Summer has arrived, and with it, the rising temperatures, which can have a bad effect on our skin. This season often brings skin woes like acne breakouts and lacklustre skin. The intense sun rays not only parch our skin but also contribute to unwanted tanning, courtesy of the harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Fear not! If prolonged exposure to heat and dirt has taken a toll on your skin, remedies are available to soothe and reduce tanning. Here are some highly effective home remedies for sun tanning:
Lemon juice
Lemon is beneficial for the skin in many ways. It makes the skin glow and also removes tanning. Cut a lemon, extract its juice and use the peel to gently scrub the skin. You can also put a teaspoon of aloe vera gel in the juice and apply it to the skin. Keep it for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Cucumber, lemon and rose water
Combining cucumber, lemon, and rose water can create a potent concoction for treating sun tanning. Each ingredient brings its benefits to the table, working together to soothe, hydrate, and lighten the skin.
Take a teaspoon of cucumber pulp, lemon juice and rose water. Mix it well and apply it to the tanning area. Try to apply this preparation twice a day for better results. After scrubbing the area for a few minutes, rinse well.
Use gram flour and turmeric
Gram flour and turmeric are two natural ingredients widely used in traditional skincare routines for their beneficial properties. When combined, they can create an effective mixture for addressing tanning and achieving brighter, more radiant skin.
In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of gram flour and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Add yoghurt gradually to the mixture to form a smooth paste. Yoghurt can provide additional moisturising benefits to the skin. Apply the paste evenly to your face and neck, focusing on areas affected by tanning. Leave the mask on for about 15-20 minutes or until it dries completely. Once dry, gently rinse off the mask with lukewarm water, using gentle circular motions to exfoliate the skin.
Oatmeal and buttermilk
Oatmeal and buttermilk are two natural ingredients that offer numerous benefits for the skin, including soothing properties and gentle exfoliation.
Mix equal parts oatmeal and buttermilk in a bowl to create a thick paste. Apply the mixture to your body, focusing on areas with tanning or rough skin texture. Gently massage the scrub onto your skin using circular motions, paying extra attention to elbows, knees, and any other dry or rough areas. Continue massaging for a few minutes to allow the oatmeal to exfoliate the skin and the buttermilk to nourish it. Rinse off the scrub with warm water and pat your skin dry with a towel. Follow up with a moisturiser to replenish moisture and keep your skin soft and supple.
Lentils, tomato and aloe vera
Lentils offer exfoliating properties, tomatoes contain antioxidants and natural acids that help lighten the skin, and aloe vera provides soothing and moisturizing effects.
Soak a handful of lentils in water overnight. Once the lentils are soaked, drain the water and blend them into a smooth paste using a blender. In a bowl, grate a tomato to extract its juice. Mix the lentil paste with the tomato juice to create a thick, smooth consistency. Apply the mixture evenly to your face and neck. Leave the mask on for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing off the mask with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
