Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
how to remove tan naturally at home
FREE! Just write your question
— get answers from Best Ayurvedic doctors
No chat. No calls. Just write your question and receive expert replies
1000+ doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 50M : 23S
background image
Click Here
background image
Skin and Hair Disorders
Question #37075
85 days ago
227

how to remove tan naturally at home - #37075

Lillian

I am really struggling with this stubborn tan I got from my beach vacation last month. I always thought I wouldn’t tan that much because I usually apply sunscreen, but I guess I missed a few spots, and now it’s like my arms and face are a whole different color than the rest of me! I didn’t realize it was this bad until my friends pointed it out during our little get-together last week. Ugh! I’ve tried some store bought products, but honestly they’re just not working, and I rather go the natural route. I’m curious about how to remove tan naturally at home. I heard about using things like lemon juice and honey masks, but I’m worried about how my sensitive skin will react. Like, do you just mix those together and put it on your face? How long is it supposed to stay on? Any tips on how many times a week I should do it? Also, are there other natural ideas to try, like maybe using yogurt or cucumber? Like, I've read they can help but not sure if it’s really effective for tan removal. If anyone has had success with something specific, like mixtures or methods—please share! I just wanna see my normal skin tone again without the harsh chemicals. Thanks!

FREE
Question is closed

Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors' responses

To address the persistent tan naturally at home, one effective approach involves a holistic view grounded in Ayurvedic principles. Before experimenting with at-home remedies, especially with sensitive skin, it is wise to proceed with caution.

Firstly, let’s discuss the use of lemon juice and honey. While lemon juice is known for its natural bleaching properties due to its acidity, it’s vital to be cautious, especially with sensitive skin. Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice with two teaspoons of honey—honey acts as a soothing agent to counterbalance the acidity. Apply this mixture gently on tanned areas, leave it for 10-15 minutes, and wash off with lukewarm water. Be sure to apply a moisturizer afterward, and limit this treatment to 2-3 times a week to avoid irritation.

Alternatively, yogurt can be a fantastic natural remedy. Rich in lactic acid, it helps in exfoliation and lightening the tan. Combine two tablespoons of plain yogurt with a pinch of turmeric. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for soothing the skin. Apply to the tanned areas for about 20 minutes before washing off. This can be done three times a week.

Cucumbers are also beneficial due to their cooling properties. Grate a cucumber and apply the juice directly to the skin, leave it for 15-20 minutes, then rinse. It’s gentle enough to use daily and hydrates the skin, aiding tan removal without causing dryness.

It’s important to note that the de-tanning process requires patience and consistency. Ensure you also protect your skin from further sun exposure by reapplying sunscreen regularly. Lastly, always patch-test any new mixture to ensure there’s no adverse reaction.

Remember, Ayurveda also emphasizes internal balance. Maintain a diet rich in hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumber, and consume green leafy vegetables to boost your skin’s natural repair process. Keeping the body’s heat in check (balancing Pitta) can also prevent further skin issues. Always prioritize gentle and nurturing approaches to achieving your original skin tone.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.

0 replies

Removing a stubborn tan naturally while being gentle on sensitive skin involves a few careful steps using Ayurvedic principles. First, it’s essential to consider your dosha, or body type, as some remedies might be more suitable for certain constitutions. Generally, tan removal focuses on pacifying pitta dosha, which governs heat and inflammation, and enhancing skin rejuvenation.

A simple and soothing approach is to apply a mask blending chickpea flour (besan) with a small amount of turmeric, milk, and honey. This combination helps in gently exfoliating dead skin cells and fade tans over time. Apply this mixture to your skin, leaving it for about 15-20 minutes before gently rinsing with lukewarm water. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week, ensuring your skin doesn’t react adversely.

For sensitive skin, sometimes lemon juice can be too harsh, even when mixed with honey. Instead, consider yogurt mixed with a bit of mashed cucumber. Yogurt’s lactic acid acts as a mild exfoliant and brightens the skin, while cucumber provides a cooling effect that soothes inflammation. Apply it as a mask for around 15 minutes, and rinse it off with gentle massaging motions. Doing this mask can be safe to try 2-3 times a week.

Aloe vera gel is another excellent option. Apply fresh aloe vera gel to the tanned areas before bedtime and wash it off in the morning. Aloe vera has cooling and healing properties that can help diminish the tan and improve skin texture. Another mild exfoliant is Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) useful for drawing out impurities and restoring skin balance, especially in pitta skin types.

For extra nourishment, keep your skin moisturized with coconut oil or almond oil after washing off any masks. These oils are calming and replenish lipid layers, impulsing natural skin healing. Remember to stay hydrated, as water can assist your body in flushing out toxins.

The key is consistency and patience as natural methods work progressively. Always do a patch test before using any new remedy to ensure your skin responds well, especially since you mentioned your skin is on the sensitive side. If you notice any irritation, discontinue that treatment immediately and consider seeing a healthcare professional if the condition persists.

13657 answered questions
34% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Suraj Amber
I am practicing Ayurveda for about 8 years now, feels strange saying that because honestly the learning never stops. My work is all about finding balance in the body, not in some abstract way, but literally working with each person’s unique prakriti and the vikriti they’re dealing with at that moment. I follow the classical principles — herbal formulations, Panchakarma therapies, diet corrections, lifestyle tweaks — but nothing is “one size fits all”. Each treatment plan is shaped by the person infront of me, their health history, and the small details you only catch when you really listen. Over time I’ve worked with people dealing with digestion troubles, joint pains, hormonal shifts, stress-related health dips, and even stubborn chronic stuff that didn’t respond much to other methods. My approach is to go for the root cause first, because treating just the symptoms feels like putting tape over a crack... it hides it for a while but doesn’t fix it. That’s also why I focus on prevention — if you stop the imbalance before it grows, you save a lot of pain later. I keep my learning alive by reading classical Ayurvedic texts and joining continuing education whenever I can fit it in (sometimes late nights with too much chai). And I try to pass that clarity on to patients, explaining why a certain herb or therapy is chosen, what changes they might notice, and how they can keep supporting themselves after treatment ends. For me, this is more than just work. It’s a way of living… making choices every day that keep the mind, body, and emotions in some kind of harmony. My goal is still the same as day one — offer care that’s authentic, safe, and actually works for the long run, while making sure the person feels heard and understood through the whole process.
5
4 reviews
Dr. M.Sushma
I am Dr. Sushma M and yeah, I’ve been in Ayurveda for over 20 yrs now—honestly still learning from it every day. I mostly work with preventive care, diet logic, and prakriti-based guidance. I mean, why wait for full-blown disease when your body’s been whispering for years, right? I’m kinda obsessed with that early correction part—spotting vata-pitta-kapha imbalances before they spiral into something deeper. Most ppl don’t realize how much power food timing, digestion rhythm, & basic routine actually have… until they shift it. Alongside all that classical Ayurveda, I also use energy medicine & color therapy—those subtle layers matter too, esp when someone’s dealing with long-term fatigue or emotional heaviness. These things help reconnect not just the body, but the inner self too. Some ppl are skeptical at first—but when you treat *beyond* the doshas, they feel it. And I don’t force anything… I just kinda match what fits their nature. I usually take time understanding a person’s prakriti—not just from pulse or skin or tongue—but how they react to stress, sleep patterns, their relationship with food. That whole package tells the story. I don’t do textbook treatment lines—I build a plan that adjusts *with* the person, not on top of them. Over the years, watching patients slowly return to their baseline harmony—that's what keeps me in it. I’ve seen folks come in feeling lost in symptoms no one explained… and then walk out weeks later understanding their body better than they ever did. That, to me, is healing. Not chasing symptoms, but restoring rhythm. I believe true care doesn’t look rushed, or mechanical. It listens, observes, tweaks gently. That's the kind of Ayurveda I try to practice—not loud, but deeply rooted.
5
876 reviews
Dr. Gursimran Jeet Singh
I am Dr. Gursimran Jeet Singh, born and raised in Punjab where culture and traditions almost naturally guided me toward Ayurveda. From very early days I felt more drawn to natural ways of healing, and this curiosity finally led me to pursue Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) at Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College, Chandigarh—an institution known for shaping strong Ayurvedic physicians. During those years I learned not only the classical texts and treatment methods, but also how to look at health through a very practical, human lense. For the past five years I worked in clinical practice, where patients come with wide range of concerns—from chronic digestion troubles to autoimmune illness—and I try to integrate both Ayurveda and modern medical knowledge to give them the most complete care I can. Sometimes western diagnostics help me to understand the stage of disease, while Ayurveda helps me design treatment that address root cause. This bridging approach is not always easy, but I believe it’s necessary for today’s health challanges. Currently I am also pursuing higher studies in Panchakarma therapy. Panchakarma is an area I feel very strongly about—it is not just detox, it is a whole system of cleansing, rejuvenation, rebalancing, and I want to deepen my expertise here. In practice, I combine Panchakarma with lifestyle guidance, diet planning, herbal remedies, yoga and mindfulness practices depending on what a patient actually needs at that moment. No two cases are same, and Ayurveda reminds me daily that healing must be personal. My approach is always focused on root-cause management rather than temporary relief. Diet, herbs, therapeutic oils, meditation routines, and simple daily habits—they all work together when chosen rightly. Sometimes results come slow, sometimes faster, but I try to keep care sustainable and compassionate. Helping someone regain energy, sleep better, or reduce pain, that is the real achievement in my journey. And I continue learning, because Ayurveda is deep, it doesn’t finish with one degree or one training, it grow with every patient and every experiance.My specialties lie in treating a range of chronic and lifestyle-related conditions using Ayurveda’s time-tested principles, tailored to each individual’s unique constitution (Prakriti). I have significant expertise in managing digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, constipation, diabetes, obesity and inflammatory bowel diseases. I also specialize in addressing stress-related and mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and burnout, which are increasingly common in today’s fast-paced world. By integrating therapies like Shirodhara (oil pouring on the forehead) to calm the nervous system, Abhyanga (herbal oil massages) to balance Vata dosha, and adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi, I help patients achieve mental clarity and emotional resilience. In the field of musculoskeletal and joint health, I excel in treating conditions like arthritis (rheumatoid and osteoarthritis), back pain, sciatica, and sports injuries. Using therapies such as Kati Basti (localized oil retention on the lower back) and potent anti-inflammatory herbs like Guggulu and Shallaki, I focus on reducing inflammation, improving joint mobility, and strengthening tissues. My treatments have helped many patients, particularly those seeking non-invasive alternatives, regain mobility and reduce pain through a blend of internal medications and external therapies. Skin disorders are another key area of my practice, where I address conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and pigmentation issues holistically. By focusing on blood purification and balancing Pitta dosha and detoxifying Panchakarma techniques like Raktamokshana (bloodletting). My approach targets dietary and lifestyle triggers, offering sustainable results for clients who previously relied on temporary solutions like topical steroids. My dual expertise in Ayurveda and modern medicine allows me to create integrative treatment plans that are both effective and safe. I am deeply committed to patient education, empowering individuals to embrace Ayurvedic principles for sustainable health. Through this online platform, I am excited to offer virtual consultations, making the profound benefits of Ayurveda accessible to all. Whether you seek relief from a specific condition or aim to enhance overall vitality, I look forward to guiding you on your journey to balance and well-being with compassion and expertise.
5
270 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, born n brought up in Maharashtra—and honestly, for as long as I remember I’ve felt this pull towards Ayurveda. Not the fancy version ppl throw around, but the deep, real kind that actually helps ppl. I did my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College in Kharghar. That’s where I got my basics strong—like really studied the shastras, understood prakriti, doshas, the whole deal. Not just crammed theory but started to see how it shows up in real lives. After finishing BAMS, I got into this one-year certificate course at Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi—honestly a turning point. I was super lucky to learn Kerala Ayurveda from my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan. He’s got this way of seeing things... simple but deep. That time with him taught me more than any textbook ever could. It kinda reshaped how I look at health, healing n how precise Ayurveda can be when you respect its roots. Right now I’m doing my MD in Panchakarma from SDM Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This place is like a hub for serious Ayurveda work. The Panchakarma training here? Super intense. We go deep into detoxification & rasayana therapy—not just theory again, but hands-on. I’m learning to blend classical techniques with today’s clinical demands.. like how to make Vamana or Basti actually doable in modern patient setups. My current practice is really about merging tradition with logic. Whether it’s chronic skin issues, gut problems, stress burnout or hormone stuff—my goal is to get to the root, not just hush the symptoms. I use Panchakarma when needed, but also a lot of ahara-vihara tweaks, medhya herbs, sometimes just slowing ppl down a bit helps. I really believe Ayurveda’s power is in its simplicity when done right. I don’t try to fix ppl—I work *with* them. And honestly, every patient teaches me something back.
5
437 reviews
Dr. Jatin Kumar Sharma
I am a BAMS graduate and currently running my own clinic, where I see patients on a regular basis and try to give them honest, practical care. My daily work involves understanding different health concerns, listening properly to what the patient is going through, and then planning treatment in a way that actually fits their routine. I believe treatment should not feel confusing or rushed, and sometimes even small changes make a big difference. Running my own clinic has taught me a lot about responsibility and consistency. Some days are busy, some are slow, but every patient brings a different challenge and learning. I focus mainly on Ayurvedic treatment methods, lifestyle correction and long-term health balance, rather than quick fixes. There are times when progress takes longer, but I stay patient and keep working with the person step by step. I try to keep my approach simple, practical and honest. For me, real success is when a patient feels better in daily life, sleeps better, eats better and slowly regains balance. That is what keeps me going and improving every day.
5
40 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
950 reviews
Dr. Mohit Kakkar
I am a BAMS-qualified Ayurvedic physician from Jalandhar, Punjab, and I work with a deep interest in blending classical Ayurvedic wisdom with modern telemedicine care. My practice is largely consultation based, reaching patients across the country through online platforms, which still feels new sometimes but works well. Till now I have served more than 500 patients through teleconsultations, mostly chronic cases where consistency really matters more than quick fixes. I focus on understanding each patient through dosha assessment, mainly balancing Vata, Pitta, Kapha using individualized treatment plans and nutrition guidance. Around 85% symptom relief has been seen in chronic conditions, though outcomes vary and need patience. I rely on personalised diet, daily routine correction, and classical Ayurvedic medicines. Some days are challenging, but seeing people feel lighter, sleep better, or regain control over health keeps me going. My aim stays simple,, long term wellness through practical Ayurveda, not rushed solutions.
5
1 reviews
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
I am a Senior Ayurveda Physician with more than 28 years in this field — and trust me, it still surprises me how much there is to learn every single day. Over these years, I’ve had the chance to treat over 1 lakh patients (probably more by now honestly), both through in-person consults and online. Some come in with a mild cough, others with conditions no one’s been able to figure out for years. Each case brings its own rhythm, and that’s where real Ayurveda begins. I still rely deeply on classical tools — *Nadi Pariksha*, *Roga-Rogi Pariksha*, proper *prakriti-vikriti* mapping — not just ticking symptoms into a list. I don’t believe in ready-made cures or generic charts. Diagnosis needs attention. I look at how the disease behaves *inside* that specific person, which doshas are triggering what, and where the imbalance actually started (hint: it’s usually not where the pain is). Over the years I’ve worked with pretty much all age groups and all kinds of health challenges — from digestive upsets & fevers to chronic, autoimmune, hormonal, metabolic and degenerative disorders. Arthritis, diabetes, PCOD, asthma, thyroid... but also things like unexplained fatigue or joint swelling that comes and goes randomly. Many of my patients had already “tried everything else” before they walked into Ayurveda, and watching their systems respond slowly—but surely—is something I don’t take lightly. My line of treatment usually combines herbal formulations (classical ones, not trendy ones), Panchakarma detox when needed, and realistic dietary and lifestyle corrections. Long-term healing needs long-term clarity — not just short bursts of symptom relief. And honestly, I tell patients that too. I also believe patient education isn’t optional. I explain things. Why we’re doing virechana, why the oil changed mid-protocol, why we pause or shift the meds after a few weeks. I want people to feel involved, not confused. Ayurveda works best when the patient is part of the process, not just receiving instructions. Even now I keep learning — through texts, talks, patient follow-ups, sometimes even mistakes that taught me what not to do. And I’m still committed, still fully into it. Because for me, this isn’t just a job. It’s a lifelong responsibility — to restore balance, protect *ojas*, and help each person live in tune with themselves. That’s the real goal.
5
1325 reviews
Dr. Keerthana PV
I am an Ayurvedic doctor who kinda grew into this path naturally—my roots are in Kerala, and I did my internship at VPSV Ayurveda College in Kottakkal, which honestly was one of the most eye-opening stages of my life. That place isn’t just a college, it’s a deep well of real Ayurveda. The kind that’s lived, not just studied. During my time there, I didn’t just observe—I *practiced*. Diagnosing, treating, understanding the patient beyond their symptoms, all that hands-on stuff that textbooks don’t really teach. It’s where I learned the rhythm of classical Kerala Ayurveda, the art of pulse reading, and how Panchakarma ain’t just about detox but more about deep repair. I work closely with patients—always felt more like a guide than just a doctor tbh. Whether it's about fixing a chronic issue or preventing one from happening, I focus on the full picture. I give a lot of attention to diet (pathya), routine, mental clutter, and stress stuff. Counseling on these isn’t an ‘extra’—I see it as a part of healing. And not the preachy kind either, more like what works *for you*, your lifestyle, your space. Also yeah—I’m a certified Smrithi Meditation Consultant from Kottakkal Ayurveda School of Excellence. This kinda allowed me to mix mindfulness with medicine, which I find super important, especially in today’s distracted world. I integrate meditation where needed—some patients need a virechana, some just need to breathe better before they sleep. There’s no one-size-fits-all and I kinda like that part of my job the most. I don’t claim to know it all, but I listen deeply, treat with care, and stay true to the Ayurvedic principles I was trained in. My role feels less about ‘curing’ and more about nudging people back to their natural balance... it’s not quick or flashy, but it feels right.
5
139 reviews
Dr. Ravi Chandra Rushi
I am working right now as a Consultant Ayurvedic Ano-Rectal Surgeon at Bhrigu Maharishi Ayurvedic Hospital in Nalgonda—and yeah, that name’s quite something, but what really keeps me here is the kind of cases we get. My main focus is managing ano-rectal disorders like piles (Arsha), fistula-in-ano (Bhagandara), fissure-in-ano (Parikartika), pilonidal sinus, and rectal polyps. These are often more complex than they look at first, and they get misdiagnosed or overtreated in a lotta places. That’s where our classical tools come in—Ksharasutra therapy, Agnikarma, and a few other para-surgical techniques we follow from the Samhitas...they’ve been lifesavers honestly. My work here pushes me to keep refining surgical precision while also sticking to the Ayurvedic core. I do rely on modern diagnostics when needed, but I won’t replace the value of a well-done Nadi Pariksha or assessing dosha-vikruti in depth. Most of my patients come with pain, fear, and usually after a couple of rounds of either incomplete surgeries or just being fed painkillers n antibiotics. And I totally get that frustration. That’s why I combine surgery with a whole support plan—Ayurvedic meds, diet changes, lifestyle tweaks that actually match their prakriti. Not generic stuff off a handout. Over time, I’ve seen that when people follow the whole protocol, not just the procedure part, the recurrence drops a lot. I’m quite particular about follow-up and wound care too, ‘cause we’re dealing with delicate areas here and ignoring post-op can ruin outcomes. Oh and yeah—I care a lot about educating folks too. I talk to patients in OPD, sometimes give community talks, just to tell people they do have safer options than cutting everything out under GA! I still study Shalya Tantra like it’s a living document. I try to stay updated with whatever credible advancements are happening in Ayurvedic surgery, but I filter what’s fluff and what’s actually useful. At the end of the day, my aim is to offer respectful, outcome-based care that lets patients walk out without shame or fear. That’s really what keeps me grounded in this field.
5
652 reviews
Aleisha Vasilkar
certified Ayurvedic physician specializing in holistic wellness, herbal pharmacology, and traditional Panchakarma therapy.
0 reviews

Latest reviews

Summer
5 hours ago
Really appreciate the detailed response! Very reassuring to get a perspective like this. Gonna give this a try, thanks so much!
Really appreciate the detailed response! Very reassuring to get a perspective like this. Gonna give this a try, thanks so much!
Sofia
6 hours ago
Thank you so much for your advice! I really appreciate the easy-to-follow plan and can't wait to try it out. This was super helpfull!
Thank you so much for your advice! I really appreciate the easy-to-follow plan and can't wait to try it out. This was super helpfull!
Mckenzie
6 hours ago
Really appreciate your advice! Loved how you broke it down simply. Excited to try these tips and see some impovement soon. 🙂
Really appreciate your advice! Loved how you broke it down simply. Excited to try these tips and see some impovement soon. 🙂
Quinn
7 hours ago
Thanks a ton for the clear advice! It’s nice to know there’s someone out there getting what I’m going through. This info really helped put my mind at ease.
Thanks a ton for the clear advice! It’s nice to know there’s someone out there getting what I’m going through. This info really helped put my mind at ease.