Many people seek a sun-kissed complexion and consequently indulge in sunbathing and tanning sessions. In the rush, it sometimes happens that clothing or accessory marks disrupt the uniformity of the tan, resulting in one area being more tanned than another. While time and patience are your best allies in this case, here are some solutions to minimize the damage before it fades on its own.
How to correct an uneven tan?
Summary
Published on April 4, 2023, updated on October 4, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 4 min of reading
Themes:
1. Hydrating the skin.
Whether the tan is even or not, the skin needs hydration and nourishment after a tanning session. Indeed, sun exposure weakens the stratum corneum , which acts as the first skin barrier, and destabilizes the cohesion of lipids that play the role of intercellular cement in it.
Providing a lipid supply through skincare can also enhance cell regeneration. Once hydrated and nourished, the skin is more likely to develop an even tan. Indeed, some unsightly tans are the result of a sunburn. Alleviating this type of burn is another reason to prioritize good hydration for skin care. Therefore, it is recommended to use moisturizing treatments daily on the face and body.
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2. Gently Exfoliate.
Hydration has soothed the skin, which can finally be exfoliated in the area showing uneven tanning. Exfoliation helps to remove dead cells from the skin's surface and to stimulate cellular renewal, which will subsequently reduce the appearance of marks. In the weeks following your tan, you can focus on the uneven area. However, make sure to not exceed one to two exfoliations per week, as this could irritate your skin.
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3. Use a self-tanner.
While hydration and exfoliation can help to diminish the appearance of marks, they cannot erase them. To truly correct uneven tanning, it is recommended to use a self-tanner. This treatment is applied to the skin and allows for a tanned complexion without sun exposure. It generally contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a molecule capable of reacting with the amino acids in the stratum corneum of the epidermis through a Maillard reaction. This results in the formation of melanoidins, brown pigments.
When applied to strategic areas, self-tanner can help to even out the complexion. However, it is necessary to apply the self-tanner lightly to avoid the opposite effect and more dark marks. In fact, uneven tanning can sometimes be due to uneven application of a self-tanner. At Typology, we have formulated two products that provide a natural and gradual tan: a self-tanning serum for the face and a self-tanning gel for the body.
4. Conceal with tinted skincare products.
Sometimes, while the skin is regenerating and the complexion is becoming even again, it is preferable to simply cover the uneven tan with tinted skincare products. Most are intended for the face but can also be applied to the body. They help to camouflage marks or spots, whether they are permanent or temporary, like an uneven tan.
However, while this type of treatment is quite practical and effective on the face, it is generally less so on the hands or legs. These areas are indeed quite prone to friction, which can quickly fade the color.
