So how can you avoid “face mask face”? We consulted a dermatologist, tanning expert, and senior researcher at Medicare to find out how to handle uneven lines without compromising your safety.
How to Avoid Face Mask Tan Lines
Like a lot of skin issues, face mask tan lines can be prevented with good SPF practices, so don’t skimp on the sunscreen. Apply facial SPF before putting on your mask, and reapply religiously throughout the day. According to board-certified dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD, you want something with high SPF—but also light, oil-free, and fast-absorbing—to prevent maskne (another common issue with face masks). After that, it’s all about reapplication. Since SPF is only fully effective for two hours after application, take a bottle with you whenever you go out. Briefly remove your face mask each time you reapply, and (ideally) wait at least 15 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun. Pairing your face mask with a wide-brimmed sun hat also helps.
How to Fix a Face Mask Tan Line
Now, if you already have a wonky line manifesting on your face; no worries. Even if your go-to tanning salon isn’t open, there are ways to minimize the appearance of your tan line at home. For starters, do not use UV rays to tan the rest of your face. Giving your already tanned face more unprotected exposure to the sun is never a good idea. However, you can apply a tinted sunscreen or bronzing makeup to help even your skin tone. You can also use self-tanner on the lower half of your face to even things out, but it’s important to exfoliate first, as your skins cells have likely dried out from your mask and soon will turn over. If using face drops, mix two to four drops into your serum or moisturizer and massage it into the skin. You can tan the upper half of your face with one layer and double the amount for the untanned area where your mask sits. If your line is very light, you might get away with spritzing a layer of bronzing face mist to even out your complexion. Sophie Evans, skin-finishing expert at St. Tropez, recommends using a self-tanner with a built-in guide color (like instant bronzer) so you see exactly where you’re applying. “Start by applying to the pale area and stop at the line. Next, take a non-oil-based moisturizer (oils interfere with self-tans) and blend the moisturizer over the tan line with a kabuki brush to prevent the line from deepening. Allow the self-tan to develop overnight and cleanse your face with lukewarm water in the morning to prevent any from transferring onto your mask. If the lower pale area is still a little lighter, you may need to repeat. If it looks even, lightly exfoliate your face every few days and reapply when necessary.” Shop the expert-recommended products below. To buy: $19; ulta.com. To buy: $32.50; dermstore.com. To buy: $66; alleven.com. To buy: $50; sephora.com. Tip: Don’t forget your neck and décolletage to avoid obvious demarcation lines. To buy: $30; ulta.com. To buy: $29; ulta.com.
