Ask Grace: How Can I Stop My Tan From Going Patchy? - Beauty Bay Edited (2024)

Like all things in beauty, tanning really isn’t actually as simple as it looks. Ideally you want to aim for a tan that fades gradually and evenly, which is easier said than done, Patchiness occurs when tan fades unevenly, which can be caused by not properly preparing skin for tan and by not maintaining tan correctly once it’s been applied.

Start by cleansing and exfoliating skin 12-24 hours before you tan. Tan often settles in areas where skin is dry so the rougher texture causes tan to look patchy. Use a scrub or exfoliating glove to buff dry and rough areas.

When you apply your tan, always use a tanning mitt for the smoothest application and a seamless blend. Ensure that you apply tan evenly across your body and don’t be tempted to apply multiple layers, since this can also contribute to patchiness. Once applied, check for any darker areas and blot over them with your mitt to lift excess product.

If tan still develops with patchiness, use an exfoliator to buff away any too-dark spots. To avoid over-exfoliating and removing tan altogether, avoid scrubs and instead soak a cotton pad in a gentle acid-based toner and lightly wipe until tan begins to fade. Don’t be tempted to darken light patches with more tan – this will results in an even more uneven effect as time progresses.

It’s important to keep on top of dry skin once your tan is on. Even if you don’t consider your skin to be overly dry, moisturising daily will help to maintain your tan for longer.

One of the most common causes of patchy tan is when people apply more tan before the first layer has had chance to properly fade. If you’re ready to top up your tan, don’t be tempted to just apply more tan over the existing tan. Make sure you remove the first layer first (with exfoliation or a tan removal product) then begin the process from scratch.

Ask Grace: How Can I Stop My Tan From Going Patchy? - Beauty Bay Edited (2024)

FAQs

Ask Grace: How Can I Stop My Tan From Going Patchy? - Beauty Bay Edited? ›

Use a scrub or exfoliating glove to buff dry and rough areas. When you apply your tan, always use a tanning mitt for the smoothest application and a seamless blend. Ensure that you apply tan evenly across your body and don't be tempted to apply multiple layers, since this can also contribute to patchiness.

How do you apply tan so it's not patchy? ›

Immediately after applying your chosen tan, use the Mitt to blot away any excess tan by gently rubbing darker patches on the skin. Top Tip: To prevent a patchy tan and product from settling onto dry areas, always moisturise with an oil-free moisturiser just before applying fake tan.

How to fix patchy fake tan without taking it off? ›

If you have specific tan lines or if you are looking for how to fix a patchy tan of uneven color, make sure you exfoliate those areas but refrain from the rest of your tan. This will help even everything out and make it look natural. Be sure to use a gentle exfoliant or exfoliating mitt for optimal results.

How to stop fake tan clinging to dry patches? ›

Moisturise your face where needed

Hydrated skin is the perfect base for fake tan, preventing it from clinging to dry patches and resulting in streaks or uneven colour. Reach for your favourite lightweight, oil-free moisturiser and apply it generously all over your face, including your neck.

Why is my tan fading in splotches? ›

Some other notable reasons for patchy fading can be; the use of deodorant, makeup, perfume, lotions and powders prior to or a sunless application will prevent the solution from absorbing evenly. Exfoliating, sweating, rubbing or excessive exposure to liquids (i.e. swimming, exercising, etc.)

How do I keep my tan from getting patchy? ›

Use a scrub or exfoliating glove to buff dry and rough areas. When you apply your tan, always use a tanning mitt for the smoothest application and a seamless blend. Ensure that you apply tan evenly across your body and don't be tempted to apply multiple layers, since this can also contribute to patchiness.

How to fix uneven tan lines naturally? ›

Use Lemon Juice and Honey Mixture

Apply on the tanned areas and keep it on for about 20-30 minutes, then remove it and wash your skin. This is a nice, easy-to-make and effective solution that can help you with your tan lines in just a couple of days. Plus, honey is a great skin moisturizer, as well.

How to fix a patchy sun tan? ›

Simply take some coconut oil (mixing other natural oils is okay as well), apply it on the uneven tanned areas, and leave it on overnight. When you wake up in the morning, simply wash your skin. Repeat the process each day, and your tan lines should be barely visible after a while.

Why is my real tan going patchy? ›

YOU FORGOT TO MOISTURISE DAILY.

This is where you may see your tan fade or become patchy over time. It's really important to keep hydrating the skin daily with a rich moisturiser.

How do you get rid of real tan patches? ›

Remedies that fade a tan
  1. Exfoliation. Gently exfoliating with a homemade or store-bought scrub can help lighten the tone of your skin by removing dead skill cells on the surface. ...
  2. Aloe. It turns out this sunburn salve is more than a powerful, anti-inflammatory skin soother. ...
  3. Turmeric. ...
  4. Black tea.
  5. Skin-lightening products.
Jul 24, 2017

Does Vaseline stop fake tan? ›

Use an oil free moisturiser to make sure that it doesn't create a barrier to the fake tan. If you have fair hair and eyebrows prevent them from being stained by by applying a little Vaseline or any other barrier cream to the hairline and the eyebrows.

How do you keep tan from sticking to spots? ›

Always use a specific self tan application mitt

Using a smooth mitt designed for a perfect self tan application is key to ensuring the product glides over your skin rather than applying it in more rough way that could get it stuck in your pores.

What moisturiser to use before fake tan? ›

If you do feel that you would need to moisturise before fake tan, choose a light oil free moisturiser that can absorb quickly and not sit on the skin.

Why am I patchy after tanning? ›

These melanocyte cells generate melanin, which is what causes your skin to tan in the sun. Unfortunately, sometimes the sun causes the melanocytes to increase unevenly, which can then result in darker and lighter patches of skin.

How do you get rid of tan blotches? ›

Combining baking soda with just enough water to make a paste is a very effective way to remove excess tan buildup or streaking from the skin. Gently scrub in a circular motion to reduce the appearance of streaking without irritating the skin.

Does showering make your tan fade? ›

Hot Showers & Baths

Hot water can open up the pores and promote skin cell turnover, which in turn, can cause your tan to fade quicker. Opt for lukewarm water instead, and try to keep your showers short to ensure your tan lasts longer.

Why does my skin go patchy when I tan? ›

These melanocyte cells generate melanin, which is what causes your skin to tan in the sun. Unfortunately, sometimes the sun causes the melanocytes to increase unevenly, which can then result in darker and lighter patches of skin.

How do you apply fake tan evenly? ›

Avoid the elbows and stop at the wrists. Working from your bottom down, glide the fake tan over your bottom and legs. Again, take your time with the circular and vertical strokes in order to cover the area evenly. Miss out the knees and stop just above the ankles.

What happens if I put tan over patchy tan? ›

There's no reason why you can't apply sunless tanner over a suntan Рyou'll deepen your existing colour, creating a richer, layered hue that balances out an uneven complexion. But remember that this won't make your tan last any longer; it will simply make it darker.

How do you fix a patchy sun tan? ›

Simply take some coconut oil (mixing other natural oils is okay as well), apply it on the uneven tanned areas, and leave it on overnight. When you wake up in the morning, simply wash your skin. Repeat the process each day, and your tan lines should be barely visible after a while.

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