Can a face mask help with a facial tan?

What can you expect from a mask?

A tan is a pigment change within the skin, rather than a layer of dirt on its surface. Calling a product a 'tan removal' mask does not turn its name into a result, however hard the packaging works. There is no reliable mask application schedule or fading deadline to recommend for a facial tan. Do not confuse treating soreness after sun exposure with removing the colour: soothing sunburn and changing pigmentation are different goals.23

Why can a tan look darker days later?

Sunlight stimulates melanin production, and repeated ultraviolet exposure can make skin darker over time. Delayed tanning becomes noticeable about two days after exposure and is most intense about a week afterwards. That means a darker face several days after being outdoors can reflect the earlier exposure. These are times for a tan to develop, not a countdown to when a mask will remove it.12

What should you do instead?

1. 1Choose a water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum protection, meaning protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
2. 2Apply sunscreen to dry skin before going outdoors. Allow 15 minutes, and use at least one teaspoon for your face. Cover your neck and ears too.
3. 3Reapply approximately every two hours outdoors, and after swimming or sweating. Follow the bottle's directions.
4. 4Add shade and a wide brimmed hat that covers your face, neck and ears. Sunscreen alone is not complete protection.

Use sunscreen every day you will be outside, including cloudy days. An existing tan does not protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects. A cosmetic mask and sunscreen are not interchangeable, despite sharing a bathroom shelf. The purpose of sunscreen here is protection from further exposure, not a promise to erase the colour already present.56

Which sunscreen makes sense for your face?

A tinted sunscreen containing iron oxide adds protection against visible light, which can increase skin darkening, particularly in darker skin tones. Keep the SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum and water resistance requirements. For oily or acne prone skin, look for 'noncomedogenic' or 'won't clog pores'. For dry skin, look for 'moisturizing'. If sunscreen stings or burns, choose one whose sunscreen ingredients are only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and avoid fragrance.45

What if your face is sore or peeling?

Hot, sore or painful skin after sun exposure can be sunburn, even without obvious redness on brown or black skin. Stop trying to remove the colour and care for the burn. Get out of the sun, cool your face with a damp towel, and apply an unperfumed moisturiser or aftersun. Do not pick peeling skin, pop blisters or apply ice. Protect the area from direct sunlight until fully healed. Sunburn usually improves within seven days; that does not give a fading time for a tan.3

Seek urgent medical advice for blistering or swelling, a very high temperature, shivering, dizziness, sickness, headache or muscle cramps after sun exposure. Have a doctor check a new growth or a patch that changes in size, shape or colour rather than assuming every colour change is a tan.36