Summer is the perfect season for shoulder-baring bridal gowns and adorable short bridesmaid dresses. But with warm weather comes the occasional sunburn and unpleasant tan lines. Fear not. We’ve got five tips for not only getting rid of those obnoxious tan lines, but eliminating them fast.
Step 1.
Lower the temperature. During the hotter months—taking a cool shower a no brainer—but the cooler water relieves swelling and inflammation. Also the warmer the warmer the more likely it is to dry out your skin. Try to avoid bath soap with fragrance and choose a cleanser with soothing oatmeal- or something that is soy-based soap instead. And before turning up the temperature, remember that hot water can dry out the skin. – www.cosmopolitan.com
Step 2.
Time is of the essence. If you are about a week away, the best bet is to buy yourself a gradual self-tanner lotion. The gradual formulas darken over several days. It’s a better idea then an instant self tanner. If you have only a couple days, then fast-acting is the way to go, just make sure you do your research and avoid the more orangey colors. – www.glamour.com
Step 3.
Prepare the skin. Before applying the self-tanner, make sure you have exfoliated your skin, especially the darker areas. Exfoliation works to remove dead skin cells that have already been darkened and will work to lighten the overall tone. If you want to try and make your own exfoliating cream: combine a cup of brown sugar with 1 tbsp. of olive oil and rub it gently on your skin. Again, remember to concentrate more on the areas of the skin that are currently darker. – www.livestrong.com
Step 4.
Color within the lines. Use a clean foam eyeshadow applicator to give you more control when applying in the paler sections of your tan lines. You may need to apply a couple times for a more even look. And finally, on the wedding day, take some time to mix a liquid bronzer with your body moisturizer to evenly apply all over your body and set with a simple dusting of powder bronzer. This will help to blend out those lines just a hair more. (Just be mindful of not getting it on your dress.) – www.glamour.com
Step 5.
Keep it simple. Relax your normal skincare routine. Sun damage will make your skin extra sensitive to ingredients that wouldn’t normally be a problem. The products could trigger itchiness, rashes, or blisters making the sunburn flare up, worsen and create new wounds. – www.cosmopolitan.com
Step 6.
Treat yourself. And finally, drink lots of water and take an anti-inflammatory. Water rehydrates the skin and the anti-inflammatory will help reduces swelling. Once the swelling subsides your skin will be able to begin the healing process to expedite recovery. – www.cosmopolitan.com
