TL;DR:
- Self-tanner can help even out tan lines, as long as you’re precise in how you apply it.
- You can also use self-tanner on your face, but you’ll need to make sure you use a product that’s specifically designed for the face.
- The best way to get rid of tan lines is to keep them from happening at all. Make sure you apply sunscreen regularly!
If you’ve ever come back home with stark tan lines, you know the frustration of wishing you had a flawless, even tan. So, how can you really fix tan lines? In this article, we’ll discuss how self-tanner can help camouflage your tan lines, how to use it, and how to prevent tan lines from popping up in the first place.
What’s the Best Way To Get Rid of Tan Lines?
You’ve probably already seen a host of home remedies for tan lines. Things like at-home scrub recipes and various concoctions might smell nice and seem convenient, but they aren’t likely to do much for your tan lines.
One of the most reliable ways to even out the look of tan lines is by using self-tanner. Self-tanning mousses like our Bali Bronzing Foam can help match the color of your beach glow to smooth tan lines and even out your skin’s appearance.
How To Use Self Tanner for Tan Lines
Here’s what we suggest trying when you need to camouflage your tan lines:
- Step 1: Exfoliate: Use an exfoliating scrub the night before to make sure your skin is smooth and ready to tan.
- Step 2: Clean the Skin: Before you start, make sure your skin is free from oil, dirt, and residue.
- Step 3: Use a Self-Tanning Mitt or a Kabuki Brush: For larger areas, a mitt helps your tan stay even and streak-free. For thinner areas like tan lines left from bathing suit straps, a makeup brush can help you stay in the lines.
- Step 4: Work in Zones: Pick an area and start there, applying self-tanner to the pale areas of your skin in zones until you finish.
- Step 5: Fill in the Gaps: Once you’re done, check to make sure you fix any gaps, especially hard-to-reach areas like knees and elbows.
What Can You Do About Tan Lines on Your Face?
We’ve all come home from a day on the beach only to find the outline of our sunglasses stuck on our face. To help hide tan lines on your face, use a dedicated facial self-tanner. The skin on your face is delicate, which is why you’ll want to reach for products designed specifically for your face.
We love to use our Bronzing Face Drops. You can blend these drops with your moisturizer, then apply the mixture to the areas of your face that have tan lines.
How To Prevent Tan Lines
Like with most things, the best way to address tan lines is to keep them from happening in the first place. There’s a reason you’re supposed to reapply sunscreen every two hours. By reapplying sunscreen as directed, you can make sure your skin stays evenly protected.
If you use a sunscreen like our Coconut Milk Body SPF, then your sunscreen can also double as skincare. With nourishing ingredients and a tropical scent, our SPF brings the island to any vacation.
The Bottom Line
While you can prevent tan lines by wearing SPF, there’s only so much you can do about lines left behind by clothing or bathing suits. For those pesky lines, self-tanner is an easy way to even out your color without damaging your skin.
At Coco & Eve, we live for the breezy, easy vibes of vacation. While you’re out in the sun, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether your final tan will be uneven. Instead, just enjoy yourself, and let our lineup of self-tanning products handle any tan lines that come your way. Together, we’ll keep the beach vibes going long after you get back home.
FAQs
Can you get rid of tan lines overnight?
Unfortunately, tan lines usually don't disappear overnight. They develop when some areas of your skin receive more UV exposure than others, and your skin needs time to recover and shed its outer cells. Normally, this skin turnover process can take anywhere from weeks to months.
Does exfoliating get rid of tan lines?
Exfoliating may help tan lines fade as your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells, but it won't erase them overnight. Gentle exfoliation (for instance, with our Tan Prep & Erase Scrub) can help improve your skin's appearance over time. Just don't overdo it. Harsh scrubs can irritate your skin, and exfoliation won't remove the effects of UV exposure.
Does self-tanner make tan lines worse?
No. In fact, it can help blend uneven skin tones by adding temporary color to lighter areas. However, applying it unevenly or choosing a shade that's too dark can make the contrast more noticeable. For the best results, exfoliate gently, moisturize dry areas, and apply your tanner carefully to make sure it stays within the lines.
Can you fix tan lines by tanning in the sun?
No, you can’t. It’s impossible to direct the UV radiation with the precision you’d need to hit only your tan lines. Plus, doing so would expose your skin to more radiation, which could damage your skin and contribute to early signs of aging.
Sources:
How to Get Rid of Tan Lines: Best Ways to Fade or Cover Them | Sun’s Up Tan and Wellness Spa
Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine | Johns Hopkins Medicine
How to safely exfoliate at home | AAD
