How to remove Tan from hands?

Mar 27, 2025

Authored by: Sanjana Tharwani
Reviewed by: Kapil Dhameja
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Your hands certainly go through a lot! Be it holding things, driving, waving at people, or scrolling endlessly—you name it! What you don't realise is while doing all this and everything else, they end up soaking up all that sunlight like little sponges. You surely use them to apply sunscreen to your face and neck, but do you remember to apply it to your hands? So it’s no wonder that they look a few shades darker than the rest of you.

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If your hands are tired of feeling dull, tanned, and tired, don’t worry! You’re not alone; it’s super common and, fortunately, super easy to fix too!

In this blog, you’ll learn everything about how to remove tan from your hands, including some quick home remedies and basic skincare steps to help your hands look fresh again.

Here’s how to remove tan from hands without overthinking it.

A woman displays her tanned hands while a drop of cream rests on her ankle.

Why do Hands Tan Faster than Other Body Parts?

Hands end up being exposed to the sun way more frequently than other parts of the body. Whether you’re driving, walking, gardening, or simply just running errands, your hands are almost always out in the open. Your body is covered with clothes, and your face is protected with sunscreen or makeup. Even your hair is covered with a hat, but your hands always end up getting overlooked. Yet another factor is that the skin on the back of the hands is thinner, which makes it more susceptible to UV damage, leading to faster tanning and pigmentation over time.

Common Causes of Tanning

Before we discuss the solutions, you must first understand what exactly causes tanning-

1. UV ExposureThe primary cause of tanning is exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun. These rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to long-term damage and tanning.

2. Neglecting SunscreenPeople religiously apply sunscreens to their faces but often forget to apply it to their hands.

3. DrivingWhile driving, your hands are exposed through car windows, which can lead to uneven tan lines.

4. Outdoor ActivitiesSports, gardening, or even a simple walk in the sun can cause tanning without you even realising it.

5. Chemical ExposureHarsh soaps or detergents can strip away natural oils, which makes the hands more vulnerable to sun damage.

Quick Home Remedies to Remove Tan from Hands

Now that you understand where and how you might’ve gotten the tan in the first place, it’s time to learn how to remove tan from your hands. Try out these DIY remedies using basic ingredients found at home:

1. Lemon and Honey Pack:

  • Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of honey.

  • Apply on tanned areas, leave for 15 minutes, and rinse off.

  • Lemon acts as a natural bleaching agent, and honey soothes the skin.

2. Gram Flour and Turmeric Scrub:

  • Combine 2 tablespoons of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric, and some milk or rose water.

  • Scrub gently in circular motions before washing off.

  • This removes dead skin and lightens the tan.

3. Cucumber Juice

  • Cucumber has cooling and de-tanning properties.

  • Apply cucumber juice directly to the hands, let it sit for 20 minutes, and wash off.

4. Aloe Vera Gel:

  • Aloe vera is a powerful healer for sunburn and tan.

  • Apply fresh aloe vera gel overnight for best results.

A bowl of honey and gram flour with raw turmeric are on a white table.

5. Tomato Pulp:

  • The natural acids in tomatoes help in tan removal.

  • Apply tomato pulp directly to the tanned area and wash off after

Best Skincare Routine for Tan Removal

When dealing with tan, consistency is the key! Here’s a simple but effective daily skincare routine to help remove tan from your hands:

  • Cleanse: Use a gentle and hydrating hand wash or cleanser that removes dirt and sweat without drying out your skin. Look for products containing ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin.

  • Exfoliate: Exfoliate 2-3 times a week with a mild scrub or make one of your own using sugar and olive oil. This will help to remove dead skin cells and fade the tan faster.

  • Moisturise: Always apply a nourishing hand cream or lotion after washing your hands. Products with ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, and almond oil can help to repair sun damage.

  • Apply Sunscreen: This is the most important thing to look out for. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or more on your hands every day, even if you are indoors.

  • Night Care: Massage your hands with aloe vera or lightening creams that contain kojic acid, niacinamide, or liquorice extract before bed. This will help to repair your skin while you sleep.

Lifestyle and Preventive Measures

Preventing tan is much easier than trying to reverse it. Here are some simple lifestyle changes to keep your hands tan-free:

  • Use Gloves while Driving: Protect your hands from uneven tan lines by wearing gloves while driving, especially during peak sunlight hours, i.e., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Reapply Sunscreen: Keep reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours or after every handwash.

 

blue nectar spf 50 face lotion

 

  • Avoid Harsh Detergents: Your skin can become more prone to tanning as these harsh chemicals strip off your skin’s natural barriers; hence, avoid using them.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water every day will help to keep your skin healthy and improve its elasticity.

  • Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Foods like tomatoes, oranges, and green tea help your skin fight UV damage from within.

Conclusion

Tanned hands are totally normal. The good news is, that with a few simple steps, a little consistency, and some kitchen-friendly remedies, your hands can get their natural glow back in no time.

Just remember: exfoliate gently, moisturise regularly, and don’t skip the sunscreen (yes, even on cloudy days). Your hands deserve just as much love as your face—maybe even more, considering how much they do for you every day.

So go ahead, try out these tips, and show your hands some well-deserved care. They’ve earned it!

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

Nalpamaradi Thailam - Skin Brightening Oil with Turmeric for Body and Face (16 herbs)

Niraa Shea Butter SPF 30 Sunscreen Face & Body Lotion (12 Herbs)

Turmeric Ubtan Powder Face Pack for Glowing Skin (9 herbs, 100gm)

2-in-1 Body Wash & Scrub with Honey for Exfoliation and Hydration (10 herbs, 250 ml)

Related Articles:

Natural Ayurvedic Scrubs - The Secret to Bright & De-tanned Skin

Worried About Tanning? 11 Effective Remedies to De-tan

References:

https://www.kaya.in/blog/how-to-remove-tan-hands-face

https://www.skincancer.org/blog/helping-hands/

https://www.truemeds.in/blog/natural-home-remedy-for-skin-tan-removal


1 comment


  • sonika March 27, 2025 at 5:38 pm

    interesting

    will you guys suggest anything for knuckles also?


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