Summers are here and it’s time for us to don our breezy short dresses and roam about the town making new and trendy style statements. But with the Sun God paying extra attention on us, we have to think twice before slipping in our favourite dress, lest we might return home with an uninvited tan. Using chemical laden cosmetic products for instant tan removal can take a toll on our sensitive skin. Therefore, it’s safer to go with these natural remedies that not just help us to de-tan but also ensure the nourishment of our damaged skin.
1) BESAN AND TURMERIC FACE PACK
Turmeric, often referred to as ‘the holy powder’ is known for it’s medicinal properties. It not just helps in reducing pigmentation and tan but also adds glow to our face, making us look fresh and radiant. Besan on the other hand works as a natural scrub for exfoliating the skin and removing the dead cells.
Mix 2 tablespoons of Besan, a pinch of turmeric, 1 tablespoon of milk and 1 tablespoon of crushed orange peel in a bowl with cold rose water and apply it in a clean face for 20 minutes. Applying this pack once in 2 days helps us to enjoy the bleaching and scrubbing benefits of both these magical ingredients, thus giving our skin the care it deserves!
2) MILK POWDER, HONEY AND ALMOND OIL FACE PACK
Milk powder is a natural ingredient for reducing the effects of suntan and imparting a cleaner texture to the skin. It also keeps our skin healthy and glowing by providing deep nourishment to the skin and moisturizing it. Almond oil is an excellent carrier for salt and sugar and thus it can be used as a facial scrub for removing dirt and rough or dead cells from the face.
Mix 2 tablespoons of milk powder with 1 tablespoon of honey and a few drops of almond oil and apply on clean face. Leave it for 20 minutes before washing off with water.
3) CUCUMBER, ROSE WATER AND LEMON JUICE PACK
Cucumber and Lemon are two of the most trusted bleaching agents. Lemon juice is a rich source of Vitamin C; a powerful antioxidant that helps in lightening tan, age spots and dark spots. But, one must forget to use a sunscreen with high SPF when using a lemon remedy because it’s acidic nature can make the skin sensitive to the UV rays of the sun.
Take a tablespoon each of cucumber juice, lemon juice and rose water and mix in bowl. Apply with cotton on tanned area, wait 10 minutes and wash off with cold water. Apply this pack ever day after you get back from the sun. The goodness of cucumber and lemon makes it one of the most effective homemade face masks for sun tan removal.
4) POTATO AND LEMON JUICE FACE PACK
Potato is one of the most sought after ingredient of Indian food but it has way more uses than what we actually know. Potato is loaded with vitamins, minerals, proteins and fibers. Potatoes have skin lightening properties that help in reducing dark spots, pigmentation and freckles. Ergo, the combination of potato and lemon juice is also the best way to get rid of those troublesome dark circles.
Extract the juice of a fresh potato using a grinder, then mix a tablespoon of lemon juice with it and apply on face and other affected areas. Let it dry for 30-40 minutes post which, wash off with cold water. Potato juice can work wonders in removing blemishes and inflammation and in soothing the skin.
5) PAPAYA AND HONEY FACE PACK
This delicious fruit pack helps remove sun tan from the face using the goodness of papaya, also called ‘the fruit of the Angels’. Being a good source of Vitamin A and Papain, this fruit helps in removing dead skin cells along with breaking down the inactive proteins. It helps to keep our skin hydrated, soft and smooth. Honey too, is an essential agent that helps in moisturizing and softening the skin.
Take ½ cup of ripe papaya and mash it well. Then add a tablespoon of honey to it and mix well. Apply on clean face and dry it for about 30 minutes. Rinse it off with fresh water.
6) OAT MEAL AND BUTTER MILK EXFOLIATING PACK
Oatmeal contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe itchy, dry and irritated skin. It is also great for acne-prone skin because it absorbs oil from the skin’s surface. Buttermilk helps in soothing and moisturizing skin along with healing blisters and marks.
Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with 3 tablespoons of buttermilk and apply on face and body. Gently message on your face and let it dry for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with cold water.
7) WHEAT FLOUR FACE PACK
Wheat flour works very effectively on skin. Applying wheat flour on skin can help in improving skin tone, fading away dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Make a paste using 2 tablespoons of wheat flour and water and apply on face. Make sure the paste isn’t too thick. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash off with water. It helps in natural brightening and toning of skin.
8) MULTANI MITTI (FULLER’S EARTH) ANF ALOE VERA GEL PACK
Multani Mitti is an age old trusted agent when it comes to overall skin care. It’s cool effect soothes the skin burns and helps in reducing skin irritation, rashes, blemishes and acne. Aloe vera gel also helps in de-tanning the skin by acting as a natural cleanser.
Mix 2 tablespoons of multani mitti with 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, rosewater can also be added to dilute the mixture. Apply on face and neck and let it dry for about half an hour. Rinse it off with cold water.