Is there such a thing as a permanent tan? Will my tan fade?

I'm a 47 year old female who spent many many summer swimming outdoors, long distance swimming.  I would wear a one piece swimsuit and used sunscreen, usually 30+ but I still have a base tan which seemed to have worsened after this past summer.  I went to the beach a couple of times later on in the day but did not wear cover up clothing, only sun block and I'm worried I have done myself permanent damage.

It is now December and I have been out of the sun for 4 months.  I have a "base" tan that remains on my neck, upper chest, back and arms (face as well but not as bad as I usually always wear a hat, except when swimming) and I'm worried it is not going to fade.  I am planning to consistently avoid the sun from now on and only swim in the early evening hours when the sun is starting to set.

If I stay out of the sun will it eventually fade or at my age is it just not going to happen? Can it take a year or more?  I am genetically Irish with thin skin (inherited from my grandmother).   Has anyone used laser treatment here with good success?

thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body's protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin.

Apply cool compresses on the area and take bath with cool(not very cold) water. Do not scrub your skin or shave your skin and use a soft towel and gently pat your skin dry.Also use a sunburn Over-The-Counter remedy containing aloe vera and a light moisturizer or a dusting powder to relieve chafing.You can apply silver sulfadiazine (1% cream) on the skin except face and see if it helps.If the symptoms still persist then you should consult a dermatologist and discuss the option of dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional doubts.

[buni1961]

thanks for your reply.

My skin is not sunburned.  I just have a sort of chronic yellowish base tan from years of swimming outside.  I always wear sunscreen and swim late in the day after 4PM (for the last 5 years or so) and I'n worried that I'm going to have yellow skin rather than white skin.  

I'd just like to know if I have a chance of getting my original skin back at my age of 47.  My plan is complete sun avoidance from this day forward.

Anyone?