Concerns about skin cancer have
changed the picture, but in some circles sun tanning is as popular
as ever. Tan lines, on the other hand, have never been in
vogue. Here's how to avoid them.
1. Stay Out Of The Sun Or Stay Completely
In The Sun
It seems obvious, but it bears repeating. If you don't want
awkward tan lines, don't put yourself in danger of getting tan
lines. Either stay out of the sun or tan naked. These
are the only sure-fire way to prevent tan lines, so if you know you
have to wear a specific dress to a specific event - like a
strapless wedding dress to your wedding - don't tempt fate.
Stay in the shade, cover yourself entirely in dark clothing (white
and light colored fabrics don't keep the sun's rays from hitting
your skin), or stay inside. Or do the opposite and find
yourself a private patio or nude beach for an all-over tan.
2. Tan-Through Bathing
Suits
You can buy special bathing suits that allow UV rays to pass
through the fabric and tan your body, preventing the dreaded strap
tan line. These suits typically have an approximate SPF of 4,
so you'll want to use a matching SPF sunscreen on the rest of your
body, but given the differences in fabric lots and brands, it may
take a bit of trial and error to get the matching sunscreen level
right. For even better tan line prevention, marathon tanners
advise shifting the straps of tan-through suits frequently during a
tanning session so that inadvertently doubled-up fabric doesn't
block the sun from your skin.
3. Sunscreen
The higher the SPF of your sunscreen, the more you will be able to
prevent tan lines. This technique works best if you use
sunscreen to keep the skin around your bathing suit or tank top
from tanning at all. No tan means no unsightly tan
lines. Pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, be sure
to
apply your sunscreen properly - and reapply often.
4. Strap Management
You can prevent intrusive tan lines with good strap
management. Pull your straps off of your shoulders when
you're in the sun. Undo the back strap of your bikini top
when you are lying on your stomach. You have to be vigilant
if you're using this method; no falling asleep with your straps in
the wrong place. It's a low-tech, low cost solution to the
tan line problem that does work.
5. Buy Into Tan Line
Prevention
Go shopping and buy bathing suits
and tops that leave your shoulders bare. Bandeau bikinis,
strapless one-pieces, and tube tops won't give you tan lines, and
will keep you looking great while you're engaging in tan line
prevention strategies. Try to match the cut of your tan
prevention-wear to the cut of your clothes so that you won't have
to worry about tan lines in certain outfits. If your clothes
are typically low-cut, find a strapless bathing suit with a
sweetheart top. If you like the backless look, get a bathing
suit that dips low in the back. This way, only you will see
your tan lines.
If you decide that the sun isn't for you (or isn't available to
you) but you still want to be bronzed for the beach, be sure that
you know how to
use tanning beds properly. You can even make tan lines
work for you by using
tan lines for body art.
