Natural & Effective Ways to Remove a Tan from Your Face

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FAAD board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, MD explains how to help suntans & self-tanners fade

Co-authored by Chloe Goldman and Devin McSween

Last Updated: April 6, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Removing a Suntan
|
• Removing Fake Tanner
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• Face Masks for Removing a Tan
|
• Preventing a Tan
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• Video
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• Q&A
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• Tips
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• Warnings

|Show more |Show less

Whether you’ve spent a little too much time in the sun or you applied too much self-tanner, you may be looking for ways to get rid of the tan on your face. Getting rid of a tan really just comes down to time and patience, but there are a few natural home remedies that can help it fade faster. In this article, we’re going over the best ways to remove a natural suntan and fake tanner, with advice from wikiHow’s dermatologists and skincare experts. Plus, we’ll share some tips to prevent your face from getting tanned in the first place. Keep reading to learn more!

Natural Remedies for Removing a Tan on Your Face

FAAD board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, MD recommends wearing sunscreen and staying out of the sun to help a suntan fade. Exfoliating with a facial scrub or a facial serum containing an exfoliator like glycolic acid can help speed up the process. To remove self-tanner, apply a facial scrub or baby oil.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Ways to Remove a Natural Suntan from Your Face

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1. 1
   Exfoliate your skin with a gentle facial scrub. Exfoliating your face removes dead skin cells, which can help your face appear brighter and more even. And there are lots of physical or mechanical exfoliators out there that can help improve the look of your skin. For instance, try a sugar scrub or a scrub containing microbeads to help buff away dead skin cells and help your tan fade. Or, use a facial scrubber when you wash your face.

   • Make sure to apply moisturizer after exfoliating your face to prevent your skin from drying out.
   • Be very gentle when exfoliating your skin. Use delicate, circular motions to work in the exfoliator, and only exfoliate for around 30 seconds. Exfoliating too hard or too long can damage your skin.
   • How often should you exfoliate? Aim for 2 to 3 times per week, says skincare professional Diana Yerkes. Just don’t exfoliate more than that, as it can damage your skin and make it more sensitive to the sun.
   • Warning: Don’t exfoliate if your face is sunburned, says Yerkes. Exfoliating sunburned skin can damage your skin further. Instead, ensure your skin is getting a lot of hydration.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Mohiba Tareen, MD is an FAAD board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology in Roseville, Maplewood, and Faribault, Minnesota.

   Diana Yerkes is a skincare professional and the lead esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, NY with over 15 years of experience.

   Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, and the founder of Twin Cities Dermatology Center.

   Chloe Goldman is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatology.

   Melissa Jannes is a licensed esthetician and owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia.
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   Use skincare products containing gentle exfoliators, like glycolic acid. If you don’t like using physical exfoliators, there are plenty of chemical exfoliators that remove dead skin cells and help your skin look brighter and more even. Some great options include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and Vitamin C. Simply look for toners, serums, creams, and even cleansers containing these chemicals (or other alpha hydroxy acids).

   • Apply moisturizer after using a chemical exfoliator to prevent your skin from drying out.
   • If you’re new to using chemical exfoliators, get a product that has a lower concentration of the chemical. For instance, if you’re looking at glycolic acid toners, choose one that has 5% glycolic acid rather than 10%.
   • When to apply chemical exfoliators? Aim to exfoliate in the evening, as many chemicals make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you do decide to exfoliate in the morning, make sure you apply sunscreen.
   • How often should you exfoliate? If you’re new to exfoliating with chemicals, start with once or twice per week. Then, build up to 2-3 times per week.
   • In general, products with higher concentrations of the chemical should be used less often, while products with lower concentrations can be used more often (and sometimes daily).
   

   Harold Lancer, Dermatologist

   To gently fade a sun-induced tan, use brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic acid for moderate exfoliation without irritation. I also advise professional chemical peels every 4-6 weeks to renew skin cells from below, gradually restoring brighter tone. Skin renews on its own timeline—be patient. Consistent use of both at-home brighteners and periodic professional treatments will safely reduce sun damage evidence, clarifying complexion clarity.

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   Use moisturizer daily to help repair your skin and keep it healthy. According to Dr. Tareen, using a daily moisturizer helps support cell recovery due to skin damage from tanning. She recommends moisturizers from brands like CeraVe, Cetaphil, and Vanicream, since they contain ceramides and other ingredients that help create a strong and healthy skin barrier.

   • Apply moisturizer in the morning and evening directly after you wash your face.
   • Look for moisturizers that contain niacinamide, too. Niacinamide helps lock in moisture, calm inflammation, and can reduce pores and fine lines. It also has a skin-lightening effect and may even inhibit melanogenic actions.
   • Niacinamide can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun so be sure to wear a facial moisturizer that has SPF (SPF 30 UVA/UVB is ideal) and stay out of the sun as much as you can.
   • As Dr. Tareen explains, a tan is a sign of sun damage (damage to your skin cells). She says the tan color is due to an increase in skin pigment, called melanin. When your skin is exposed to UV radiation, the increase in melanin is an attempt to protect your skin from further damage.
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   Put on aloe to help reduce inflammation. Aloe vera gel can help reduce inflammation and irritation, and it’s commonly used after you get a sunburn, says licensed esthetician Melissa Jannes. Simply apply a thin layer onto your face to help soothe and hydrate your skin, which may also help your tan fade.
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   Apply products with licorice roots to help brighten and lighten your skin. There is some evidence that licorice root can inhibit melanin synthesis and lighten skin tone. Plus, it’s also helpful for brightening your skin, calming redness, and reducing dark spots. Look for serums and toners containing licorice root extract and use it in the morning or evening.

   • Licorice root can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so make sure to wear sunscreen when applying it, especially if you put it on in the morning.
   • Liquiritin and licochalcone are the compounds in licorice root that are responsible for its skin-lightening effects.
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   Use products containing kojic acid to safely lighten your skin. Board-certified dermatologist Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD says kojic acid is considered a relatively safe ingredient for lightening your skin tone, as it seems to be well tolerated by the skin and doesn’t cause adverse changes. Simply look for products that contain kojic acid to help reduce your tan, like serums, creams, cleansers, and soaps. Only use them once or twice per week to prevent dryness and irritation.

   • Kojic acid is also great for treating hyperpigmentation, brown spots, and post-breakout spotting.
   • Dr. Pierre-Louis adds that some other skincare products that can help safely lighten the skin are azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and ascorbic acid.
   • Do not use hydroquinone to lighten your skin if you have a darker skin tone, warns Dr. Pierre-Louis. She says hydroquinone can make the skin irreversibly darker in people who have darker skin tones.
7. 7
   Wear lighter makeup. While makeup can’t help your tan fade any faster, it can help you temporarily cover up your tan. Simply apply foundation and concealer in your natural, untanned skin tone to help your face appear less tanned. And as a plus, makeup can help your skin look more even.

   • Apply some blush and bronzer to help your skin look more glowy and natural, too.
8. 8
   Stay out of the sun. “One of the most natural ways to fade a suntan faster is to reduce the amount of sun exposure to the skin and stay out of the sun,” says Dr. Tareen. While this may seem a little obvious, it’s important to stop exposing your face to the sun if you don’t want it to get more tan!

   • We’ll go over some of the best tips to prevent your skin from getting tan in the section below!
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   Be patient and wait for your tan to naturally fade. The true way to get a tan to fade is with time and patience, says double board-certified dermatologist Ellen Turner, MD. She explains that once melanin is deposited in a skin cell, it stays there to protect the DNA from the harmful UVA rays. So, there’s not much you can do until the tanned skin cells die and get replaced by new cells.

   • A suntan typically lasts for a few weeks.
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Section 2 of 4:

Ways to Remove Fake Tanner from Your Face

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1. 1
   Exfoliate your face. Fake tanner stains your dead skin cells, so to remove it, you simply need to exfoliate your skin to get them to fall off! If you just recently applied self-tanner, Dr. Tareen recommends gently exfoliating your skin with a hand mitt or glove in the shower. Alternatively, board-certified dermatologist Chloe Goldman suggests gently exfoliating your skin with a face scrub that contains microbeads.

   • Most fake tanners last 5 to 10 days.
2. 2
   Wipe your face with diluted white vinegar. According to Dr. Tareen, white vinegar can help remove fake tan. Just make sure to dilute 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water. Then, Dr. Tareen says to rub on the vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes (no more than 10), and rinse it off with water.

   • Do not use undiluted white vinegar on your face. Vinegar is very acidic and can irritate your skin or cause dryness.
   • Do not wipe your face with vinegar more than once per day, as excessive use can lead to irritation and peeling.
3. 3
   Apply some baby oil to your face. If you want to lighten a deep, dark tan, Dr. Tareen suggests using baby oil. Lather your face with baby oil and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, she says to jump in the shower and rinse off the self-tanner with warm water.

   • As a plus, Dr. Tareen says baby oil leaves your skin feeling soft and supple.
   • Fun fact: You can also use baby oil in your skincare routine to help remove makeup!
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   Wipe your face with a cotton pad soaked in diluted apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can act as a great cleanser, as it helps reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, says Dr. Tareen. Plus, Jannes says it can help brighten and even out your skin tone. When using it as a toner, she just says to dilute it with water. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 1-2 parts water, soak a cotton pad in the mixture, and gently rub it onto your face.

   • Do this once per day, then rinse and wash your face with a mild facial cleanser.
   • As a bonus, apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can clear up blemishes. Dr. Tareen notes that it can also help unclog pores.
   • It’s important to dilute the vinegar because applying straight vinegar can irritate your skin. Dr. Tareen says it can be especially irritating for people with sensitive skin.
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   Steam your face for 10 minutes, once per day. Steaming your face is a great way to soften your skin and help loosen buildup. So, it can act as a sort of exfoliant to help tanning cream fade. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a mild boil (not too mild but not rolling—just enough so you can see a good amount of steam). Lean over the stove to expose your face to the steam and drape the towel over your head to keep the steam directed at your face.

   • As an alternative, do an intense workout to work up some facial sweat.
   • If you have access to a sauna or steam room, relax for up to 20 minutes. Then, wipe your face with a soft towel.
   • As a plus, the steam can help clear your sinuses.
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   Go for a swim in a chlorinated pool. Chlorine may help a fake tan fade, as it can break down DHA, the main ingredient in most tanning lotions, and dry out your skin. Simply take a dip in the pool—just know that it may not work as quickly as other methods.

   • Exfoliate your skin after swimming, or use other tan-removing techniques, to help your tan fade faster.
   • If you have very dry skin, avoid exfoliating your face immediately after you swim, as chlorine can dry out your skin.
   • Saltwater may help your tan fade, too. So, if you’re at the beach, take a dip in the ocean to help speed up the fading process. The saltwater can act as a mild exfoliate.
   • If you used a self-tanner without DHA, this method may not be as effective, but it can still help fade the tan.
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Section 3 of 4:

Using DIY Facial Masks to Fade Your Tan

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1. 
   1
   Exfoliating sugar face mask Mix ½ cup (118 ml) of melted coconut oil with 1 cup (200 g) of white granulated sugar. Then, apply the scrub to your face with gentle, circular motions in an upward direction, says beauty & skincare specialist Barbie Ritzman. Use very gentle pressure, and only work in the scrub for about 30 seconds. Then, rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a clean towel.

   • If you have sensitive skin, use brown sugar instead because it’s less abrasive. Avoid using organic sugar because it’s coarser and might be too abrasive.
   • Be careful not to apply too much pressure. Ritzman says over-exfoliating can lead to damaged, dry, and irritated skin.
   • Ritzman explains that sugar is a gentle exfoliator that helps slough away dead skin cells, which helps your skin look smoother and glowier.
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   Brightening lemon and honey face mask According to Dr. Tareen, lemon juice helps brighten the skin and can help remove dark spots. She recommends mixing 1 tsp (5 ml) of honey with a few drops of lemon juice and a bit of water. Then, rub the mixture into your face for a few seconds. Simply rinse it off with warm water and apply a moisturizer.

   • Honey has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce hyperpigmentation, says Dr. Tareen.
   • Warning: Do not go into the sun after applying this face mask. Only use it at night. Dr. Goldman says lemon juice can cause a phytophotodermatitis reaction when exposed to the sun and lead to a rash and the darkening of the skin.
   • Dr. Goldman also advises not using lemon juice on your skin if you have sensitive skin, as the low pH can be harsh and irritate the skin.
3. 3
   Lightening green tea face mask Green tea can help prevent melanin stimulation due to the compound EGCG, so applying it can help lighten and brighten your skin, says Dr. Tareen. Ritzman suggests making a simple toner by boiling 1 cup of water and adding 1 green tea bag (or 1 tsp (2 g) of loose leaves) to steep. Let the water cool and pour the tea into a spray bottle. After you clean your face, she says to simply spray your face with the tea.

   • Store any extra tea in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, says Ritzman.
   • Ritzman adds that green tea is an all-around great skincare product: it is anti-inflammatory and can reduce redness, it has antibacterial properties, and it helps moisturize the skin.
4. 4
   Brightening yogurt and honey face mask Yogurt face masks are great for brightening the skin and for providing anti-inflammatory properties, says Yerkes. She recommends mixing a few dollops of Greek yogurt with 1 tsp of honey (5 ml). Spread it onto your face, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then remove it with a damp cloth.

   • Yerkes notes that a lot of people like to use yogurt masks after getting a sunburn due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
   • Add a pinch of turmeric to the mask, suggests Dr. Tareen. She says turmeric can help brighten the skin. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help fight acne.
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Section 4 of 4:

How to Prevent Your Face from Tanning

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1. 1
   Wear sunscreen every day. To prevent your skin from tanning (and, to help prevent sun damage), Dr. Tareen highly recommends applying broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. Simply apply a facial sunscreen in the morning that contains at least 30 SPF, says board-certified dermatologist Kaveri Karhade, MD. Make sure to apply SPF 30 sunscreen on your body, too!

   • If you do want to get some color, Dr. Turner suggests using fake tan or getting a spray tan, instead.
   • If you're trying to lighten your skin, Dr. Pierre-Louis says you're not going to get very far if you're not wearing a good sunscreen. She explains that if you have a darker skin tone and want your skin to appear more even, using sunscreen every day helps because it keeps the tanning effects of the sun off the darker pigment in your skin.
2. 2
   Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. Dr. Pierre-Louis says the FDA recommends reapplying sunscreen about every 2 hours to help prevent sun damage and sunburn. If you’re swimming or sweating, though, she says to reapply sooner, as water can remove sunscreen.

   • Be aware of what kind of sunscreen you’re using. Dr. Pierre-Louis says mineral sunscreens (like ones with zinc or titanium dioxide) physically block the sun’s rays, and start working immediately. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens don’t start working immediately. They take about 20 minutes to absorb into your skin and start protecting you.
3. 3
   Wear a hat and sunglasses. Putting on a hat is imperative for preventing further darkening of the skin, says Dr. Tareen. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can help stop you from getting tan, as well as protect you from getting sun damage.

   • If you’re going to be out in the sun, Dr. Tareen also recommends wearing sun-protective, UPF clothing to help reduce sun exposure and keep the rest of your body from tanning.
4. 4
   Stay out of the sun at peak sun intensity. Try to plan to be out of the sun between 10 am and 3 pm, as that’s when the sun is most intense. So, during these hours, it may be more likely to leave you with a tan (or sunburn). Instead, catch some sun in the early morning or in the late afternoon.
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  What is the best sunscreen for oily skin?

  

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  Use a mineral sunscreen. One example is Urban Environment Oil-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42 by Shiseido.

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Tips

• Patch test your skin before using any sort of natural or DIY product, says board-certified dermatologist R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH, especially if you have sensitive skin. Simply take a bit of the product and swipe it onto your jawline or the inner part of your wrist. Apply it once per day for 5 days to ensure you don’t have any sort of reaction.
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• Pat (don’t rub) your face dry after cleansing to retain your skin’s natural oils.
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Warnings

• If you experience any severe burning sensations while using facial creams, cleansers, or masks (homemade or store-bought), wash the product off immediately with warm water and pat your skin dry.
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• Don't use any skin lightening products that contain hydroquinone and/or mercury (sometimes labeled as mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric, mercurio, or Hg) as they can lead to serious health issues.
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