Many people sunbathe for hours, use sunlamps and make many other efforts to achieve an even tan, free of irregularities and marks left by the costume. Some even try to tan completely naked. Unfortunately, since each area of the body tans at a different rate, it is almost impossible to achieve a perfectly even complexion, unless you have it by nature. However, although perfection is an unattainable ideal, a variety of techniques can be employed to ensure that you get the most even tan possible.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Achieve an even tan by sunbathing
Step 1. Accept that getting a perfect full body tan is virtually impossible
Recent medical research has shown that various areas of the skin react differently to the sun's rays and in fact all tan at different speeds. While planning everything perfectly, the areas characterized by a thicker epidermis will always be a little lighter than the surrounding area.
The same researchers instead suggest tanning with methods that do not require sunbathing, as they believe they are safer and more effective for obtaining a uniform result
Step 2. Prevent burns
Those with fair skin should certainly not get burned before getting a golden complexion. Although it is a fairly widespread belief, in reality it is only a myth. Both burns and tanning are reactions of the skin that are triggered by the action of ultraviolet rays. However, it must also be considered that these are two totally different processes. Consequently, it is certainly not necessary to get burned to tan. Furthermore, there is also one more thing to remember. If your skin gets burned and damaged, your tan will be patchy and patchy after healing is complete. Stop exposure if you notice that your skin is getting red or burning.
- If you have fair skin, apply a broad spectrum cream with SPF 30 before going out in the sun. For those with naturally dark skin, a protector with SPF 15 is enough.
- Always make sure to reapply the protection at least every 2 hours.
- Remember that you can only get a tan up to a certain point in a day. There will come a time when the skin stops producing pigments, but the risk of burns will continue to exist. The maximum time to devote to exposure varies, but for most people it is around 2 or 3 hours.
- Burns tend to show up after quite some time following the damage, so be sure to schedule your exposure time.
- Never fall asleep while sunbathing. If you think you can doze off, be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses. This will help you both protect your face (which is a sensitive area) in case protection isn't enough, and ensure that your sunglasses don't leave unsightly marks on your face.
Step 3. Take extra precautions to protect the delicate skin on your face
In addition to being more sensitive, the skin in this area is exposed more to the sun than the rest of the body. Since sunscreens formulated for the body can sometimes be annoying and leave residues, you run the risk of neglecting certain areas of the face, finding yourself with an uneven tan. If you have this problem, try using a specific sunscreen for the face. These products are often formulated to contain fewer oily substances and feel lighter on the skin.
Step 4. Avoid sunbathing by wearing a swimsuit with suspenders
Try to expose your skin as much as possible and put aside the classic suspender bikinis, using them only once you have an even tan. If you don't feel like sunbathing topless, the bandeau or bandeau style top piece is a good strapless alternative. Sure, it might still leave marks on your torso. However, these markings will affect a limited area of the torso, which is usually hidden by tops and dresses.
- If you really need to wear a strappy top, try to temporarily unbuckle it while sunbathing on your prone position. But be careful to prevent it from slipping off.
- Give it a try with swimsuits and clothes specially designed to let the sun's rays through and promote a tan. If you're not interested in sunbathing undressed, you can reduce and even completely eliminate swimsuit marks by using specific garments that let the sun through. But keep in mind that they still block about 20% of the sun's rays, so they could prevent you from achieving a perfectly even tan. Also remember to apply sunscreen before wearing them.
Step 5. Change your position regularly
If you sunbathe while lying down, switch from the supine to the prone position at regular intervals. Change it every 20-30 minutes.
- Since the intensity of the sun's rays varies throughout the day, this method will not allow you to guarantee the exact same exposure to each side of the body, but it should be enough to get the result as uniform as possible.
- If possible, try to lie down on a reflective sheet. The reflected sunlight will help you balance your exposure to the sun, allowing you to tan not only the front and back, but also the sides.
Method 2 of 3: Achieve an even tan without sunbathing
Step 1. Prepare your skin for this type of tan
Most of these methods require you to perform the same initial steps for best results. The following tips apply to all the most common treatments, both those performed with self-tanner and those carried out in beauty salons with the spray technique.
- In case you plan to wax or shave the area you want to tan, do it the day before the treatment. If you apply self-tanner to the layer of dead cells, the tan will go away when the cells begin to peel off. Hair removal often removes the surface layer of the skin, causing the tan to fade first.
- Exfoliate your skin just before applying self-tanner or going to the salon. Make sure you focus on the dry areas, such as the elbows. Particularly dry skin can absorb more product than the surrounding area, with the risk of finding an uneven tan.
- Shower before applying self-tanner. Make sure you dry the leather thoroughly after washing.
- Avoid applying moisturizer and deodorant on the day of your treatment. The ingredients contained in these products can negatively affect the pigmentation process and prevent the active ingredients from being absorbed by the skin.
Step 2. Try using a self-tanner
Almost all self-tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is a colorless chemical that interacts with the amino acids of dead cells to create a brown pigment similar to melanin. To manufacture these products, many cosmetic companies have also started using a second ingredient in combination with DHA. This is erythrulose, a sugar that comes from raspberries. Erythrulose enhances the effect of DHA to promote a lasting tan that can be more natural even on a rosy / reddish complexion.
- Choose the right self-tanner based on your skin type and experience. Although the basic process is the same, self tanners come in various forms, such as lotions, gels, mousses, and sprays. Lotions are the best products for beginners. Since they take a little longer to absorb, they allow you to quickly correct any mistakes you make. Gels spread easily on normal to oily skin, but are often too sticky for dry skin. The mousses are applied quickly and dry immediately. Sprays offer the most homogeneous coverage ever when applied correctly, but are relatively difficult to manage. A better result can be achieved when the spray is applied by someone else, as is the case in beauty salons.
- Choose the best self-tanner for your complexion. Self-tanning products have various color intensities based on their DHA concentration, ranging from one to 15%. If this is your first time using a self-tanner, it is best to take more precautions and try a lower concentration, especially if you have fair skin. The dreaded orange effect that many people associate with self-tanners is usually manifested by using a concentration of DHA that is too high for one's complexion.
- Perform a skin sensitivity test before using a new product. Before spreading it all over your body, try a small amount of the cream on a small and inconspicuous area of the skin. Rinse it off after a few minutes and wait for 24 hours. Examine it for any symptoms associated with an allergic reaction. While safe for most people, DHA and other ingredients can cause severe rashes in allergy sufferers. Testing the product on a limited area helps both to minimize any damage and to get a better idea of the final result.
- Apply the self-tanner in sections (arms, legs, torso) and massage it into the skin in a circular motion. To avoid over-pigmenting your hands, wash them every time you finish applying the product to a certain area. Also, if you apply a small amount of moisturizer to your hands and feet in case they are dry, you will also prevent them from absorbing too much product.
- Dilute the cream on your elbows and knees, as these areas tend to absorb DHA faster than others. Apply the product to your face. A light layer is enough, the important thing is that it is uniform. Try using a slightly lighter self-tanner on your face for a natural effect.
- Wait for at least 10 minutes before getting dressed. Wear dark clothes to prevent possible stains. Remove excess product from the skin.
- Avoid bathing, swimming or engaging in activities that cause sweating for 4 to 8 hours after application. Read the instructions on the package for specific application details.
Step 3. Use sprays with caution
Spray tanning performed in beauty salons offers a beautiful and natural result, but it has its drawbacks. Although DHA is safe for external use, it has not been approved for mucous membranes. According to some doctors it can cause damage in case of contact with cells. Spray products are therefore potentially harmful to health. Because they can be inhaled very easily, they introduce a relatively large amount of DHA into the cells lining the lungs. If you choose this product, do what you can to avoid breathing the fumes, also protect your eyes, mouth and nose.
Self-tanners are also available in sprays. With proper use they allow you to obtain a rather uniform tan, but involve the same risks as professional ones
Step 4. Treat your skin properly after using one of these products
Unfortunately, the effect of self-tanners has a limited duration, between 3 and 7 days. Make sure you do the following to keep your skin healthy and protect your tan for as long as possible:
- Moisturize your skin with the cream of your choice. Keeping your skin moisturized will help you make your tan last longer.
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen. Artificial self-tanners do not offer the same UV protection as naturally dark skin. People who use these products can sometimes overestimate the minimal protection they offer and end up doing damage to the skin.
- Minimize unprotected sun exposure for a couple of days. DHA temporarily makes the skin more sensitive to certain types of damage caused by UV rays.
Step 5. Avoid pills that promise to make you tan
You may have seen advertisements for tanning pills that contain a coloring additive called canthaxanthin. Taking this substance in doses that change the color of the skin can cause serious damage to the skin, liver and eyes. These pills are banned in many countries and not worth taking risks for the virtually insignificant cosmetic benefits they bring.
Method 3 of 3: Correct an Uneven Tan
Step 1. Cover the swimsuit marks with foundation
If costume marks prevent you from wearing a strapless dress to an event, don't panic. You can make it uniform for the evening with a little makeup. Here's how to get a perfect result:
- Choose a foundation that is the same color as the tanned parts. It will probably be different from the foundation you usually use for your face.
- Dab a generous amount of foundation directly on non-tanned areas and surrounding skin. For the application you can use a brush, a make-up sponge, a cotton swab or just your fingers.
- Blend the foundation well. This is the most important step to make your makeup look discreet and natural. Using the applicator of your choice, make small circular movements over the entire area until it is perfectly blended.
- If you used a liquid or cream foundation, don't forget to complete the application with a dusting of clear fixing powder. This will help you make your makeup last longer by preventing it from rubbing on your clothes.
Step 2. Apply self-tanner to the lighter areas
This technique is similar to the previous one, but guarantees a much longer lasting result. The main ingredient found in most self-tanners, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), can cause DNA damage in high concentrations. Nonetheless, dermatologists consider it much safer for the skin compared to UV rays. Instead of directly pigmenting the skin by exposing it to the sun, DHA interacts with the amino acids in the skin, producing pigments similar to those that are formed with a normal tan.
- Wash and exfoliate the skin. Wait for at least half an hour after washing and exfoliating to make sure it is completely dry. Also make sure you don't apply moisturizer. The absorption of the self-tanner occurs more effectively when the skin is drier.
- Use a clean brush to carefully apply the self-tanner where the swimsuit marks are. Try to concentrate the application only on the light areas of the skin. Remember that DHA does not act like foundation, so it can further darken already tanned areas and cause an uneven effect.
- Let the self-tanner dry and examine the result. If the swimsuit marks are still evident, take another swipe. Repeat the process until you get a smooth result. It may be necessary to make several applications.
- To better correct the swimsuit marks and get an even more even result, mix a few drops of liquid bronzer with a body cream and apply the mixture on the shoulders.
Step 3. Even out your skin by sunbathing
If you have the time and patience, sunbathing a couple more times is the easiest way to get rid of swimsuit marks. The lighter areas are likely to tan earlier and over time acquire the same pigmentation as the surrounding area.
You can also try applying a higher SPF sunscreen on the already tanned area, while using a lower SPF product on the non-tanned areas
Step 4. Exfoliate your skin once a week
Exfoliation helps to even out the complexion and consequently the tan. In addition, it is particularly important to scrub during the tanning process, as a well exfoliated skin absorbs the active ingredients more easily. You will thus be able to keep it beautiful and hydrated.
Exfoliation is especially effective for fading a poorly executed artificial tan earlier. After making any artificial treatments, wait for a few days before giving yourself the scrub. In this way the tan will go away more evenly
Advice
- Remember that while sunbathing won't burn you, it damages your skin and can increase your risk of getting skin cancers.
- Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going out.
- Always repeat the application every 2 hours or whenever the cream goes away due to water or sweating.
- If you are taking any medications, including herbal supplements, research the list of possible side effects before trying to tan. Many substances increase photosensitivity. You certainly don't want to end up with rashes and blisters.
- Just sunbathe 20 minutes a day to get a tan. It is not necessary to expose yourself all day.
