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

Is your session in the pool leaving you with a tan for weeks together? Are you wondering how to remove swimming tan instantly? This article is a must-read for those struggling with easily tanned skin and looking for faster ways to get rid of swimming tan.

Tan results from the skin’s exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When swimming, the water can intensify sun exposure by reflecting UV rays. It is essential to remove a tan quickly to prevent skin damage, uneven skin tone, and long-term effects like premature ageing.

Read on to learn about faster ways to remove tan after swimming, including natural remedies and medical treatments.

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, 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 [2]. 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.

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 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 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 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 moisturiser

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can Swimming Tan Be Removed Overnight? 

A1. It is unlikely to remove swimming tan overnight. However, Oliva’s tan removal solutions, including  Laser Treatment, Chemical Peels, and Oliva’s Insta Glow Skin Rejuvenation, help lighten the tan faster. Without treatment, it takes several days and even weeks for the tan to fade on its own.

Q2. Are Natural Swim Tan Removal Remedies Safe For All Skin Types?

A2. Not all natural remedies are safe for all skin types. It is best to do a patch test as some ingredients can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Q3. How Often Should I Exfoliate To Remove Tan?

A3. Exfoliating 2-3 times a week helps remove tan gradually without irritating the skin.

Q4. How Many Days Does Swimming Tan Last?

A4. A swimming tan can last a few days to several weeks, depending on skin type, exposure, and care.

Q5. Is Swimming Tan Permanent?

A5. No, a swimming tan is not permanent. It will gradually fade as the skin naturally exfoliates and regenerates