How To Remove Tan After Swimming? – Treatments & Home Remedies

What Is A Swimming Tan?

Before you understand how to remove swimming tan, you must know what it is to take the most suitable approach. A swimming tan is a type of suntan that develops from prolonged exposure to the sun while swimming or engaging in water-based activities. It often results in uneven skin tone due to the varying angles and intensities of sunlight affecting different body parts while you are in the water. Although pool chlorine does not cause tanning, it impacts the natural oils in your skin, making it more susceptible to sunburn and tanning. Chlorine can also dry out the skin [1], thus increasing the risk of damage by UV radiation.

Common Myths About Tanning

Here are some common myths about tanning and the facts around them:

Myth 1:

Sunscreen is Unnecessary While Swimming

Fact:

Sunscreen is very important even while swimming. Use water-resistant sunscreens for protection against harmful UV rays [2], and remember to reapply regularly, even after swimming.

Myth 2:

You Cannot Tan Underwater

Fact:

UV rays can penetrate water and cause tanning even when submerged. Additionally, water reflects sunlight, intensifying your exposure and increasing the risk of tanning.

Myth 3:

A Wet Skin Tan is Less Harmful

Fact:

Wet skin can enhance UV exposure due to the reflective nature of water [3]. This can lead to more intense tanning and sometimes even sunburn and skin damage.

Instant Tan Removal Methods

Although removing a swimming tan instantly is not feasible, specific natural home remedies and medical treatments can help accelerate the process. Natural remedies such as topical applications of common household ingredients can lighten the tan over a few applications. How to remove swimming pool tan with immediate and noticeable results? Here is the answer to this question. Medical treatments that target pigmentation and exfoliate the top layers of skin are available. Consulting with a dermatologist can help you understand the best and safest option for your skin type.

Must Read: How to Prevent Tanning While Swimming

Home Remedies For Swim Tan Removal

Here are some effective home remedies that can help to remove sun tan after swimming:

Coffee & Coconut Oil:

Mix equal parts of ground coffee and coconut oil to form a scrub. Gently massage this onto your tanned areas in circular motions for 10 minutes. Now rinse it off with warm water. Coffee helps exfoliate dead skin cells, while coconut oil moisturises and soothes the skin, lightening the tan.

Potato & Gram Flour:

Blend potato juice with gram flour to make a paste. Apply it to the tanned skin and leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. Potato juice has natural bleaching properties, and gram flour exfoliates the skin, aiding in tan removal.

Papaya & Gram Flour:

Mix a ripe papaya with gram flour to form a paste. Apply it to the tanned areas, leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and rinse. This works like a swimming tan removal cream, where the enzymes from Papaya combine with the exfoliating benefits of gram flour to lighten and brighten the skin.

Cucumber Extract and Rose Water:

Blend cucumber juice with rose water and apply to your tanned skin. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. Cucumber cools and lightens the skin, while rose water soothes and hydrates it, helping reduce the tan.

Masoor Dal & Curd:

Soak masoor dal overnight and grind it into a paste. Mix with curd and apply to the tan, leaving it on for 20 minutes before washing off. Masoor dal exfoliates the skin, while the lactic acid in curd helps lighten it, effectively reducing your tan.

Aloe Vera Gel:

Aloe vera contains compounds like aloin and aloesin that are known for naturally regulating pigment production. Apply a thick layer of fresh aloe vera gel to your skin before going to bed. Leave it overnight and wash it off in the morning. Doing this regularly will significantly reduce your tan.

Curd and Oatmeal:

Curd contains lactic acid, and the texture of oats acts as a soft scrub. Take two tablespoons of fresh curd and finely ground oats. Mix them well until they form a thick paste. Massage this paste gently onto the tanned areas and rub for one minute. Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash off with water. Repeat it 2 to 3 times a week.

Gram Flour (Besan) Pack:

Take 2 tablespoons of gram flour (besan) and 3 tablespoons of fresh yoghurt into a bowl. Add a pinch of turmeric to it and mix them together. Apply this paste and leave it on for 20 minutes. Then scrub it off gently with lukewarm water. Try it 2 to 3 times a week.

Yoghurt With Honey:

Mix 2 tablespoons of fresh yoghurt with one tablespoon of raw honey in a bowl. Apply an even layer of this paste to the tanned areas and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Apply it 2 to 3 times a week.

Tomato Pulp:

Tomatoes contain antioxidants, natural acids and brightening properties that will help exfoliate and lighten pigmentation. Take a ripe tomato and mash it or grind it. Apply this fresh paste to your skin and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm or cold water. Repeat it 2 to 3 times a week. Be extra cautious if you are using it on sensitive skin. The natural acids in tomato can cause itching, redness or burning.

Gentle Exfoliation:

Exfoliate regularly using a gentle body scrub 2-3 times a week to slough off dead skin. You can use chemical exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acid 1 to 2 times a week or gentle DIY scrubs.

Oliva’s Permanent Solutions For Swimming Tan Removal

Are you looking for permanent solutions for swimming tan removal? Consult a dermatologist at Oliva to understand all about our top three signature tan removal treatments:

Laser Treatment:

Oliva Laser toning treatment uses targeted beams of light that help break down melanin deposits in the skin. This effectively lightens the tan and evens out skin tone. It also stimulates collagen production, making your skin healthier and brighter skin.

Watch this video to learn about laser toning procedure at Oliva Clinic:

Chemical Peels:

Chemical peels [4] involve applying a solution that exfoliates the top layer of skin. This helps to remove dead skin cells and reduce pigmentation. This process reveals the fresher, lighter skin underneath, significantly reducing the appearance of your tan.

Don’t miss this video to learn about the chemical peel treatment at Oliva in-depth:

Insta Glow Skin Rejuvenation:

If you are wondering how to remove swimming tan instantly, Oliva’s Insta Glow Skin Rejuvenation treatment is the solution. This treatment combines advanced techniques like microdermabrasion and nutrient-rich serums to exfoliate, hydrate, and brighten your skin. This treatment enhances skin radiance and instantly reduces tan, giving you a natural glow.

Prevention Tips To Avoid Swimming Tan:

Here are some valuable tips if you are wondering how to avoid tanning during swimming:

• Start by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen [5] with at least SPF 30.
• Apply it generously and reapply every two hours and after swimming for better protection.
• Wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved swimwear, hats, and sunglasses can help reduce direct sun exposure.
• Avoid the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM when rays are the strongest.
• Taking breaks under umbrellas or shaded areas can further reduce your sun exposure.
• Always keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a good non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep your pores clear and protected.

Essential Pre-Swim Skincare Routine

Here are some essential tips to follow before you enter the pool:

• Take a shower before getting into the pool.
• Apply an emollient-rich moisturiser as a barrier layer to block chemical absorption.
• Apply water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen at least 15 to 20 minutes before getting into the water outdoors.
• Skip wearing heavy makeup to avoid clogged pores and chemicals from getting trapped under the water.

Post-Swim Skincare Routine To Maintain Skin Health

Here are some ways you can take care of your skin after swimming:

• Rinse immediately after coming out of the pool with fresh tap water to wash off chlorine and salt water.
• Use a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and traces of salt water and chlorine that are left behind.
• Apply a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, vitamin C, and green tea to help your skin retain moisture.
• Moisturise your skin deeply by applying a soothing agent like pure aloe vera gel to restore hydration.
• Do not over-scrub, as it can irritate sensitive skin. Use a physical scrub once or twice a week.

Importance Of Sun Protection While Swimming

Water reflects UV rays, increasing your exposure to them. Hence, apply a water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher 15 to 20 minutes before swimming. Reapply it every two hours. Unprotected exposure to these harmful UV rays can cause sunburns, premature skin ageing and even increase the risk of skin cancer.

Difference Between Temporary Tanning And Long-Term Pigmentation

Temporary tanning or tanning after swimming refers to the darkening of the outer skin layer evenly, which is primarily caused by UV exposure. It is short-term and fades naturally in 2 to 4 weeks. Contrary to this, long-term pigmentation involves deep-seated pigmentation, often appearing as patches. It is triggered by multiple factors, including internal and external factors. It can last months, years, or even more, if left untreated.