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Strappy tops, swimsuits, and sandals are wonderful — until they leave you with stark tan lines that don't match your outfit. If you're wondering how to get rid of tan lines or at least even them out, here are eight practical approaches, from gentle fixes to prevention that stops them before they start.
1. Exfoliate the darker areas
A tan lives in the surface layers of your skin, so gently exfoliating the darkest patches helps lift and fade them faster. Use a sugar scrub or an exfoliating mitt a few times a week, focusing on the sharp edges of a tan line to soften the contrast. Don't scrub hard — you're smoothing the transition, not sanding your skin.
2. Moisturize daily to slow fading unevenly
Hydrated skin sheds more evenly, which keeps a tan looking smooth as it fades rather than patchy. Moisturizing morning and night is one of the simplest ways to keep both your tan and your tan lines looking better for longer.
3. Even things out with strategic sun exposure
The most natural fix is to gently expose the paler areas to a little more sun while shielding the already-tanned skin with clothing or a towel. This works best during off-peak, lower-UV hours so you don't overshoot and burn. A low-SPF tanning oil like our SPF 4 Tanning Oil helps the lighter areas catch up gradually and evenly — just apply it only to the pale skin you're trying to deepen.
4. Try a gradual, controlled approach
Resist the urge to blast the pale strip with intense midday sun to "catch it up" fast. That's how a tan line becomes a burn line. Short, repeated sessions blend the color far more naturally. Our guide on how to get a deep, golden tan without burning walks through the pacing.
5. Use makeup or a body tint for instant coverage
For a same-day event, a body foundation or self-tan mousse matched to your darker tone can camouflage a harsh line in minutes. Blend the edges well so there's no visible border.
6. Let time do the work
Left alone, a tan naturally fades within a couple of weeks as your skin renews itself, and tan lines soften along with it. If you're not in a rush, gentle exfoliation plus moisturizing simply speeds up what your skin already does.
7. Prevent lines with smart application
The best tan line is the one that never forms. Apply sunscreen generously right up to and slightly under the edges of your swimwear and straps, since fabric shifts as you move. A smooth-gliding formula like our SPF 30 Body Gelée makes it easy to get even, complete coverage without missing spots.
8. Move your straps and reapply
Shifting your swimsuit straps slightly and re-applying sunscreen throughout the day prevents a single hard line from forming where fabric sits. Reapplying every two hours keeps your whole tan more even — and protects the delicate skin on your face, which is where our lightweight SPF 50 Face earns its place in your beach bag.
Even color, head to toe
Whether you're fixing tan lines or preventing them, even coverage is the whole game. The Summer Duo Bundle keeps your face and body protected together, so your glow develops smoothly instead of in stripes. Tan lines happen to everyone — a little exfoliation, patience, and even application will have you looking seamlessly sun-kissed in no time.
This article is for general informational purposes and isn't medical advice. Avoid deliberate overexposure, and consult a dermatologist with any skin concerns.
