Looking for a home remedy for sun tan? Try aloe vera

With the end of winter looming and summer waiting around the corner, you may need to step up your game to protect your skin from the harsh sun. If you seem to find yourself in a similar situation and have been hunting for some home remedies for sun tan removal, try aloe vera. It has always been celebrated for its cooling, moisturizing, and healing properties, but it can help you get rid of a tan too. Aloe vera can be applied directly on tan, or can also be added to many DIY face masks. Not only will this help you get rid of your tan, but this application will also help you get beautiful skin.

Is aloe vera good for sun tan?

Yes, aloe vera can be beneficial for soothing and lightening the skin because it has natural cooling, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It lightens darkened skin by stimulating skin regeneration and de-pigmentation. A study, published in the International Journal of Pharmacognosy, states that aloe vera can help in the suppression of the release of melanin and this helps to reduce pigmentation. Aloe vera gel also gives deep moisturization, which helps repair sun-damaged skin, making this one of the best remedies for sun tan. “To get the best results, apply fresh aloe vera gel to tanned skin and leave it on for 20–30 minutes before washing off. Daily use can restore your skin’s natural colour and radiance,” explains dermatologist Dr Priyanka Kuri.

Benefits of aloe vera for sun tan removal

When it comes to home remedies for sun tan, aloe vera offers a promising choice. Here is how it can help us:

1. Reduces skin pigmentation

Aloe vera is one of the best remedies for sun tan as it contains something known as aloin. This is a natural de-pigmenting agent that reduces sun-induced dark spots and skin discolouration. It lightens tanned skin gradually, giving an even tone. A study, published in the journal Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, observed that 19 out of 22 patients of vitiligo, a skin condition that leads to pigmentation, who were treated with natural Aloe vera pulp, responded positively within three months.

2. Calms sunburn and redness

Aloe vera gel possesses anti-inflammatory properties, states a study, published in the Central European Journal of Immunology. Another reason why aloe vera is one of the best remedies for sun tan is because of these anti-inflammatory and cooling nature. This tends to soothe sunburned skin as well as calm redness, irritation and puffiness brought about by extended exposure to the sun. It also relieves one of the accompanying burning sensations.

3. Hydrates and moisturises deeply

Sun exposure tends to dry out the skin and this can cause it to break out in flakes. Aloe vera contains high water content and nutrients that hydrate the skin deeply. This helps in re-establishing moisture balance and stopping peeling, thus, making aloe vera one of the best home remedies for sun tan.

4. Increases skin regeneration

Aloe vera triggers collagen production and cell turnover. There are many benefits of collagen, including aiding in repairing damaged skin cells. Using aloe vera as one of the remedies for sun tan allows sun-damaged skin to heal quickly. This induces a fresh, healthy glow.

5. Natural exfoliant and antioxidating properties

Aloe vera is one of the best remedies for sun tan as it softly exfoliates dead skin cells and unclogs pores. This allows the tanned, damaged outer skin layer to shed, explains the expert. This, in turn, reveals brighter and healthier skin. Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, that combat infections induced by exposure to UV light. These antioxidants shield the skin from premature ageing and future sun damage.

Remedies for sun tan: How to use aloe vera?

Aloe vera is one of the best home remedies for sun tan removal. Here are some easy ways to include this in your diet:

1. Application of pure aloe vera gel

• Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the leaf and apply it straight to the tanned skin.
• Leave it on for 20–30 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
• Use regularly to lighten tan and calm sunburn.

2. Aloe vera and lemon juice

• Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
• Apply this to the affected area, let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse off with cold water.

Lemon has natural bleaching properties that make it better at removing tan.

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3. Aloe Vera and honey mask

• Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Apply the mixture to tanned skin and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

This deeply moisturizes the skin and lightens the tan.

4. Aloe Vera and cucumber pack

• Mix aloe vera gel with cucumber juice.
• Apply to sun-exposed areas.

Cucumber’s cooling and hydrating action combines with aloe to prevent tanning and calm irritation.

5. Turmeric and aloe vera paste

• Mix aloe vera gel with a pinch of turmeric and apply the paste to tanned skin.
• Leave it for 15–20 minutes and then wash.

Turmeric’s brightening and anti-inflammatory properties combined with aloe vera improve skin tone.

What are the side effects of aloe vera?

While aloe vera is generally safe and is one of the most promising remedies for sun tan, it can cause side effects in certain people, particularly those with sensitive skin or allergies. Redness, irritation, itching or a burning sensation are the possible side effects. Some people may even experience dryness with long-term use. Aloe vera gel may also trigger allergic reactions in very rare cases, so a patch test should be done before complete application. Furthermore, combining aloe vera with turmeric or lemon could make your skin more sun-sensitive, thus sunscreen is advised to be used after application of the paste.