As you're getting ready for an upcoming wedding, you may notice that a little extra time in the sun has made your skin burn or tan more than usual. If you're facing uneven tan lines or redness on different parts of your chest, back, or limbs, there are ways to even this out before the big day.

I spoke with two dermatologists who shared their top tips on how to take care of a sunburn before a wedding. Here's what they had to say.

Wear Sunscreen

After getting a tan or a sunburn, one of the best ways to help your skin is to wear sunscreen.

"Put it all over, especially on top of your suntan or burn because we don't want to keep tanning or burning your skin," dermatologist Dr. Roger Kapoor said. "We need the skin to settle down and the best way to do that is to protect it from the sun."

If you're traveling without any on hand, he recommends stopping at a local store to pick up a bottle with a minimum of SPF 30.

Gently Exfoliate Your Skin

Dr. Kapoor said that skin with a suntan or sunburn is extra fragile and should be treated with extra love. However, he recommends exfoliating your skin gently.

"Don't scrub the skin, but caress it," he shared. "Doing this will remove the outer layer of dead skin so that the new, smooth skin underneath is more easily revealed."

He also recommended looking for a scrub largely containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid or lactic acid and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), like salicylic acid.

Apply Aloe Vera

A popular way to treat a tan or sunburn is with aloe vera. Dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman shared that aloe has soothing properties that can calm irritated skin.

"The anti-inflammatory benefits are excellent for reducing redness and helping the skin recover more evenly," Kopelman said. "I always keep some on hand and it’s easily available on Amazon."

Use Lots of Moisturizer

After applying aloe vera and exfoliating the skin, Dr. Kopelman also stressed the importance of keeping the skin hydrated with a moisturizer.

"Using a rich moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or glycerin can prevent peeling and help maintain an even skin tone," she said. "I encourage my patients to apply it daily, especially after exfoliating, to lock in moisture."

Add a Vitamin C Serum

For those looking to brighten and even out their skin tone, Dr. Kopelman recommends Vitamin C serum.

"Applying it daily to areas with uneven pigmentation can make a noticeable difference over time," Kopelman said. "I prefer products with a 10-20% concentration for the best results, which are readily available online."

Try a Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion

If you're getting your skin ready for a wedding and notice your tan is uneven, Dr. Kopelman shared that a gradual self-tanning lotion can be a lifesaver.

"It's something I've suggested to patients who want to even out their tan without the risks of sun exposure," she said. "These lotions work slowly to build up a natural-looking color and can be applied daily until you achieve the desired result."

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