How long does it take to reverse tan?

Author: Ellis Langosh  |  Last update: Monday, December 8, 2025

A tan that affects only the topmost layer of the skin (epidermis) might fade within a few weeks, while a deeper tan that penetrates into the lower layers (dermis) can take several months to diminish.

Can tanning be reversed?

You cannot get rid of tan by DIYs or easy physical means. Tanning takes place on deeper levels of the skin and the process is irreversible. Your genetics will play the role depending on how severe the condition is. However, protecting yourself from further tanning will definitely speed up the process.

How long until a tan fully fades?

A tan from being outside will last an average of 7–10 days. The sun's UV rays stimulate melanin production in the cells of the outer skin layer, so once these cells are shed, you are left with your original skin tone. More melanin is produced after UV exposure as the skin's natural defense.

Will tanned skin go back to normal?

Yes, a tan will naturally fade away due to the exfoliation of our skin. It may not be the nicest thing to think about, but the human skin sheds and then generates millions of cells everyday. When the tanned skin cells are replaced with new, untanned skin cells, your body will gradually return to its normal colour.

How to make tan go away faster?

Mix equal parts of lemon juice and honey. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the tanned areas before going to bed. Wash it off in the morning with lukewarm water. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and tanned skin.

Tips for getting rid of sun tan | Dr. Hansaji Yogendra

How do you get a tan off asap?

Remove all-over tan quickly with a fake tan remover

Fake tan remover, available as gels, lotions, or sprays, typically contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, or urea for exfoliation and tan removal. To use, apply the remover, wait 10-15 minutes, then gently scrub with a cloth or exfoliating mitt.

How to get your original skin color back naturally?

How To Even Out Skin Tone
  1. Use Vitamin C Regularly. Vitamin C is a true force of nature. ...
  2. Regular Chemical Exfoliation. Exfoliation is a powerful tool to fight pigmentation and get your skin tone back on track. ...
  3. Target Your Dark Spots. ...
  4. Brighten Your Under Eye Circles. ...
  5. Defend Against Your Environment.

Why do I still have a tan after 6 months?

Why won't my tan go away? When the cells become damaged with pigment, discoloration that doesn't fade occurs, leading to a tan that doesn't fade. In fact, it tends to stay dark unless you choose to have this hyperpigmentation treated professionally.

How to reverse skin darkening from sun?

Five ways to reverse signs of sun damage
  1. 1Protect your skin from damaging sunrays. ...
  2. 2 Apply retinoic acid cream. ...
  3. 3Add alpha hydroxy acid or Vitamin C to your beauty regimen. ...
  4. 4Use a skin-lightening cream. ...
  5. 5 Consider laser therapy.

Can your skin go back to its original color?

Eventually, your skin returns to its normal shade. For some people, though, skin can change color and stay that way.

Can years of tan be removed?

Is It Possible To Remove Tan Completely? Yes, in-clinic procedures, regular use of sunscreen and dermatologist-recommended lightening creams can help remove tan and restore your original skin tone.

Why do I tan so easily?

Melanin is the brown pigment that causes tanning. Melanin is the body's way of protecting skin from burning. Darker-skinned people tan more deeply than lighter-skinned people because their melanocytes produce more melanin.

How long does it take to reverse a tan?

A tan that affects only the topmost layer of the skin (epidermis) might fade within a few weeks, while a deeper tan that penetrates into the lower layers (dermis) can take several months to diminish.

Why is my tan permanent?

Frequent sunburns or hours spent tanning can result in a permanent darkening of the skin, dark spots, and a leathery texture.

How to remove a 5 year old tan?

10 Ways of Sun Tan Removal
  1. Lemon juice and honey. Lemon juice has a whitening effect, which helps in rapid body tan removal. ...
  2. Yoghurt and tomatoes. ...
  3. Cucumber extract. ...
  4. Bengal gramme flour and turmeric. ...
  5. Potato juice. ...
  6. Honey and papaya. ...
  7. Masoor dal (red lentil), tomato, and aloe vera: ...
  8. Oatmeal and buttermilk:

How can I regain my natural skin color after sun tan?

How to get rid of a tan on brown skin
  1. Gently exfoliate 1 or 2 times weekly.
  2. Try aloe vera gel, potato juice, yogurt, or papaya to calm and lighten.
  3. Use products with niacinamide, kojic acid, or licorice extract.
  4. Consider professional peels or microdermabrasion for stubborn tan.

Is it too late to fix sun damaged skin?

Can sun damage be reversed? Once UV radiation changes your skin cells' DNA, the DNA damage can't be reversed. However, this doesn't mean that you can't change the appearance of your skin. You can treat, reduce and/or repair the effects of sun-damaged skin.

How long does it take for skin darkening to go away?

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.

Why isn't my sun tan going away?

Suntan does eventually fade as the new skin cells will generate over time but consistent sun damage for a period of time might lead to permanent skin darkening. Damage done by the sun can be permanent even though the tan fades.

Does self tan age your skin?

"DHA has been shown to cause an increase in free radicals in the skin," says Chere Lucas Anthony, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Fla. "This can contribute to skin aging as the free radicals break down collagen and elastin in the skin, which leads to wrinkling and skin aging."

Can a tan take months to go away?

The duration of your tan depends on your skin and the extent of the tan. Sun tan can take anywhere between one to four weeks to fade off. However, if you have sensitive skin or if the sun tan is darker or deeper, it might take longer for your tan to go away.

Which part of my body shows my real color?

Look into a mirror in natural light. Artificial lighting can alter the appearance of your natural skin colour. Notice the colour of the skin along your jawline or behind your ear. These areas typically tend to show your skin tone in its purest form, without any redness or discolouration that could get in the way.

How to get glass skin?

Here are a few clear skin tips to help you on your journey toward healthy-looking glass skin.
  1. Double cleanse. ...
  2. Use an exfoliator. ...
  3. Apply a hydrating serum. ...
  4. Reach for a sheet mask. ...
  5. Layer on a lightweight moisturizer. ...
  6. Always finish with sunscreen.

How to get white skin like Koreans?

8 Tips To Get Korean Glass Skin At Home
  1. Double Cleanse. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and reveals brighter, smoother skin. ...
  2. Exfoliate. ...
  3. Use Hydrating Products. ...
  4. Wear Sunscreen Every Day. ...
  5. Get Enough Sleep. ...
  6. Eat A Healthy Diet. ...
  7. Manage Stress. ...
  8. Be Patient.

Previous article
Why do I feel like I lost weight but the scale says I gained?
Next article
How long does it take to lose face fat?