Can you tan over patchy tan?

Author: Prof. Kip O'Hara  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

You'll be able to top up your tan with a fresh new layer once your existing tan shows signs of fading. We'd advise waiting until your colour has completely faded away before stepping back in the booth to ensure even coverage and to give your new tan the best chance to last as long as possible.

How do you fix an uneven tan?

Here are 7 simple, DIY tips on how to even out tan lines very quickly and effectively.
  1. Exfoliate and Scrub. ...
  2. Use Lemon Juice and Honey Mixture. ...
  3. Use Quality Aloe Vera Gel. ...
  4. Coconut Oil. ...
  5. Quality Sunless Tanner. ...
  6. Baking Soda. ...
  7. Smart Use of Makeup.

Can you put tan on top of 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 cover patchy tan?

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

Can you put another layer of tan on the next day?

We generally recommend sticking to one self tanning product per application. If you do not find the colour to be as deep as you would like, you can always apply a second coat 30-60 minutes after initial application, or the following day.

How To Fix & Prevent: PATCHY PEELING SPRAY TANS

Is it OK to tan twice in one day?

The FDA requires 24 hours between tanning sessions. We recommend allowing at least 1 day in-between sessions whenever time allows.

Does layering tan make it darker?

Applying a second layer of fake tan can make your tan look darker, and it all depends on the level of tan you want. However, make sure not to layer too much otherwise your tan might end up looking unnatural and lose its glow.

What happens if I put tan over patchy tan?

You'll be able to top up your tan with a fresh new layer once your existing tan shows signs of fading. We'd advise waiting until your colour has completely faded away before stepping back in the booth to ensure even coverage and to give your new tan the best chance to last as long as possible.

How do you fix blotchy sun tan?

Using body products with either vitamin C or coconut oil (or both!) are good products to apply onto the skin. All types of natural oils are extremely healthy for your skin. 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.

Does gradual tan come off in the pool?

You absolutely can go swimming with a fake tan, so there is nothing stopping you from diving into the pool. It is worth bearing in mind that while you can happily cool off in the water, your tan may suffer as a result. Swimming for long periods of time can cause your sunless tan to fade away a little bit quicker.

Can you put tan over spots?

Fake tan products work by reacting with dead skin cells. As you often find more dead cells around a pimple, fake tan can sometimes make acne look worse rather than help to hide it. You can help to prevent a patchy appearance caused by using fake tan on acne-covered skin by exfoliating before you apply it.

Can you tan through gradual tan?

The short answer is a resounding yes, you can tan through fake tan! However, it is very important to remember that a fake tan does not protect you from the sun, and you should always apply sunscreen with SPF before exposing bare skin to it.

Why does my tan go patchy?

Poor Application

One of the main reasons for a patchy tan is bad application, as rushing the process or using the wrong technique can leave you with uneven colour distribution. Remember, fake tanning requires a gentle touch and precision, so take your time to apply it evenly on the skin.

How long does it take for an uneven tan to fade?

A tan from being outside will last an average of 7–10 days. The sun's UV rays stimulate melanin production in the cells of the outer skin layer, so once these cells are shed, you are left with your original skin tone.

What is a farmer's tan?

farmer's tan (plural farmer's tans) (idiomatic) The tan line left by clothing, especially by a short-sleeved shirt.

How do you reverse a bad tan?

How to get rid of a tan on brown skin
  1. Gently exfoliate 1 or 2 times weekly.
  2. Try aloe vera gel, potato juice, yogurt, or papaya to calm and lighten.
  3. Use products with niacinamide, kojic acid, or licorice extract.
  4. Consider professional peels or microdermabrasion for stubborn tan.

How to fix patchy tan without taking it off?

Exfoliate the skin

Another way to fix patchy fake tan is with an exfoliator, as gently scrubbing the skin will tone down the colour. Massage our Tan Enhancing Body Polish and Exfoliator onto the streaky areas until the pigment has faded. Top Tip: The key to an even-looking tan is smooth skin.

Why does my skin tan so unevenly?

One of the more common causes of an uneven skin tone is hyperpigmentation, where the skin overproduces a pigment called melanin. This condition has various causes, such as injury to the skin, medications, genetics, and underlying medical conditions.

How do you fix sun blotchy skin?

Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and bleaching creams may also be helpful. However, be sure you talk to your dermatologist first, since some of these approaches may irritate your skin or even make the blotchiness worsen. The most important thing is to keep your sun exposure to a minimum.

How do you fix a patchy sun tan?

Exfoliate darker areas

Oops, you've done it again – and your tan is a patchy or streaky mess. Your first course of action to even things out is to exfoliate any darker areas. Exfoliating with a mitt and gentle body scrub will help lift away those dead skin cells that have absorbed a touch too much colour.

Can you reapply tan on top of tan?

but, you can always keep reapplying over the tan if you want darker results - just make sure your skin is exfoliated and hydrated so it doesn't go patchy!

How soon after tanning should you moisturize?

We want your tan to be 20/10 and unfortunately if moisturiser is applied it can leave blotches, marks and strip the tan in certain spots on the skin. Once you've washed off the colour guide and waited at least 8 hours, you can apply your favourite moisturiser to your entire body.

Does showering after tanning make you darker?

After tanning, you will produce a little bit of sweat, but that's it. There is no reason to shower right away because water does not affect the tan. This is another myth that has been around for ages. The truth is, showering right after getting a tan will not cause staining of your skin.

How long to wait before applying second layer of tan?

We generally recommend sticking to one self tanning product per application. If you do not find the colour to be as deep as you would like, you can always apply a second coat 30-60 minutes after initial application, or the following day.

How to get the darkest tan possible?

6 Top Tanning Tips for a Darker and Long-lasting Tan
  1. Exfoliate your Skin prior to Tanning. ...
  2. Keep your Skin Hydrated and Moisturised. ...
  3. Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator prior tanning.
  4. Remove any kind of makeup and other cosmetic products. ...
  5. Choose foods that accelerate tanning.

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