If you forgot to protect yourself from the sun while spending a long day outdoors, you most likely have tanned arms, face and neck. Since the rest of the body is still pale, this so-called "mason's tan" can be really annoying and affect your future sun exposure. In the worst cases these signs could remain visible throughout the summer, preventing you from wearing some particular clothes that could highlight them. With the right precautions, however, it is possible to run for cover in a short time (about one or two weeks), returning your skin to its normal uniform color.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Camouflage the Mason Tan
Step 1. Exfoliate your skin daily to make the tan disappear
Exfoliating means removing the superficial skin layer, mostly composed of dead cells, in your case to favor the rapid disappearance of the marks left by the sun. After the dead skin cells are removed, your skin tone will appear lighter and more similar to your natural complexion.
You may need to exfoliate your skin several times before you can notice a difference, so be patient
Step 2. Choose an exfoliation method that suits your skin
Making a scrub is simple and beneficial for the body. You can choose from numerous methods and products, based on the degree of abrasion you want to achieve. To start gradually, try scrubbing your body with a sponge or towel soaked in bubble bath.
- A sponge is more effective because it has a rough texture. However, in case of sensitive skin or in the presence of sunburn, it is better not to use it so as not to cause unwelcome irritation. To use the sponge correctly, rub it gently on the skin in circular motions for about 1-2 minutes. Repeat the treatment daily when taking a shower or bath.
- Using a soft cloth and creamy body wash is ideal for sensitive skin, but takes longer to achieve the desired results. Soap the washcloth, then gently rub it into the skin in circular motions for about 3-5 minutes. Repeat every day when you shower or bathe.
Step 3. Take a milk bath to speed up skin regeneration
Milk is an excellent natural exfoliant that works by softening the surface layers of the skin. Add whole milk to the bath water. The epithelial cells will be rehydrated and the skin will become softer, as a consequence the dead surface layers will come off more easily.
- Stay immersed in the milk bath for at least 5-7 minutes.
- Sun-darkened skin cells are already damaged and about to peel off. Soaking in the water will simply speed up the fall.
Step 4. Make a lemon juice and sugar scrub
The acid contained in lemon juice promotes the detachment of dead cells from the surface of the skin in combination with the grainy texture of the sugar which acts as an exfoliant. Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice, then add some sugar to make a DIY scrub. Rub it into your skin using your fingers or a towel in circular motions.
Do not expose yourself to the sun for at least an hour after the treatment, otherwise you risk getting burned or further intensifying your tan
Method 2 of 3: Cover the Tan Marks
Step 1. Apply a self-tanner product to the parts of the body that are still pale
This is the healthiest and safest alternative to sun exposure. When choosing self tanner, opt for a light color that will allow you to gradually minimize the builder tan lines. Make sure that the selected product also helps you keep your skin soft and hydrated. You may be tempted to choose a shade identical to that of already tanned skin, but that would not be a good idea. As many women know, using a self-tanner that is too dark in tone you could find yourself with orange-colored skin, covered with streaks and spots in the area of the feet and ankles: the parts that tan with greater difficulty.
- Moisturizing self-tanners are easier to spread and blend.
- To obtain an excellent and gradual result it will take about a week. The efforts made will pay off with a very natural effect.
Step 2. Use spray tanning at a well-equipped beauty center
During the session, a cosmetic will be sprayed that can darken the most superficial cells of the skin using an airbrush. In a very short time you will get a partial or full color, according to your needs. This type of tan lasts for about two weeks and tends to discolour at the same rate as the natural one.
- A spray tan treatment could be quite expensive. Ask about pricing before deciding.
- This option is a great alternative to DIY self-tanning products for anyone who doesn't feel confident applying them.
Step 3. Take a tanning bed or shower
On an economic level it could be a winning choice, and it will also guarantee you more privacy than spray tanning. Being able to repeat the session several times after a few days, your body can quickly reach a uniform color, even if the already tanned parts are very dark. The areas where the skin is still pale should be most affected by the UV rays from the tanning lamp.
- With this method you can check which areas of skin are exposed to UV rays and for how long. It will therefore be easier to achieve the desired color.
- Understand the damage done by tanning lamps. UV rays are the same ones that the sun emits, which can damage the skin and cause serious diseases such as cancer.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Bricklayer Tan
Step 1. Wear different model clothes every day
Those terrible marks on the neck and arms are due to long exposure to the sun while wearing a single specific cut of clothing. By changing the shape of your clothes often, you will be able to expose different parts of your skin to the sun in an attempt to achieve an even complexion. For example, alternate shirts and tank tops to avoid tan lines in the neck, arm and shoulder area. In some situations, wearing long-sleeved T-shirts and pants could help protect you from the sun by preventing annoying marks on your skin.
Step 2. Do not expose yourself to the sun during the hottest hours
Between 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon the UV rays reach the maximum level of intensity. If you have to be outside during this part of the day, try to stay in the shade as much as possible. If shade is not available, protect your skin with long clothing or apply a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF).
Step 3. Prevent a bricklayer tan by using a protective sunscreen
The best way to protect the skin and avoid unwanted marks is to use a cream with an SPF of no less than 30. Even if the marks that characterize the mason's tan are already present, spread the cream on the tanned areas anyway to avoid that become even darker.
- It takes about 30 minutes for the cream to penetrate the skin and start protecting it from the UV rays of the sun.
- If you know you will be exposed to the sun for many hours, reapply sunscreen frequently to prevent builder tan lines.
Advice
- Aloe vera helps sun damaged skin repair itself faster.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and help restore sun-damaged cell tissues.
- Never go out in the sun without protecting your skin with a cream with SPF.
- Apply a moisturizer to your skin regularly to keep it soft and supple.
- Choose the protection factor based on your skin tone.
