Get Rid of Tan Lines in 5 Ways

By Ysabel Vitangcol on August 7, 2020

Face masks have now become an integral element of our OOTD. With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to spread throughout the Philippines, establishments and offices have imposed no-mask-no-entry policies. You can’t even get in a cab or avail of a TNVS service without a mask. Long story short, it’s time to accept that masks are here to stay.

There are just a few problems, though. Sometimes masks can make it a little hard to breathe (take oxygen breaks in a private room). Or, they can itch and be uncomfortable, causing us to touch our faces to adjust them (uh, just don’t…or, at least, keep your hands clean). Unfortunately, with extended exposure to the sun, face masks can leave us with unsightly tan lines! Kudos to you for doing your part to protect yourself and others, but to solve that tan problem, we have a few solutions for you.

1. Continue to apply sunscreen to your entire face.

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Wearing a face mask does NOT excuse you from wearing sunscreen. ☀️😷Good thing we can count on the #BeloSunExpert Tinted Sunscreen and Whitening Sunscreen to provide lightweight sun protection that’s super comfortable even with a mask! 😍💛Link in our bio to shop.

A post shared by Belo SunExpert (@belosunexpert) on

Your face mask might cover the lower half of your face, but SPF protection is not guaranteed. Experts have agreed that you still need to wear sunscreen underneath your mask. But use a different kind of SPF for your lower half than you would your upper half. Since your upper half is exposed, you can use a cream sunscreen. Your lower half will get moist throughout the day, so best to use something that doesn’t feel heavy: try the Belo SunExpert SPF 50 Transparent Mist. A few spritzes before putting on your mask, and you’re good to go. Click here to buy it on Shopee.

2. Whip out a face shield, sunglasses, and hat.

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Wearing a mask makes a huge difference for you and the person next to you! Don’t forget to wear yours today 😷

A post shared by Coleen Garcia Crawford (@coleen) on

Sunscreen aside, you’ll achieve even more UV protection by covering up, especially if you’re one of the unlucky few who have to physically report to work. Pair your face mask with a face shield with UV protection (like the nopeet pair Coleen Garcia is wearing above). If your face shield isn’t UV-protected, you can go ahead and wear giant sunglasses underneath them (our friends at Sunnies Studios have amazing options). Then, a nice hat or cap (also with UV protection) to top it all off. 

…and an umbrella. You’ll basically no longer exist to the sun at this point. JK.

3. Use a reliable Vitamin C serum and skin brightener.

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Minimize the appearance of unwanted pigment with a retinol- and hydroquinone-free duo—perfect for sensitive skin. #Brightalive #vitaminC #preventandcorrect #elevateyourskincare #zoskinhealth

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Incorporating skin brightening agents to your routine will help matters. The ZO Brightalive Skin Brightener evens out skin tone, reduces dark spots, and restores hydration while calming and soothing irritated skin. For sun spots, try the ZO 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating serum. This’ll brighten and redefine skin, plus minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Click the links to get them at The Belo Shop.

4. If you already have tan lines and want to tan the rest of your face:

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Aún no sabe qué tono del maquillaje corporal Body Blur es el adecuado para usted? Deja un comentario debajo de esta foto para que podamos ayudarte a elegir 😉⁣ 📸 : @darista.jn⁣ Consígalos en @elcorteingles

A post shared by Vita Liberata España (@vitaliberata_es) on

If the damage has already been done, you can even out your face to match the tan using a little bit of self-tanner. Just be sure to apply it the right way: click here to see a step-by-step guide from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). You have to cleanse and exfoliate the skin first, so be sure to have your cleanser and exfoliant ready (we recommend the ZO Exfoliating Cleanser, available at The Belo Shop).

5. If you already have tan lines and want to restore your original skin tone:

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11 years a @belobeauty baby and still addicted to that Belo glow 💗 Currently getting my Angel White underarm treatment 😇

A post shared by Jennylyn Mercado (@mercadojenny) on

If you’re looking to undo the tan lines, that’s going to take a while. Luckily, there are several treatments at Belo that just might help speed up the process. Lasers like Angel Whitening or Revlite will help with skin darkening. Our doctors will have to assess your skin, so be sure to book an appointment with us soon.

Even if we didn’t have a pandemic going on, UV protection is vital in the prevention of skin cancer development in the future. So be sure to stay proactive (instead of reactive) in keeping not only tan lines, but also sun damage, at bay. Stay safe from COVID-19, and stay protected from the sun!

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