7 Ways to Even Your Skin Tone After a Summer of Tanning

by Mahrukh Zaidi – Follow @Ticklemepink90

While many pale-skinned beauties spend hours soaking in the sun to achieve that sun-kissed glow, those already blessed with a natural tan try to avoid it at any cost. I think tans look beautiful on others, but personally, I prefer my natural skin tone opposed to being a bit darker.  Don’t get me wrong — I love tans, but sunbathing in my case, usually results in uneven skin tone, harsh skin, breakouts, as well as my dark circles becoming much darker. Not to mention lots of sun exposure leads to skin cancer, and that is why I try to avoid tanning as much as possible.

This past summer ended up being one where I was out in the sun a lot. My skin tone became significantly darker than it originally was. To help restore my natural skin color, I am using a few beauty remedies to help even out my skin tone, which I thought to share with my beautiful Brown Girls.

Some products and remedies I regularly use are:

1. Lemon and Honey

The citrus nature of lemon and the healing properties of honey make this an ideal combo to get rid of a tan. Mix the two products in equal portions and apply to face. Leave the mixture on for about 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. I try to do this every other day, but if I am feeling especially lazy, I apply lemon to my face and let it sit for around twenty minutes before rinsing off.

2. Haldi and besan mask 

(also known as turmeric powder and gram flour)

These two powders mixed together and applied to the face really help clear your skin tone and gives your face a fresh glow. I usually apply the mask at least once a week during the summer. The recipe I use is as follows:

• 1 Tb of turmeric powder
• 1 Tb of gram flour
• 1 Tsp of milk
• ½ Tsp of honey
• 1 Tsp of lemon juice

Mix all the ingredients together until it is a thick consistency and apply to a thin layer of it on your face. Once it begins drying, apply some more milk to your face to ensure it is still moist. Leave the mask on for twenty minutes and wash it off. Also, please be careful with gram flour because many people are allergic to it without knowing it. Do a test on your wrist before to make sure you are not allergic.

3. Moisturizer 

Moisturize your skin with a product that assists in evening out skin tone. The biggest problem that occurs with tanning is uneven skin tone. I use Derma E’s Skin Lighten Natural Fade Age Spot Creme once in the morning and once at night. I applied it twice a day for two weeks now, and I see a slight difference in my skin tone.

4. Exfoliate Regularly

I try to exfoliate every day by using the Clarin’s Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing System with a skin cleanser to make sure I am getting rid of my dead skin cells. I also use Freeman’s Charcoal & Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask for further exfoliation. Freeman’s Charcoal face mask is a must-have product. Not only does it exfoliate your skin, but it also leaves your face looking incredibly clean, fresh and polished!

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera does wonders for your skin! I swear by this product and religiously apply aloe vera to my face all year long. Not only does it help get rid of acne, but it assists in evening out your skin tone as well.

6. Microdermabrasion

I would suggest scheduling an appointment for microdermabrasion towards the end of summer or buy a microdermabrasion machine yourself to get rid of all your excess dead skin. Microdermabrasion is a procedure that sands your skin with a special instrument, which makes room for a new, smoother layer of skin to replace the skin that has been treated. By sanding the skin, microdermabrasion removes the first layer of your skin, allowing for your natural skin pigment to seep through.

7. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must-have all year round. I know sometimes the feel of sunscreen lotion is not the most appealing. However, in order to avoid skin problems as you age, protection from the sun is necessary. Many brands have solved the issue of sunscreen being too greasy for face application. Neutrogena’s sunscreen is great quality, and better yet, they also make a version labeled “dry touch,” which is specifically created to ensure your face does not feel greasy after application.

I hope these tips help those looking to get rid of tan, share secret beauty methods with us in the comments section!