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.
