The golden glow of a suntan is a highly desirable look for many people. Sun worshippers from all over the world enjoy spending time outdoors, working on their tan. While a tan may sometimes improve your appearance, it’s also possible to develop an unsightly tan with uneven blotchiness or significant tan lines.
The tragedy of a bad tan is amplified if you have an important event such as a wedding in the near future. You’ve found the most perfect dress that will bare your shoulders but somehow you’ve ended up with glaring tan lines!
If you are in this unfortunate situation, do not panic. It may be a challenge to remove, blend, or fade your tan but it is possible in some cases. Read on for tips that can help you look better and feel more confident at the big event.
How We Tan
Before you attempt to get rid of a bad tan, it can be helpful to understand just what happens within your skin when it is exposed to sunlight. Although sunlight can be very helpful for ensuring that we get the Vitamin D we need and for boosting our mood, it can also be very harmful to skin health.
Elevated production of melanin in the skin resulting from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun results in tanned skin. The tan appears when darker pigment cells known as melanocytes are distributed to block UV radiation from damaging cells below the surface.
Over time, sun-exposed skin ages more rapidly and is more likely to develop cancerous lesions. That’s why it’s so important to use sunscreen and to protect your skin with hats, sunglasses, and clothing when you go outdoors.
Ways to Minimize Your Tan
The appropriate method of tan removal depends on your desired result as well as the current stage of your tan. Additionally, the target areas should be considered when creating a game plan for tan removal.
A range of options exist for attempting to remove your tan. While some options are mild and safe to attempt on your own at home, there are several effective treatments that should only be performed by a cosmetic professional.
Exfoliate
Removing surface level dead skin cells will help to lighten your tanned skin. Try gently exfoliating with an off-the-shelf scrub or make your own scrub at home. Scrubs containing safe, gritty particles like sugar or salt will be most effective.
A loofah or brush used with a body wash will also work for removing dead skin cells. Exfoliate gently to avoid damaging your skin. After exfoliation, avoid the sun as the removal of the dead cells results in your skin becoming more inclined to burn or suffer damage.
Exfoliation may be an effective option if you have a bit of time before your event. You can exfoliate regularly to slowly fade your tan and remove the dead cells. However, if you are quickly running out of time, you will be better off taking a more aggressive approach with the help of an aesthetician.
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel revamps the texture and tone of the skin through the use of a specialized chemical solution applied directly to the skin. Chemical peels effectively remove the top layers of the epidermis, offering noticeable results after just one treatment.
After a chemical peel is administered, the skin may appear slightly irritated or swollen for a short period of time. Within two to three days, the skin will start to lightly peel, a process that will continue for approximately three to four days. You can expect your skin to be completely healed within roughly one week.
A chemical peel could drastically improve the appearance of your tan in a short period of time. Consider this option if your big event is happening very soon. Chemical peels should be performed by an aesthetician or medical professional.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation technique that can yield great results without significantly limiting your activities after the treatment. The procedure is performed in less than half an hour by an aesthetician.
Microdermabrasion removes dead or severely damaged/dry skin cells. A wand is used to gently exfoliate the skin and vacuum away the dead cells.
While eight to ten treatments are recommended for optimal results, you may be able to significantly improve your bad tan with just a few sessions. Healthier, glowing skin will be revealed immediately and with prolonged treatment, collagen production will aid in maintaining your skin’s radiance.
Laser Treatments
Various types of laser treatments are methods of skin rejuvenation that can also be used to remove an unsightly tan. Laser Genesis is an approach that can be used in any area to improve the appearance of your tan.
The procedure warms the skin’s lower layers to naturally stimulate the body’s production of collagen. The procedure is painless and requires no subsequent downtime. The treatment may also be combined with other methods of skin rejuvenation to speed up the removal of your tan.
Get Help at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique
If you are struggling with a bad tan that is threatening to ruin an important life event, you don’t have to tackle it alone! Visit Houston’s Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique for a skin rejuvenation treatment that can provide noticeable results.
Houston’s acclaimed cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Paul Vitenas, oversees treatments at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique and also performs cosmetic surgical procedures in his surgical office, Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery.
Take the first step on the path to removing that tanning mishap and rejuvenating your skin by contacting Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique at 281-810-9083 to find out more information or to schedule a consultation.
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