Can you even out a tan with fake tan?

Author: Trace Aufderhar  |  Last update: Monday, June 16, 2025

Depending how intense that tan line is, you may have to re-apply more self tanner to get the fix just right. If this is the case, skip exfoliating but do add on another layer of self tanner to intensify your results and blur away those unwanted tan lines.

How to even out a tan with self-tanner?

EXFOLIATION. One of the best solutions for how to apply self tanner evenly is with some good old-fashioned exfoliation. Whether you're using a natural exfoliant like a brown sugar body scrub or you bought one designed specifically for evening out your tan, gently exfoliating your skin will have it glowing in no time.

Can you still tan with fake tan on?

You absolutely can tan through fake tan. Just make sure to wear spf and reapply, take breaks from the sun, and stay hydrated!

How to even out patchy fake tan?

Use a Makeup Brush & Mousse for Smaller Areas For smaller spots, you can use a makeup brush with your self-tanner mousse. Gently buff in circular motions. Like the first tip, it might not look flawless when you apply it, but once you rinse, it could blend out beautifully.

How to get rid of uneven sun tan?

  • Gradual sun exposure: Gradually exposing the untanned skin to the sun can help even out the tan lines over time.
  • Self-tanner or bronzer: Using self-tanning products or bronzers can help blend the tan lines and create a more even skin tone.

Best Fake Tan Routine At Home + Tanning Hacks You Need To Know

Will my tan eventually even out?

Evening them out usually takes time and a lot of patience, but it IS possible. You just need a nudge in the right direction and several neat tricks, and your skin's even tone will be fully restored.

How can I even out my skin tone after a sun tan?

Over-the-counter products such as retinol, vitamin C creams, and niacinamide may improve an uneven skin tone. Other treatments include laser therapy and microdermabrasion. Although most cases of uneven skin tone do not indicate a medical concern, some people may wish to correct it for cosmetic reasons.

Can I put new fake tan over old tan?

Add a layer of radiance

A single application can extend your colour for a few more days and balance out an uneven fade off. Once your special event is over, allow your tan to fade away in full and exfoliate your skin a day before your next spray tan. This creates the perfect base for a new application of tanner.

How to apply self-tanner evenly?

To get even coverage, you should exfoliate before applying a self-tanner.
  1. For best results, you want to apply a self-tanner to moist skin.
  2. When applying a self-tanner, you want to use a circular motion.
  3. For a natural look, avoid applying self-tanner to your elbows, knees, and ankles.

How do you get rid of patchy tan from the sun?

  1. Hydrating the skin. Whether the tan is even or not, the skin requires hydration and nourishment after a tanning session. ...
  2. Gently Exfoliate. Hydration has soothed the skin, which can finally be exfoliated in the area showing uneven tanning. ...
  3. Use a self-tanning product. ...
  4. Conceal with tinted treatments.

Is it better to fake tan at night or morning?

Applying at night gives your self-tanner time to develop a natural tan look. Things like showering, rain, or tight clothes can mess up your tan when it's trying to settle. And some tanning products will also stain! As the self-tanner process can take up to eight hours, applying right before bed is super convenient.

Do you tan faster in water or laying out?

You don't necessarily tan faster in water or laying out. This is because water reflects UV rays, so you may not be getting as much exposure as you think if you're actually in the pool.

What not to do after fake tanning?

AFTER THE TAN

Shower lightly in cold – lukewarm water for 45 seconds ONLY after your desired development time. Use plain water, don't use shower gels, scrubs, shampoos or loofah during the first 24 hours after your treatment. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub or scrub your skin.

Can you still tan with fake tanner on?

This is different from exposing your skin to UV rays from the sun, which then causes melanin to spread to the surface in order to protect it from damage, thus creating the darker pigment in your skin. That means that if you get a spray tan or use self-tanner before vacation, you can still tan (and burn) underneath it.

How do I make sure my tan is even?

Always look for exfoliators that are based on a non-abrasive formula and give your skin a thorough exfoliation a day before your tanning session. Moisturize: Hydrating your skin is crucial for an even tan because dry skin can reflect UV rays, leading to uneven coloration.

Why do I tan unevenly?

Since it's a well-known fact, you probably know that sun exposure is one of the major causes of an uneven skin tone. Excessive sun exposure, or unprotected sun exposure, can lead to sun spots.

Do you put self-tanner on wet or dry skin?

Yes, your skin should be dry prior to self-tanning, however, dampening your tanning mitt before applying your self tanner is a great self tanning tip for beginners especially to ensure an easy, smooth application. The key here is to gently wet your mitt before wringing it out completely.

Does leaving self-tanner on longer make it darker?

Regarding development time - you can leave your Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam on your skin for 1 - 8 hours, depending on how dark you like your tan. The longer you leave it on the darker you get.

How to fix splotchy spray tan?

How to fix patchy fake tan
  1. Gently buff away excess tan. Excess product often settles onto dry areas, like the elbows, knees, ankles, hands, and feet, causing an uneven, patchy tan. ...
  2. Exfoliate the skin. ...
  3. Fill in the gaps. ...
  4. Always use a tanning mitt. ...
  5. Opt for a gradual tan moisturiser.

How to get even fake tan?

By making sure your skin is well moisturised and hydrated you will have a better chance of applying an even self-tan that lasts. Use an oil free moisturiser to make sure that it doesn't create a barrier to the fake tan.

Does a natural tan get darker overnight?

Once skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage. Melanin is the same pigment that colors your hair, eyes, and skin. The increase in melanin may cause your skin tone to darken over the next 48 hours.

How can I even out my natural 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.

Which part of my body shows my real color?

Look into a mirror in natural light. Artificial lighting can alter the appearance of your natural skin colour. Notice the colour of the skin along your jawline or behind your ear. These areas typically tend to show your skin tone in its purest form, without any redness or discolouration that could get in the way.

Will self tanner even skin tone?

How Does Fake Tan Even Out Your Skin Tone? Fake tan works in a simple way – it deposits a layer of pigment on your skin that covers any imperfections and makes the skin look more even. Fake tan contains a magic little ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is derived from plant sources.

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