How to Get Rid of Suntan

Developing a suntan is the skin’s mechanism of protecting itself from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

When exposed to UV radiation from the sun for a period of time, the skin increases the production of melanin to avoid further skin damage.The increase in melanin, however, darkens the skin tone within two days of exposure.

In addition, overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (sun-tanning) tends to cause your skin to age more quickly. It makes the skin, dry, wrinkled, and freckled over time.

If premature aging and wrinkled skin don’t scare you, consider the fact that overexposure to ultraviolet radiation weakens the immune system and raises your risk of developing skin cancer.

The actual amount of time a person needs to spend in the sun to be affected by UV radiation varies, as some individuals will tan more easily than others. Moreover, certain cosmetic products and medications also make your skin more susceptible to UV radiation.

The most common symptom of sunburn is redness due to increased blood flow, making the skin warm to touch. Plus, it can cause the affected area to itch, peel, and develop a rash.

The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on your skin type, factors such as location, duration, and altitude of exposure.

Given below are 10 safe and natural cures for suntan.

• Coconut Water
• Tomato Juice and Yogurt
• Orange Juice
• Buttermilk
• Cucumber
• Lemon and Honey
• Chilled Potato Slices
• Sandalwood and Milk
• Milk and Honey
• Yogurt, Lime Juice, and Honey Mask

Coconut Water

• Apply coconut water to the affected area.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Wash off with clean, cold water.
• The use of fresh coconut water on skin is a simple, yet effective natural cure for a suntan.
• You can also drink tender coconut water regularly as a natural energy drink.

Tomato Juice and Yogurt

• Combine tomato juice with equal parts yogurt.
• Apply to affected skin.
• Leave for 30 minutes.
• Rinse with clean, cool water.
• Basically, citrus fruits contain ascorbic acid which has high antioxidant properties that help fade the tan. Yogurt contains lactic acid that lightens the tan.
• You can also use a mixture of lemon juice and yogurt. If you do not have plain yogurt then you can use sour cream.

Orange Juice

• Apply orange juice to the affected area.
• This remedy is useful in eliminating a suntan because it contains natural alpha hydroxy acids.

Buttermilk

• Apply buttermilk to the affected area.
• Leave on for at least 20 minutes.
• Rinse with clean, cool water.
• Repeat twice a day until sunburn is gone.
• Buttermilk is considered excellent for soothing sunburned skin.To increase the effectiveness of this remedy, you can add crushed oats and lemon juice/orange juice to the buttermilk before applying.

Cucumber

• Blend half a cucumber in a blender along with an equal amount of yogurt.
• Add a few drops of rose water, and sandalwood powder to form a paste.
• Apply to the affected area and leave on for at least 30 minutes.
• Rinse with clean, cool water.
• Repeat daily until your sunburn is gone.
• Apart from treating a suntan, cucumber has a cooling effect on the skin.
• Alternately you may apply a mixture of two tablespoons of cucumber juice, one tablespoon of lime juice, and a pinch of turmeric for 15-20 minutes regularly.

Lemon and Honey

• Mix one teaspoon each of lemon juice and organic honey.
• Apply this mixture on the affected areas.
• Leave on for 10 minutes.
• Rinse off with clean, cool water.
• Alternately, you can apply a combination of lemon juice, cucumber juice, and rose water to reduce suntan.

Chilled Potato Slices

• Chill thin slices of potato.
• Apply these to the affected areas.
• Leave on for 30 minutes.
• Repeat daily until skin has returned to normal.
• This has a bleaching effect that helps lighten a suntan.

Sandalwood and Milk

• Add a tablespoon of sandalwood powder to a cup of raw milk.
• Smear this mixture on your skin.
• Let dry.
• Rinse off with clean, cool water.
• Repeat regularly.
• Regular application of this home remedy is highly beneficial in getting rid of suntan and improving the skin tone.

Milk and Honey

• Combine four tablespoons of raw milk with two tablespoons of lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey.
• Apply to affected area.
• Let sit for 20 minutes.
• Rinse off with clean, cool water.
• Cold milk is helpful in soothing sunburn.

Yogurt, Lime and Honey

• Mix four tablespoons of yogurt, three tablespoons of lime juice, two tablespoons of honey, and a little cornstarch or gram flour.
• Apply to affected area.
• Let dry.
• Rinse with clean, cool water.
• This one is excellent if you have oily skin.

Quick Tips

• Apply aloe vera gel daily on your skin for a few weeks to nourish the skin and cure a suntan.
• Rubbing raw papaya on the skin has a bleaching effect, which means it can help remove suntan and dark spots.

Tips to Prevent a Suntan

• As prevention is the best cure, it is best to avoid excessive sun exposure by wearing wide brimmed hats, scarves, long sleeved clothes, sunglasses, etc.
• You can also carry an umbrella with you. In addition, before going out in the sun, make sure you wear a sunblock lotion with an SPF 30 or more. It is best to apply it liberally, at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every few hours. When going in the water, use a waterproof sunscreen.
• Preferably, stay out of the sun during peak hours, from 10am to 4 pm.