We have heard a gazillion times that using sunscreen is necessary to protect our skin from sun damage, and we even adhere to the rules. Yet sometimes even the best sunscreen in the market can’t save our skin from tanning. And I’m yet to meet an Indian woman [or man for that matter!] who is happy to show off tanned skin.
Here are a few home remedies that will help you get rid of that tan.
1. Multani mitti and lemon
Fuller’s Earth or multani mitti is a potent ingredient for every skin problem and lemon is rich in vitamin C and has natural bleaching properties. When these two ingredients come together, they make an excellent face mask for oily acne-prone skin. It will help in lightening the skin, deep cleanse pores and tighten the skin.
How to make
Take 1tbsp of multani mitti and add lemon juice to it to form the consistency of a cream. Apply all over the face and neck and keep it on for 30 mins. Once completely dry, wash it off with cold water and pat dry the skin. Apply aloe vera gel to moisturise and soothe the skin.
2. Yoghurt and honey
Yoghurt is loaded with zinc which is the best medicine for sun-scorched skin. It has natural bleaching properties that help lighten skin tan. Honey has moisturising properties. With regular usage, it adds a glow to the skin by restoring its deepest layers. It is loaded with anti-oxidants that slow down the signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. Both honey and yoghurt together help to repair skin damage by sun. This face mask is the best option for those with normal to dry skin types.
How to make
Take 2tbsp of thick yoghurt and add 2tsp of honey to it. Stir the mixture well to form a creamy consistency. Apply the face mask and keep it on for 30 mins. Wash off with cold water and pat dry.
3. Milk cream and kesar [Saffron]
This face mask is the best choice for those with dry and sensitive skin. Milk cream helps in lightening the skin with its phenomenal brightening properties. Milk also soothes sunburn as it has cooling and skin-repairing properties. Saffron gives a healthy glow to the skin and helps in preventing acne and blemishes. Both together can lighten skin tan and pigmentation.
How to make
Take 5 – 6 strands of saffron and submerge it in 2tbsp of cold milk. In a clean bowl, add 1½ tbsp milk cream and add the saffron and milk. Stir the solution thoroughly to mix the goodness of saffron with the milk cream. With the help of a face pack brush, apply all over the face and neck. Keep it on for 30 min and rinse with water, then pat dry.
4. Potato, aloe vera and besan
Potato has certain elements that act as natural bleaching agents and hence is known for removing pigmentation from skin. An effective anti-ageing substance, potato also helps remove dead skin cells from the face.
Besan [gram flour] is a popular ingredient for its cleansing, lightening and moisturising properties. It is also a mild exfoliating agent, suitable for all skin types.
Aloe vera helps in soothing the sunburn. Together, these three ingredients can improve your complexion. This face pack is one of my favourites to remove sun tan.
How to make
Grate 1 potato and squeeze out the juice from it. Add 2tbsp of besan and 1 tbsp of aloe vera to it. Mix these thoroughly to form a cream like thick consistency; apply on the face. Keep it for around 30 mins and wash off with cold water.
5. Sandalwood powder and rose water
Sandalwood is a magical ingredient for skin lightening. The natural oils present in it effectively remove every layer of pigmentation, provided you use it regularly. It has several anti-ageing benefits for the skin as well. A face pack of sandalwood powder and rose water face is the epitome of goodness and makes the skin soft and supple.
How to make
In a clean bowl, add 2tbsp of sandalwood powder and rose water to form a thick paste. Apply all over the face and neck and keep it for around 40 mins. Once completely dry, wash it off with cold water and pat the skin dry. Apply aloe vera gel.
6. Tomato and honey
Tomato is super-rich in vitamin A, C and E, all of which are essential for healthy skin. Most of the skin damage is due to oxidation. Tomatoes and honey contain anti-oxidants, which help counter this effect. Apply this mask thrice a week and you’ll see the results within a month.
How to make
Take a juicy red tomato and cut it into half. Add 1tbsp of honey to the juicy flat surface and apply it on the face in circular motion. Keep doing it for around 5 – 10 mins. Once done, leave it like that for 15 – 20 mins and wash off with chilled water.
Tanning is a defence mechanism of our skin. When the skin is exposed to the UVB rays, it increases the production of melanin which, in turn, darkens our complexion in an uneven way, leading to various skin problems.
Skin glow juice
Here’s a recipe for a juice that will bring back that lost glow to your face. Have this juice daily, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and you will notice the difference within a month.
Ingredients
- 1 medium size carrot
- 1 medium size beet
- 1 tomato
- 2tbsp lemon juice
- 1tbsp honey
- 5 – 6 mint leaves
- 10 – 12 cilantro
- Salt [as per requirement]
Method
Put all the ingredients into a blender; blend thoroughly to form a pulpy juice. You can strain this if you want or have it as it is.
A few healthy diet choices and easy-to-make face masks is all it takes to keep your skin glowing this [and every!] summer.