1.Sunscreen timings: Exposure to sun is one of the major factors that cause tanning. Hence, when travelling wear a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor or SPF of at least 15. The intensity of the sun is greatest between ten in the morning to four in the evening therefore if you can try and reapply sunscreen.
2. Bleach naturally: Natural bleaching agents can be used thrice a week to cleanse your face. Mix 4 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp lemon juice and apply the mixture evenly on the tanned areas for 15 minutes. Once dried, wash with cold water. This works best for greasy and oily skin.
3. Cleanse well: A yogurt and honey cleanser can do wonders to de-tan your skin. Mix 4 tbsp plain yogurt, 2 tbsp honey, 3 tbsp lime juice, add a little cornstarch, if you think the paste needs thickening. Apply on your face and massage for 2-3 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
4. Papaya can work: Rub raw papaya juice or ripe papaya pulp on the skin, as it helps to lighten the dark patches on your face. Application of tea tree oil on affected areas, especially areas affected by pigmentation, is beneficial. You can add extracts of basil leaves in this for the better results.
5. Face and Neck :
First, remember that fake tan is least effective on the face and within 24 hours, the tan will have already toned down in color so if at all possible, try to leave it alone and counter with some judicious use of make-up. If you are desperate, try massaging baking soda into your damp skin (e.g. in the shower), using small, gentle circles. This has an exfoliating action which will remove any dead skin that is ready to be sloughed off. This treatment will help greatly with any “blotchiness” that comes from fake tanning products. If the color is even but simply unnatural, moisten a cotton pad with alcohol-free toner or a liquid make-up remover and wipe it gently over your face and neck. Alternatively, find a product containing Alpha- or Beta-Hydroxy Acid solution and apply before bedtime – you should see an improvement in the morning.
6.Hands and Feet:
For orange palms and soles, body hair bleach can be very effective. Apply to the stained areas, leave for about 10 minutes and then rinse off thoroughly. If other, more sensitive, areas are stained such as wrists, knees and ankles, try the Alpha- or Beta-Hydroxy Acid solution. Ordinary hydrogen peroxide (such as from your First Aid kit) can also work, although make sure that it is no older than 6 months old because otherwise, it will be ineffective. While it may not work immediately, it should help to lighten the tan more quickly if you keep applying it daily to restricted areas.
Note that hydrogen peroxide is a very powerful chemical and can harm the skin through free radical damage – therefore, it should NEVER be applied to large areas of the body. Remember to always test a small area of skin first when using any chemical as they can cause severe irritation. In addition, never use different products at the same time (eg. hydrogen peroxide and body hair bleach) on the same area of skin.
Fingernails and Toenails :
Again, body hair bleach can work well on stained toenails and cuticles. For fingernails, try soaking them in a bowl of denture cleaner.
Underarms:
An area that often has to endure constant shaving and deodorising, it is no surprise that the skin around the underarms can look strange and absorb fake tans badly, causing a ring to form around the underarm. It is best to gently exfoliate the area using a scrubbing cloth.
Knees and Elbows:
Again, exfoliation with a scrubbing cloth is a good solution and you can do it quite vigorously with something like a sisal scrubbing cloth. However, never rub your skin red.
Torso, Legs and Arms :
These parts of the body need more gentle treatment so it is best to coat yourself in baby oil, followed by a long bath during which you can exfoliate very gently with a cotton washcloth. Daily soaking in a bathtub will also help reduce all-over “orangeness”. Swimming will also help to tone down the colour. Remember to keep your skin moisturised at all times and to always be as gentle as possible. Raw, red skin is no more attractive than orange skin!
