Have you ever wondered why you acquire tan lines, what causes them, and how to avoid them ruining your beach day? Tan lines form on your skin when you spend too much time in the sun or are overly exposed to UV rays. Because your bikini covers your bottom and top, UV rays do not reach those places.
However, your shoulders, arms, legs, and chest are exposed. The exposed portion of your skin darkens and produces more melanin than the rest of your body. If you want to avoid tan lines, never go out in the sun without sunscreen for more than 10 to 15 minutes. Thankfully, tan lines are not permanent. They're quite easy to erase, and they don't persist very long unless you're extremely sunburned.
Do tan lines go away?
Tan lines occur when ultraviolet rays from the sun alter the pigment in the skin, causing it to darken. It's not easy to get rid of tan lines, and it doesn't happen overnight. However, some treatments can make a tan fade faster. Covering your skin from the sun's rays will also help make tan lines go away.
Without assistance, a suntan will fade in a few weeks and tan lines will become less evident until they are no longer visible. This is due to the body's natural process of shedding old skin cells and replacing them with new ones. As the skin cells renew, the tan lines will fade.
How long does it take to even out a tan?
The time it takes to even out a tan is determined by the type of tan. It also depends on the condition of your skin (i.e., if you have a darker skin tone, if your skin is hydrated, etc.) and how often it regenerates.
It varies on a number of factors from sun exposure to skin type, but typically a sun tan should last between 7 and 10 days before the outer layer of the skin begins to naturally peel. Without proper care, spray tans can fade in as little as one day and can last up to ten days.
How do you fix fake tan lines?
Sunless Tan Remover
A tan remover is not only good for smoothing out tan lines, but it's also a good primer for removing a spray tan and preparing your skin for the next one.
Self-Tanner
Filling in the gaps between unpleasant tan lines is sometimes the greatest method to fix them! Use a makeup brush to fill in the tan lines if you recently had a spray tan or were on a tanning bed and have self-tanner or self-tanning mousse at home. Depending on how dark of a tan you want, leave the tanner on for 1 to 4 hours before showering. If not, you could always try a tanning booth.
How do you get rid of tan lines fast?
These unsightly streaks and stripes commonly emerge on your arms, face, and neck, but they can also appear on skin parts that your swimsuit covers. Here are tips to get rid of tan lines fast:
- Camouflage
- Exfoliation
- Aloe vera
- Coconut oil
Camouflage
Take out your bronzer of choice. When it comes to setting it, you should use both a liquid and a powder bronzer. Dot the liquid bronzer along your tan lines and press it into the palest regions of your skin until it matches your tanned area. You might need some assistance getting those tan lines on your back!
When you're happy with the liquid bronzer, softly sweep the powder bronzer over it with a beauty brush. Finally, spritz your work with setting spray to guarantee it stays in place from morning to night. Allow a few minutes for your bronzer and setting spray to set before getting dressed.
Exfoliation
A sun tan is caused by dying skin cells, and therefore by removing these cells, a renewed layer of skin can form. A gentle exfoliation can therefore stimulate skin reinvigoration. This can help lessen the look of a tan as well.
Chemicals that dissolve dead skin cells, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids, are used in chemical products. Brushes or sponges are used to remove dead skin cells. A soft washcloth and chemical exfoliant may be helpful for people with sensitive and dry skin.
You should exfoliate gently regardless of your skin type. It might make your skin red and cause acne breakouts if you overdo it. Over-exfoliating can develop black patches on the skin of people with darker skin tones. To avoid over-drying your skin, it’s important to apply layers of moisturizer for exfoliation.
Aloe Vera
Antioxidants and enzymes, which are found in almost all high-quality creams, are key to your skin’s overall reinvigoration and health. As such, aloe vera is an excellent option to help aid the skin.
Coconut Oil
Natural oils are beneficial to your skin in different ways. For example, they are highly effective at reducing tan lines. Simply apply coconut oil to tanned areas (or a mixture of many natural oils in one solution), leave it on overnight and wash it away in the morning.
Why is a bikini called a bikini?
Tips to avoid tan lines in the future
Who'd have guessed that the best approach to deal with ugly tan lines is to avoid them in the first place? Here are tips to avoid tan lines in the future:
- Weather check
- Swimsuit style swap
- Strapless bikini
- Wear sunscreen
Weather Check
Before going to the beach or at the pool, check the UV index. There are days when you're more likely to get tan lines than others, so just keep conscious of the weather, and you'll be OK to spend time in the sun. If you're worried about overheating during the summer, limit yourself to going out every other day or a couple of times a week. It’s unhealthy for anyone's skin to spend every day in the sun.
Swimsuit Style Swap
Alter your swimsuit styles on every outing. Yes, you'll have to change into a new swimsuit each day of your vacation. This will ensure that every part of your body will have a chance to be sun-kissed while remaining attentive to your overall sun exposure.
Strapless Bikini
Because the most visible tan lines are usually those around your neck, why not forego the straps entirely? When it comes to avoiding tan lines, a bandeau suit is an excellent choice. When you need the straps, put them on and when you don't, take them off!
Wear Sunscreen
Put on some sunblock! A tan may appear attractive, but it is still UV sun damage at the end of the day. Be careful as this is the primary cause of skin cancer. Apply and reapply sunscreen on uncovered skin every time you go outside to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Your skin won't burn or tan (at least not much) if you're consistent and attentive, and your tan lines will be far less visible.
Shop for bikinis
Bikini season is quickly approaching, which means it's time to start storing up on the hottest summer styles. Our bikinis, made by women for women, are extremely comfortable and will give you all the support you are looking for. By varying your beach style when exposed to the sun, you’ll prevent ugly tan lines.
Bikini Beach is here to bring you the trendiest and most comfortable bikinis in the market. If you're looking for a boutique with a carefully curated assortment of high fashion bikinis and one-piece swimsuits, make sure to browse our collection!