Healing My Summer Tan: 5 Products That Actually Worked
Lately, I’ve been spending more hours under the sun than usual, and the remnants of old beach tans haven’t helped either. The result? A tan so intense that my usual makeup shades no longer match my skin tone. Determined to restore my complexion, I decided to use my son’s summer vacation as an opportunity to focus on self-care and rejuvenate my skin. Since there’s no pick up and drops for 5 weeks, I try not going out when the sun is up. And if there’s going to be a trip, it’s got to be somewhere cold.
Meanwhile, I am taking this time testing out various detaning and brightening products. We are one week down and 4 weeks to go, and I have already healed some of the darker tans. And I’ve curated a list of five products that have significantly helped in healing my tanned skin and bringing back its natural brightness.
1. Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin
This was the first product I picked up, and it set the tone (pun intended) for my entire tan-recovery routine. To be honest I had already using this serum when I was still spending long hours after the sun. But the newer tans made it harder to see the results. The Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum is lightweight, soothing, and packed with 68% rice bran water and 2% alpha-arbutin. I could literally see my dullness fading and my skin regaining that elusive inner glow.
What I love most? It hydrates beautifully without being sticky, and it visibly evens out pigmentation. That rice water glow is real, you guys. If you’re dealing with sun-damaged, uneven, or dehydrated skin, this serum is the TLC your skin needs. I am already down one bottle and ordering a new one.
2. Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Face Serum (Ethyl Ascorbic Acid)
I’ve tried many Vitamin C serums in the past, but the Minimalist one really stood out—especially when it came to tackling those nasty sun spots and dull patches. This one has 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (a highly stable and potent form of Vitamin C), 1% Acetyl Glucosamine (a gentle exfoliant and hydration booster), and soothing Centella Water.
The glow it gives is noticeable. My skin looks awake, fresh, and gradually the darker patches started lifting. Unlike a lot of Vitamin C it didn’t break out my skin at all. Plus, it works beautifully under sunscreen without pilling. I have actually always worn it under the sunscreen during pickups.. but you know.. the Kolkata heat!
3. Clay Co. De-Tan Rice Face Pack with AHA & BHA
This is my weekly reset mask. Every time I use this Clay Co. De-Tan Rice Pack, I feel like I’m shedding a layer of tired, dull skin. Inspired by ancient Japanese beauty rituals, it features Wakame (a nutrient-rich seaweed), rice powder, and gentle acids (AHA & BHA) to exfoliate and renew.
The brightening is instant, and the overall tone looks smoother and more even. My skin feels cleaner, less congested, and far less tanned. This is actually a newer product that I have added to my routine, but I’m honestly in love. And any old reader of my blog knows that if I love something more than my sheet masks, it’s wash off masks. That this one impressed me so good! And I actually got it at 10+10% off with the code ‘VIRAL10’
4. The Derma Co 1% Kojic Acid + Alpha Arbutin Sheet Mask
Speaking of sheet-masks, now that I have more time on my hands, I am sheet masking as much as I can. After all, sheetmasking everyday is what gave me glass skin back in the days.
One of my not so recent favourite one is The Derma Co 1% Kojic Acid + Alpha Arbutin Sheet Mask It’s fragrance-free , drenched in a potent mix of Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, and Hyaluronic Acid. One sheet mask, 20 minutes, and it feels like I’m revealing a brighter, smoother skin.
This sheet mask was also a savour last year when I had back to back 4 weddings. We were having a very busy schedule, a robbery at our garage and I didn’t get to do any skincare for about a month before the weddings started. Right before the first wedding, I threw on this sheet mask and the month of neglect just disappeared. Ever since then it’s been one of my favourite sheet masks.
5. COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
This one’s a little powerhouse. While it’s technically an exfoliant meant to clear whiteheads, I’ve been using it once or twice a week to gently slough off the sun-damaged layers of skin and target the uneven texture I was left with post-tanning. I actually had been using the COSRX BHA 4 Blackhead power liquid before my pregnancy. But since it’s not safe to use more than 2% BHA during pregnancy and breastfeeding, I replaced it with the AHA one. And honestly, I never looked back.
Formulated with 7% Glycolic Acid, apple fruit water, and niacinamide, this COSRX gem helps fade the stubborn spots and smooth out roughness. It gently exfoliates the skin, without overdoing it, revealing a brighter, smoother skin. I personally love AHA over BHA as BHA tends to make my skin a bit dark. AHA on the other hand brightens significantly. Just don’t forget your sunscreen if you’re using AHA and BHA.
And Now, Let’s Talk Sunscreen — Because Prevention > Cure
While all the above products helped heal my skin, none of it would matter without sun protection. Currently, I’m using the Caudalie Vinosun Protect Very High Lightweight Cream SPF50+. It’s fragrance-free, super lightweight, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue or white cast. It sits well under makeup and feels like nothing on the skin.
What I appreciate most is the antioxidant-rich formula—thanks to spruce extract, polyphenols, and Vitamin E. Plus, it’s vegan, safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and has a clean, ocean-friendly formula. It protects, nourishes, and keeps my skin calm.
I actually went crazy with French Pharmacy Skincare a few years back. My sister picked up a lot of French Pharmacy Skincare for me during her multiple trips to Paris. That was before Caudalie launched at Nykaa. But somehow I like my Korean Skincare a lot better.
That said, I am planning to go back to my holy grail mineral sunscreen—the AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen —once I run out. I’ve always been loyal to mineral sunscreens and this one, with SPF50+ PA++++, Mugwort, Niacinamide, Squalane, and peptides, is just perfect for my sensitive, easily tanned skin. It’s gentle, reef-safe, and leaves my skin feeling nourished, not masked.
Final Thoughts
Tanning is inevitable in summer, especially when you’re outdoors as much as I am these days. But reversing it, or at least caring for your skin the right way post-exposure, makes all the difference. This little detan mission of mine has become more than just skincare—it’s self-care. I’ve started enjoying my evening routines, layering my serums with intention, and waking up excited to see how my skin has improved.
So if you’re dealing with uneven skin tone, dullness, or sunspots this summer, give these products a try. And please—don’t skip the sunscreen. Future you will thank you.
