoliating Pack

You Will Need

•  1 tablespoon of oatmeal
•  1 tablespoon of buttermilk

Directions

1.  Soak the oatmeal in the buttermilk for 5-10 minutes.
2.  Apply this paste to your face and let it rest for 20 minutes.
3.  Scrub your face gently before washing off the face pack with water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Oatmeal helps in the exfoliation of skin by removing dead cells and improves uneven skin tone (1). Buttermilk has emollient properties and helps soothe the skin (14).

Ideal For

All skin types

14. Orange Juice And Yogurt Face Pack

You Will Need

•  1 tablespoon of orange juice
•  1 tablespoon of yogurt

Directions

1.  Mix the orange juice and yogurt to form a paste.
2.  Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for about 30-40 minutes.
3.  Rinse it off with water

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Orange contains hesperidin, which has antioxidant properties that help reduce melanin production (7). Yogurt can moisturize and brighten your skin and enhance its elasticity (15).

Ideal For

Oily, combination, and acne-prone skin

Note: Like all citrus fruit juices, orange juice is also acidic and may irritate your skin. Therefore, always dilute it before use.

15. Potato And Lemon Juice Face Pack

You Will Need

•  1 tablespoon of potato juice
•  1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Directions

1.  Mix the juices and apply the solution to your face with a cotton pad.
2.  Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off with water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

This homemade face mask for tan removal contains potato juice. It is rich in vitamin C, which helps combat free radicals, slowing signs of aging, and acts as a natural anti-aging agent. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may help soothe minor skin burns (16).

Ideal For

Oily, combination, and acne-prone skin

16. Strawberry And Milk Cream Face Pack

You Will Need

•  1 tablespoon of mashed strawberry
•  1 tablespoon of milk cream

Directions

1.  Combine all the ingredients to form a paste.
2.  Massage this paste on your face.
3.  Leave it on for about 30 minutes.
4.  Wash it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Strawberries have antioxidant properties that protect the skin from UV damage and reduce the signs of aging (17), (18). Anecdotal evidence also suggests that they have a bleaching effect on the skin, which may help with removing tan.

Ideal For

Dry skin

17. Sandalwood And Coconut Water Face Pack

You Will Need

•  1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder
•  2 tablespoons of coconut water

Directions

1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
2.  Apply this paste to your face and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
3.  Rinse it off with warm water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Sandalwood exfoliates the skin and helps lighten the skin tone. It provides anti-aging benefits and smoothens and hydrates the skin (19).

Ideal For

All skin types

18. Saffron And Fresh Cream Face Pack

You Will Need

•  1 teaspoon of saffron
•  1 tablespoon of fresh cream

Directions

1.  Combine all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
2.  Massage this paste on your face.
3.  Leave it on for about 15-25 minutes.
4.  Wash it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

This homemade face pack for tan removal and glowing skin contains saffron and fresh cream. Saffron can help lighten the skin tone and make it glow (20). Anecdotal evidence suggests that fresh cream moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

Ideal For

Dry skin

19. Multani Mitti And Aloe Vera Gel Face Pack

You Will Need

•  2 tablespoons of aloe gel
•  1 tablespoon of Fuller’s earth/Multani mitti

Directions

1.  Mix the aloe gel and Fuller’s earth to form a smooth paste.
2.  Apply this paste to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
3.  Rinse it off with warm water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Multani mitti or Fuller’s earth leaves the skin radiant and glowing and soothes irritated and inflamed skin. This face pack is one of the many ways to lighten your skin tone, as it also removes excess oil, dirt, impurities, and dead cells from the skin (6).

Ideal For

Oily and acne-prone skin

20. Cinnamon Face Pack

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of honey

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl to form a smooth paste.
2. Cleanse your face to ensure it is free of any dirt and impurities.
3. Apply this paste to your face and let it sit on your skin for about 15–20 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties (21). It may help improve blood circulation in the skin and boost skin glow. On the other hand, lemon juice is rich in vitamin C that is known for its skin-brightening properties (22). It may also help lighten dark spots and skin tan. The moisturizing properties of honey soothe the skin (23).

Ideal For

Oily and acne-prone skin

Note: Always perform a patch test before using any of the DIY detan face packs mentioned above to check for allergies. Apply a small amount of the ingredient or face pack to a discreet area, such as the inner wrist or behind the ear, and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions. If you experience redness or irritation, wash off the mask and immediately consult a doctor.

While these de-tan homemade face packs may work to some extent and help brighten the skin, it is best to take measures to prevent tanning altogether. Here are some additional tips to protect your skin from getting tanned.

Tips To Prevent Your Skin From Getting Tanned

1.  Always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when going outdoors. Sunscreen protects the skin from UV rays and the damage they cause.
2.  Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours for best results.
3.  Do not stay outdoors under the sun for long hours.
4.  Wear protective gear like a hat or scarf and full-sleeved clothes to prevent tanning.
5.  Avoid swimming for too long during summer or sunny days. If you do swim, make sure to apply a waterproof sunscreen 20-30 minutes before jumping into the pool.
6.  Opt for de-tanning facials at least once a month. These facials not only remove tan but also nourish the skin.

Wondering how long it takes for a tan to fade? Check out the next section for the answer.

How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of A Tan?

A suntan takes close to 10 days to begin fading and a month to disappear completely. Once you notice the tan, opt for de-tanning treatments or use DIY face packs to reduce it quickly.

Some people argue that tanning your skin has benefits. Here are some scientifically-proven benefits of a sun tan.

Is Tanning Good For The Skin?

Around 37-49% of women from Europe and America prefer to get tanned. Tanning may also enhance your appearance.

According to the 2020 National Health Interview Survey, 33.7% of US adults reported actively tanning outside in 2019. The percentage of women (38.7%) involved in outdoor tanning was more than men (28.7%). Adults under the age of 25 years (45.1%) preferred outdoor tanning than adults over 25 years (32%).

While a UV-induced tan provides the base SPF 3-4 protection, it is not strong enough to hold back all the side effects of UV exposure (24). While SPF 3-4 protects the skin from sunburn, it only blocks about 65% of the damage caused by UV exposure.

However, there are a few side effects of tanning. Let’s see what they are in the next section.

Side Effects Of A Sun Tan

While a regular tan might look gorgeous, over tanning may lead to skin issues. Here are a few of them:

• Overexposure to the sun’s rays may lead to serious health conditions like skin cancer and melanomaⁱ  A type of skin cancer caused by melanin-producing cells that give color to the skin. It can spread to other parts of the body. .
•  Frequent exposure to the sun also increases skin aging, leaving the skin vulnerable to damage.
•  Regular exposure to the sun may also cause photodamage. Photoaging damage includes signs of aging like wrinkles, collagen breakdown, and an increase in oxidative production.
•  It also breaks down collagen in the skin, and increases free radical production, leaving the skin prone to oxidative damage.

Along with homemade anti-tan face packs, you can also find numerous professional treatments for sun tan removal. These include chemical peels, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion Let us find out which one is the best for you in the next section.

Home Remedies Vs. Professional Treatments For Sun Tan Removal

Popular professional treatments for tan removal include chemical peels, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion. Here is how they work:

• Chemical peels use alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acids, to exfoliate the top layers of the skin (25). This improves skin texture and may reduce tan.
• Laser therapy targets melanin pigments in the skin with focused light energy to break down pigmentation (26). This may also help reduce tan.
• Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that exfoliates the skin using a wand-like device with a tip made of fine crystals (27). This exfoliates the top skin layer to improve texture and may reduce tan.

Now, let us see how these compare to homemade face packs for tan removal:

• Homemade face packs use simple kitchen ingredients that do not cost much. On the contrary, professional treatments may range from $100 to $1000 per session, depending on the procedure and provider.
• You need to use homemade face packs consistently for weeks or even months to show visible effects. Professional treatments provide quicker results, often noticeable after 1-3 sessions.
• Homemade detan packs are usually gentler and suitable for mild tanning. Persistent and deep tans may require professional procedures.

Remember that home remedies may not replace professional treatment. Moreover, home remedies work best for mild to moderate tanning. If you have severe tanning, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist or a medical esthetician and follow their advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which face pack is best for tan removal and glowing skin?

Face packs containing natural ingredients like lemon, papaya, and tomato or chemical ingredients like lactic acid, niacinamideⁱ  A form of vitamin B3, a water-soluble ingredient widely used in skin care formulations. It helps hydrate and brighten the skin. , and arbutinⁱ  A naturally occurring substance that is also chemically synthesized to be used in skincare products. It helps brighten the skin. are highly effective for tan removal and glowing skin (28) (29).

How can I remove tan from my face quickly?

You can use lemon juice mixed with honey to remove tan from your face quickly. Lemon is rich in antioxidants that may help fight free radical damage and can reduce excessive melanin production (1). Honey moisturizes the skin and has antibacterial properties that may reduce acne and pimples (2). However, always dilute the lemon juice to prevent burns and irritation and perform a patch test before use.

Can Kasturi Manjal remove tan?

Yes, Kasturi Manjal (wild turmeric) is rich in antioxidants that can help fight free radicals (30) (31). This, in turn, may help reduce pigmentation and tan and even out your skin tone with regular use.

Bid farewell to stubborn tans with these tried-and-true home remedies. From natural ingredients to easy DIY techniques, discover effective ways to restore your skin’s radiance. Watch now and say hello to a glowing complexion!

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