Tanning on arms is the most common problem faced by many Indians. Living in a hot country, we are constantly exposed to high amounts of sunlight that leads to patchy skin on our hands. Before negligence can lead to permanent damage, we shall learn how to remove tan from arms using safe and natural methods.
The best part of these remedies is that they are very simple to make and involves no expensive or chemical ingredients. So, you can get rid of even stubborn and old tan on arms with regular applications. Read along to quickly understand each of these methods in detail.
What Causes SunTan?
The term “tan” indicates a discolouration of the skin on the face, hands, arms and sometimes all over the body. It is caused as a natural defence mechanism of our body to protect itself against the harmful UV radiation of the sun. The result is a dark colour of the skin due to an excess release of melanin into the cells. Over a period of time, it can lead to pigmentation, melasma and even certain types of skin cancers.
How To Prevent SunTan From Arms?
Let’s be very honest! Our hands and legs are the most neglected and overlooked parts of the body. We don’t pay attention to these parts, probably because they don’t directly contribute to our beauty. But, leaving a suntan on hands can turn your arms into an embarrassing dark brown colour, which is sure to cause a dent on your overall looks and of course, your confidence.
As they say, “Prevention is better than cure”, taking certain precautions can prevent or lower the amount of tan on your hands. Here are a few tips to follow:
- Invest in a good quality sunscreen with at least SPF30 and apply it all over your hands and legs, 15 minutes before you step out into the sun.
- If you expect to stay out for longer times or even ride a bike, then cover your arms with full-sleeve jackets or gloves.
- In harsh summers, avoid going out between 10 am-3 pm, as the UV radiation is highest during this period.
- Rain or shine, a sunscreen is a must, and you can reapply whenever necessary.
- After coming home, wash your hands and legs with a mild cleanser, followed by a moisturiser. Also, exfoliate once a week to remove dead cells.
Best Tips To Remove Tan From Arms At Home:
As mentioned earlier, these tried and tested tan removal methods can be prepared at home and applied regularly for best results:
1. Lemon Juice, Tomato And Yogurt:
A mix of lemon juice, tomato and yoghurt are one of the effective ways to remove tan from arms and hands instantly. Tomato and Lime juice is enriched with the goodness of Vitamin C, which is a natural skin lightening agent. Yoghurt contains lactic acid, which has anti-tan properties. Together, this blend can work as a safe bleach to lighten the skin.
Ingredients:
- Tomato Pulp – 2 tbsp.
- Plain Yoghurt- 1 tbsp.
- Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp.
Preparation Time: 2 Minutes.
How to Prepare and Use:
- Take a tbsp of yoghurt, lemon juice and 2 tbsp of tomato pulp.
- Mix them well to form a smooth paste.
- Apply this mixture evenly on clean, dry skin.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash off with cold water.
How Often Should I Use? Use this pack three times a week at least for best results.
Precautions: This mask may cause burning or stinging sensation on sensitive skins. Do a patch test before you apply.
See More: How To Remove Tanning
2. Oatmeal And Buttermilk:
Oatmeal and buttermilk is a good combination to reduce tanning on neck and arms. While buttermilk can hydrate your skin and lighten it, oatmeal works as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin. Using this combination can also help in keeping your skin soft and supple.
Ingredients:
- Buttermilk -3 tbsp.
- Oatmeal – 2tbsp.
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes.
How to Prepare and Use:
- Combine buttermilk with oatmeal until it forms a coarse paste.
- Apply this mixture on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Once dry, use little water and rub in circular movements to remove.
- Wash off with cold water.
How Often Should I Use? You can use it twice or thrice a week.
Precautions: This mask may not suit acne-prone or bruised skin.
3. Turmeric, Lemon Juice And Milk:
Turmeric is one of the oldest known remedies for permanent tan removal from the arm. It can heal and repair your skin to make it healthy again. Mixing it with milk can enhance its properties and work as a natural bleach. You can even add a few drops of lime juice for more effectiveness.
Ingredients:
- Turmeric– 1 Pinch.
- Milk – 2tbsp.
- Lime juice – 1 tbsp (optional).
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes.
How to Prepare and Use:
- Mix turmeric with some milk.
- Add just one tablespoon lemon juice to the mixture.
- Apply the mixture on the tanned areas on your arms and leave it for 15 minutes.
- Now rinse it off with the help of cold water.
How Often Should I Use? You can use it twice or thrice a week.
Precautions: There are no known side effects of this remedy.
4. Ground Rice And Tomato:
You can now prepare your own anti-tan scrub at home using rice powder and tomato. The ground rice can clear the accumulated dirt and grime on your skin. Tomato, on the other hand, works like a skin lightening agent and also as a natural astringent.
Ingredients:
- Rice Powder – 1 tbsp.
- Tomato Pulp – 1 tbsp.
Preparation Time: 2 Minutes.
How to Prepare and Use:
- Combine some tomato pulp with rice powder.
- Mix well and add some water for a runny consistency.
- Apply it evenly on your skin.
- Let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash it off with normal water using circular movements.
How Often Should I Use? You can use it once or twice a week.
Precautions: Avoid this remedy if you have sensitive skin or open wounds.
5. Turmeric, Honey and Gram Flour:
The benefits of Turmeric are already mentioned above. Along with the said combination, you can also try honey and gram flour to get rid of tan on arms and legs. Besan is an ancient remedy for skin whitening and also work for clearing tan lines and dark spots. Adding honey and turmeric to it can give you an even skin tone.
Ingredients:
- Turmeric – 1 tbsp.
- Besan – 1 tbsp.
- Honey – 1 tbsp.
Preparation Time: 2 Minutes.
How to Prepare and Use:
- Combine all the ingredients together.
- Add some water for a runny consistency.
- Apply it evenly on your skin.
- Let it sit on for 10-15 minutes.
- Using circular movements, wash off the mask thoroughly.
How Often Should I Use? You can use it twice a week.
Precautions: No known side effects of this remedy.
See More: How To Reduce Tan On Face
6. Potato Juice And Lemon Juice:
The Potato and lemon mask is the best way to remove arm tan in a day. Potato juice can work on pigmentation and clarify your skin. It also offers soothing relief from sunburns. Mixing it with lemon juice increases the potency and give you a naturally fair skin stone.
Ingredients:
- Potato Juice – 1 tbsp.
- Lemon Juice – 1tbsp.
- Cotton Ball – 1.
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes.
How to Prepare and Use:
- Extract potato juice from grated potato.
- Add some lemon juice to it and mix well.
- Using a cotton ball, apply the juice evenly on face.
- Leave it for 30 minutes and rinse with water.
How Often Should I Use? Repeat it every alternate day
Precautions: People with sensitive skin can skip the lemon juice.
7. Red Lentil and Aloe Gel Pack:
Red lentil is a miracle ingredient to cure suntan affected skin. It is combined with aloe vera, which is one of the best skin-repairing agents. Along with bringing the inflammation down, aloe can also clarify your skin and give you natural brightness.
Ingredients:
- Red Lentil – 2 tbsp (Soaked for 30 minutes).
- Aloe vera – 1tbsp.
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes.
How to Prepare and Use:
- Make a paste out of soaked Red Lentils.
- Add freshly extracted aloe vera gel and mix well.
- Apply all over the affected areas.
- Leave it for 20-25 minutes and rinse well with water.
How Often Should I Use? Use it once a week.
Precautions: There are no known side effects of this remedy.
8. Cocoa and Coffee De Tan Pack:
This delicious face mask not only invigorates your senses but also restore the natural beauty of your skin. Both these agents contain caffeine which can work on sunburns. Also, coffee contains many antioxidants which reduce cellular damage due to free radicals. You can add honey for enhanced benefits. It can use both on face and arms.
Ingredients:
- Coffee Powder – 1 tbsp.
- Cocoa Powder – 1 tbsp.
- Honey – 1 tbsp.
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes.
How to Prepare and Use:
- Mix all the ingredients together.
- You can use some milk or water to bind them.
- Apply it evenly on your skin.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with regular water.
How Often Should I Use? Use it once a week.
Precautions: Coffee can be abrasive on sensitive skin. So, don’t rub too deep or massage in a harsh manner.
9. Strawberries and Milk Cream:
The very mention of strawberries and cream can make us salivate. Plus, it works wonderfully for treating tanned skin. Strawberries can brighten your skin with its antioxidant and Vitamin C properties. Adding milk cream can hydrate your skin and remove tan from arms patchy areas.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Strawberries – 4-5.
- Milk Cream.
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes.
How to Prepare and Use:
- Make a paste out of strawberries by mashing them with a fork.
- Add milk cream and mix well.
- Apply it evenly on the skin and wait for 20 minutes.
- Rinse well with water.
How Often Should I Use? Use it once a week.
Precautions: Using too much milk cream may not suit oily skin.
10. Sandalwood and Coconut Water for Tan From Arms:
If you want to try a quick skin renewal therapy, this combo is ideal. Coconut water can work on the temporary tan and remove it better than plain water. Adding pure sandalwood powder can heal your skin and give a cooling effect. This method works well when you try it within a few hours of getting remove tan from arms.
Ingredients:
- Sandalwood–1 tbsp.
- Coconut Water – 2tbsp.
Preparation Time: 2 Minutes.
How to Prepare and Use:
- Mix both the ingredients together.
- Apply the paste as a thin layer on the skin.
- Leave it for 20 minutes.
- Wash off with water.
How Often Should I Use? Use it thrice a week.
Precautions: No known side effects.
See More: How To Remove Tan From Lips
Now that you have learnt how to remove tan from arms and hands, it’s time to put them to practice. Choose a mask in which the ingredients are suitable for your skin type and use it regularly. It is also advisable to do a patch test to rule out the possibilities of any allergies. These methods can gently de-tan your skin and also give you a flawless complexion.
