As we approach the end of summer, those who spend ample time outdoors may find themselves dealing with the aftermath of sun exposure—unsightly tanning. The summer sun can be harsh on the skin, leaving a complexion needing restoration. Despite sunscreen use and avoiding peak sun hours, some tanning is almost inevitable. While numerous products and salon treatments promise to address this issue, you can achieve similar results at home using a readily available kitchen ingredient, all at no cost.
We are talking about using the magical properties of lemon when it comes to saying goodbye to sun-damaged skin texture. Women have been using lemon juice for skin lightening for a long time. Apart from the fact that the use of lemon for de-tanning is cost-effective, it is also completely natural. So, while getting rid of tan, you will not expose your skin to harsh chemicals.
But before we proceed to our list of ways you can use lemon for skin lightening, let’s first understand what happens to our skin during tanning and how lemon works against it.
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What is Sun Tanning?
When exposed to the sun’s damaging UV rays for long, our skin goes into protection mode and starts producing extra melanin. Melanin is a pigment/ chemical that helps absorb additional UV radiation and makes our skin darker or tanned.
To avoid getting tanned, we need to reduce our exposure to the sun and also wear good sunscreen when outdoors. Increased levels of pollution only add to our woes. But no matter how much protection we take, we will always have some degree of tanning. (1)
Our skin also loses its moisture content because of prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The result is dull skin.
How can Lemon Help?
Lemon juice contains about 6% citric acid. It is what gives the lemon its distinctive taste. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C. Not just the color but everything about lemon spells freshness. And we need that same freshness on our skin, too!
The composition of lemon juice, especially citric acid that naturally bleaches, makes it an excellent remedy against any discoloration or pigmentation caused by scars, acne, or sun damage. It can be applied to the face, elbows, and knees to remove discoloration.
The citric acid in lemon acts as an exfoliator and helps remove the dead cells from the skin. Lemon also acts as a bleaching agent. It helps fade tanning by reducing melanin present in the skin. Lemon also contains alpha-hydroxy acid that not only exfoliates the skin but also moisturizes it.
In a nutshell, lemon acts as a natural bleaching cum exfoliation miracle. Now, let’s proceed to how to use lemon to remove tan from the skin.
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1. Diluted Lemon Water
Squeeze out the juice of half a lemon and dilute it with an equal quantity of water. Dab a cotton ball into this solution and apply it all over your face. If you find it too tingling or irritating, use it for the pigmented areas. Leave it on the skin for 10 to 20 minutes to dry. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry. Repeat it daily or on every alternate day to see good results. Do not step out in the sun with lemon juice on your face, as it can cause an allergic reaction. (2)
This method will help lighten your skin and also regulate sebum production. Less oil automatically makes your skin appear brighter.
2. Lemon Rind Scrub
Lemon rind acts as an excellent exfoliator and helps you get rid of dead cells from the upper layer of the skin. Grate some lemon rind and mix it with a few drops of lemon juice and water. Then, use it as a facial scrub. This will help lighten your skin and give you a glowing complexion.
3. Curd, Lemon Juice, and Turmeric Face Mask
Curd helps treat blemishes; turmeric fights against the root cause of blemishes, and lemon is a natural bleaching agent. When they come together, they guarantee brighter and more radiant skin. Mix one teaspoon of curd with the juice of half a lemon and a pinch of turmeric. Wash your face and apply this mask. Leave it on for about fifteen minutes. Wipe with a washcloth dipped in warm water. Follow up with a splash of cold water.
4. Sugar, Honey, and Lemon Scrub
This magical scrub helps lighten the skin and adds a glow by exfoliating. Both lemon and honey help lighten skin. Sugar crystals help exfoliate the skin and eliminate the dead cells from the top layer.
Mix a teaspoon of sugar with the juice of half a lemon and half a teaspoon of honey in a bowl. Dampen your skin and scrub it with the above paste. Leave it on for about five minutes and rinse off with warm water. Doing this twice a week will give you blemish-free and lighter skin.
5. Sandalwood and Lemon Juice Mask
Mix one teaspoon of sandalwood powder with a few drops of lemon and cucumber juice. Wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser and apply this paste generously. Leave it on to dry for about fifteen minutes. Rinse off with cold water and dab your face dry. These three ingredients have a unique role here – sandalwood naturally improves your complexion, and lemon and cucumber juice helps lighten the skin.
6. Lemon and Rosewater
Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with five tablespoons of rosewater and apply it all over the face at bedtime. Rinse off the following day and see your skin glowing. While lemon juice lightens the skin, rosewater calms down any irritation. However, make sure to use organic rosewater to see maximum results.
7. Tomato and Lemon Juice
Tomatoes contain lycopene and antioxidants that act as a natural sunscreen and help fight cellular damage. When mixed with lemon juice, the mixture can do wonders to remove tan from your skin. Mix some tomato pulp with lemon juice and apply it all over your face. Rinse off with cold water after 15 minutes. Do this twice a week to get your original complexion back.
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A Word of Caution
Experts advise against undiluted lemon on the skin, especially for sensitive skin, as it can irritate. Diluting lemon with water or another natural ingredient is crucial before application. Additionally, ensure thorough washing to remove any residue before going outdoors, as leftover lemon on the skin may lead to rashes or itching. Individuals with irritated or bruised skin should avoid using lemon juice, which can worsen the condition.
Summary
The summer sun can be harsh and unforgiving on the skin. If you’re someone who loves to spend time outdoors, you’re bound to get some amount of tanning no matter how much sunscreen you use. While there is no shortage of drugstore products that claim to even out your complexion and fade away tanning, why not first try something from our kitchen shelf that works equally well. Lemon is a perfect natural ingredient that does a perfect job of removing tan from the skin. Citric acid and Vitamin C present in lemon make it an excellent skin lightening agent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the fastest way to get rid of tan?
There is no fastest way to get rid of tan. Any skin tan removal ingredient or treatment takes at least a month to show good results. But all this while, don’t forget to wear protective clothing and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
What works better against tan – home remedies or chemical creams?
There is no sure way to remove tan. It is a slow and tedious process. We recommend you start with home remedies first, as they don’t have any adverse effects. Consult a dermatologist for suggestions if they don’t give you good results. You can also try some over-the-counter creams for tan removal. Just make sure to read the ingredients list.
Can I use lemon on my sensitive skin?
Yes, you can, but remember, moderation is the key here. First, do a patch test to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction to lemon juice. Then, use only diluted lemon juice on the skin. Finally, always rinse off any lemon residue from the skin before stepping out in the sun, as it can further irritate your skin.
References
- “The Best Way to Get Rid of a Tan” – healthline.com
- “How to Get Rid of a Suntan at Home” -wikihow.com
