I'm also interested in the answer to this question! I was a swimmer in grade school, and I seem to be permanently tan in the arms and legs but quite pale in the covered areas. I've been wearing zinc sunscreen faithfully for a couple months now, but the tan lines are still clear. I might be a little paler, but it could be my imagination.
I've read elsewhere that the skin completely renews over 4 weeks, so tans shouldn't last longer than that if you're not exposed to the sun. This is not consistent with my experience, so could someone please give a scientific explanation as to why my tan is still around?
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?
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.