How to Remove Tan Lines

Tan lines are a frustrating part of time spent in the sun.

Tan lines can be one of the most vexing and persistent side effects of a summer spent in the sun. Although they pose no health risk, many people treat tan lines as an eyesore and want to minimize their appearance. While there's no better treatment than simply letting your tan fade, there are some ways you can diminish unsightly tan lines in the interim.

Things You'll Need

• Suntan lotion
• Exfoliating lotion
• Self tanner

Instructions

1. Use an exfoliating lotion as a first method of attack. Exfoliating lotions help to encourage the skin to shed and take off the top, dead layer of skin cells. It will help your tan to fade quicker if used regularly. If you don't want to lose your tan entirely, focus on applying exfoliating lotion on the area directly around the tan line. With regular use, you can create a gradient to your skin tone, helping to remove the glaring tan line.

2. Try and even your tan. If your tan line is in a noticeable and easy-to-tan place, getting back out in the sun may be the simplest solution. Apply a layer of sunscreen to the areas of your body where you're already tanned and give the untanned area additional exposure.

3. Apply self-tanner. As a last resort, artificial tanner can help to mask noticeable tan lines on your body. Be sure to choose a tone that will approximate your existing tan--and be prepared to reapply self-tanner frequently, as it can fade with time.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or tanning beds; UV rays are known to be a contributing factor to certain forms of skin cancer.

References

• Love to Know: Tan Lines
• I Love India: Dealing With Tank Lines
• The Fashion Spot Forums: Tan Lines