Say goodbye to sun tan with these easy DIY remedies for hands and feet

Spending time in the sun is great, but it can leave behind an unwanted tan, especially on the hands and feet. Whether you're walking to work, travelling, or spending time outdoors, sun exposure can lead to darker, uneven skin on the exposed parts of your body.

Tanning happens when the skin produces more melanin to protect itself from harmful UV rays. This can cause your skin to look dull, patchy, or dry. While you can always visit a salon for treatment, not everyone has the time or money for it. The good news? You can remove tan naturally at home using simple ingredients found in your kitchen.

Below are six easy and effective remedies you can try at home to remove tan from your hands and feet. These methods are safe, chemical-free, and work well when done regularly.

6 kitchen remedies to remove tan from hands and feet

1. Lemon and honey mask
   Why it works: Lemon naturally helps to lighten skin, while honey keeps the skin soft and moisturised.

How to use it:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of honey.

• Apply the mixture to your hands and feet.

• Leave it on for 20 minutes.

• Wash off with lukewarm water.

How often: 3 to 4 times a week.

2. Curd and gram flour (besan) pack
   Why it works: Curd cools and repairs the skin, and gram flour helps remove dead skin cells.

How to use it:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of gram flour with 1 tablespoon of curd.

• Add a pinch of turmeric (optional).

• Apply the paste to the tanned areas.

• Let it dry for about 20 minutes.

• Scrub it off gently while rinsing with lukewarm water.

How often: Twice a week.

3. Tomato pulp for tan removal
   Why it works: Tomato contains lycopene, which helps reduce redness and tan.

How to use it:

• Take a fresh tomato and blend it into a smooth pulp.

• Apply the pulp directly to the skin.

• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Rinse with cool water.

How often: You can do this daily for faster results.

4. Potato juice to fade dark patches
   Why it works: Potato juice helps lighten dark spots and reduces pigmentation.

How to use it:

• Grate a raw potato and squeeze out the juice.

• Apply the juice with a cotton ball to tanned areas.

• Let it dry naturally.

• Rinse with water.

How often: Daily for one week.

5. Aloe vera and turmeric overnight mask
   Why it works: Aloe vera is cooling and healing. Turmeric helps brighten the skin.

How to use it:

• Take 1 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel.

• Mix in a pinch of turmeric.

• Gently massage onto your hands and feet before bedtime.

• Leave it on overnight.

• Wash it off in the morning with lukewarm water.

How often: Every night before sleeping.

6. Oatmeal and milk scrub
   Why it works: Oatmeal gently scrubs away dead skin, while milk softens and lightens it.

How to use it:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with enough milk to make a thick paste.

• Gently scrub your hands and feet using circular motions.

• Leave it on for 10 minutes.

• Wash off with water.

How often: Twice a week.

ALSO READ: Modern parenting trend 'FAFO' sparks debate among experts and parents alike

ALSO READ: The danger of World War 3 is growing — leaders must choose peace

Tips to protect your skin from getting tanned again

Using these remedies will help remove your tan, but protecting your skin from further damage is also important. Follow these simple tips to prevent future tanning:

• Always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your hands and feet before going out.

• Use cotton gloves or socks while driving or walking in direct sunlight.

• Keep your skin moisturised every day. This helps repair the skin barrier and keeps it healthy.

• Avoid being in the sun for too long during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm).

You don’t need to spend a lot of money or visit expensive salons to treat tanned skin. With a little time and consistency, you can remove tan from your hands and feet naturally at home. The best part is that these remedies use simple kitchen ingredients like lemon, tomato, curd, aloe vera, and turmeric — all of which are known for their skin benefits.

Most importantly, remember that protecting your skin from the sun is the first step to preventing tanning. Make sunscreen and hydration a part of your daily routine, and your skin will thank you with a healthy, natural glow.