Is a sun tan permanent? A sun tan itself typically fades within 7 to 14 days as skin cells naturally turn over. However, the underlying sun damage and hyperpigmentation it triggers — sometimes called a "permatan" — can remain for months or years without a targeted skin brightening regimen. Browse our skin brightening collection for products formulated to fade tans and hyperpigmentation fast.
Sun damage can be permanent and it is known as a permanent tan aka permatan. All three of these terms just refer to sun damage that remains on the surface of the skin unless a strict skin care regimen for hyperpigmentation removal is followed. For some a sun tan is the result years outside in the sun playing sports, working, etc. without sun protection while for others it can take just a short vacation to get a tan that won't fade without a good skin care routine.
How to Remove a Permanent Sun Tan
Even though it can be difficult to remove sun damage or tan that never seems to for away, there are things that you can do to remove it. If you follow the steps below you will be rid of sun damage before you know it.
First and foremost it is important to use sunscreen daily. After applying your skin lightening product wait about 5 minutes and then use a good brightening sunscreen. If you're only using your skin lightening cream at night however, make sure to still apply sunscreen during the day. Using sunscreen however, will not prevent the skin from tanning if you are out in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Sunscreen will filter the sun's rays so that you will not tan as much but will not protect the skin from tanning 100%. So even while wearing sunscreen, limit exposure to direct sunlight to 10-15 minutes or even consider carrying a parasol with uv protection if you'll be outdoors on a sunny day for a long period of time.
Second and also another very important step is to use a good natural skin lightening cream. If the tan you're trying to remove is on the face, make sure to use a skin lightening cream that's made specifically for the face, if the area you're trying to even tone is on the body, try using a body lightening lotion that is specifically made for that area. Application twice daily (once in the morning and once at night) will have the best results, even though you should still have good results with application just once a day at night. It is important to note that not all skin lightening creams are the same, so choose one that is effective and that won't compromise your health.
Cleansing and exfoliating daily or every other day will help to speed up results and get you even better results than just cleansing and applying a skin lightening cream alone. Try using a cleanser for the face and a cleansing bar for the body that also helps exfoliate for best results. This should be done at the most once a day, and right before applying your skin lightening cream. If you'll be applying it twice a day, just using a regular washcloth or your hands to apply the cleanser will suffice.
Different Kinds of Tans
Not all tans are the same, and knowing which kind you have affects how long it will take to fade. Here are the most common types:
A regular suntan is due to spending more time outdoors and in the sun than usual. It can take anywhere from 7 days to a month to go away on its own once you've lessened sun exposure — this is the type that happens after a sunny vacation.
A farmer's tan is commonly found on the most frequently exposed areas of the sun: elbows, neck, thighs, ankles, wrists, and forehead.
A perma-tan takes a lot more effort to remove and, in most cases, has been there for years due to long-term sun exposure — it won't go away on its own even after sun exposure has stopped. It's stubborn but can be removed with the right products and consistent application.
Sun Tan Removal Regimen: Face vs. Body
Here's how to get rid of a sun tan on the face:
1. Use a brightening exfoliating scrub once a week to increase cell turnover and get rid of dead skin cells.
2. Wash with a daily brightening gentle cleanser that contains AHAs to also increase cell turnover.
3. Use a dime-sized amount of skin whitening cream all over the face twice daily after washing.
4. Apply a good sunscreen or wear a wide-brimmed hat before going outside, and avoid staying in the sun for long periods while trying to remove the tan.
Here's how to get rid of a sun tan on the body:
1. Use a chemical exfoliant like the kojic acid bar, gently rubbed onto an exfoliating cloth.
2. Use a moisturizing green tea lotion during the day on all areas from the neck down. At night, use a lotion with AHAs such as a glycolic lotion after cleansing and before bed.
3. Cover exposed areas with sun-resistant clothing (best option) or sunblock.
4. Avoid prolonged sun exposure on any areas where lightening products are applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tan a form of skin damage?
Yes. A tan is visible evidence of UV-induced changes in skin cells, even though the color itself fades over time.
Can a farmer's tan or tan line become permanent?
No, the tan itself is not permanent. But repeated unprotected sun exposure to the same area increases the risk of lasting hyperpigmentation there specifically.
For more information on how to remove sun damage, dark spots, melasma or any other types of hyperpigmentation, live chat with a knowledgeable customer service representative here 24/7!