Multani Mitti for Tan Removal: 5 Face and Body Packs That Actually Work

A few weeks of commuting, a beach holiday or a summer of outdoor work is enough to leave the face, forearms, neck and feet noticeably darker than the rest of the body. Tan is the skin's way of protecting itself from UV, and it fades on its own over months. Multani mitti speeds that up by gently exfoliating the tanned surface layer and cooling the skin so it can recover.

Why multani mitti works on tan

Tan sits in the uppermost layers of the skin. Each time you apply and rinse a clay pack, the fine particles lift some of those dead, pigmented cells. The clay also draws out heat and reduces the inflammation that keeps tanned skin looking dull. Pair it with a mild natural acid like lemon, tomato or curd and the exfoliation becomes more effective without being harsh.

Pack 1: Multani mitti and lemon for the face

• Two teaspoons of multani mitti
• Half a teaspoon of lemon juice
• Rose water to make a paste
• Apply for 10 minutes, rinse, moisturise. Use in the evening only, because lemon makes skin sensitive to sunlight. Twice a week.

Pack 2: Multani mitti and tomato for a quick refresh

• Two teaspoons of multani mitti
• One tablespoon of fresh tomato pulp
• Tomato is gentler than lemon and suits most skin types. Keep on for 15 minutes. Use two to three times a week.

Pack 3: Multani mitti and curd for sensitive or dry skin

• Two teaspoons of multani mitti
• Two teaspoons of curd
• A pinch of turmeric
• The lactic acid in curd exfoliates slowly while keeping the skin hydrated. Suitable for daily use for one week after sun exposure, then twice a week.

Pack 4: Multani mitti and papaya for stubborn tan

• Two teaspoons of multani mitti
• One tablespoon of mashed ripe papaya
• One teaspoon of honey
• Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which breaks down dead cells. Leave for 15 minutes. Use twice a week on face, neck and arms.

Pack 5: Multani mitti and sandalwood for the neck and body

• Four tablespoons of multani mitti
• One tablespoon of sandalwood (chandan) powder
• Rose water or raw milk to mix
• Scale up for arms, feet and back. Apply, wait 20 minutes, loosen with wet hands and rinse. Once or twice a week.

How long does tan removal take?

With consistent use, most people see lighter skin tone in two to three weeks and a full return to normal tone in six to eight weeks. Older tan on the feet and forearms takes longer than fresh tan on the face. The packs work faster if you also apply sunscreen every morning so you are not adding new tan while removing the old.

Safety tips

• Never use lemon-based packs in the morning before going out.
• Do not apply on peeling or sunburnt skin. Wait until the burn has healed.
• Patch test on the inner arm the first time.
• Do not scrub hard while rinsing. Let the pack do the work.
• Moisturise after every pack.

Which multani mitti to use

For tan removal you will be using the powder on larger areas like arms and feet, so a bigger pack is economical. PurePetal Naturals multani mitti is available in 100 g and 250 g sizes, both chemical free and paraben free. The 250 g pack is ideal for body packs and family use.