How do you fake tan without getting spots?

Author: Tommie Hills DVM  |  Last update: Friday, October 10, 2025

You should ALWAYS, we repeat, ALWAYS exfoliate before self-tanning. Firstly, to remove dry skin that will drink up the lion's share of DHA and get extra-bronzed. And secondly, to prevent an uneven, unsightly fade as skin cells shed at different rates.

How to not get dots when fake tanning?

Try using a tanning mitt and apply in thin layers. It can help with an even application and avoid patchiness.

How do I keep my fake tan from going patchy?

Ensure your skin is well moisturised always. Every time you get out of the shower or swim, apply lotion. If you have dry patches, then the tan will stick to these and go much darker. Good skin prep - get your skin well hydrated a week before and continue to moisturise during your tan.

Why does fake tan give me spots?

Many self-tanners on the market contain ingredients that can potentially clog pores or irritate the skin, leading to breakouts. Many facial tanners are not dermatologist tested and may contain the cheaper synthetic version of DHA.

How to apply self-tanner so it's not splotchy?

Apply tanner with a mitt and rub thoroughly, all over to prevent streaks. Apply VERY light on fingers and toes to prevent orange spots and keep your fingers/knees slightly bent when you're applying the tanner.

BEST AT HOME SELF TAN ROUTINE BY A PRO SPRAY TAN ARTIST

Should I moisturize before fake tan?

To keep the drier areas from going patchy, make sure you moisturise all over and pay extra special attention to these troublesome areas. Try to leave the moisturiser to sink in for at least half an hour before you start the application stage of your fake tan routine.

How to fake tan without getting spots?

Apply a layer of day cream, night cream or lotion on drier skin (after cleansing) and patches of skin where dead skin cells tend to accumulate (ankles, knees and elbows). This prevents these parts of your body from absorbing more self-tanner than the rest of your body, resulting in blotches.

Why do I get blotchy spots after tanning?

Uneven pigmentation

That extra melanin is what creates a suntan. But sometimes skin doesn't make melanin evenly. As a result, the skin's coloring, called pigmentation, looks patchy. The sun also can cause small blood vessels to stretch, giving skin a blotchy look.

What fake tan doesn't give you spots?

Tropez's Self Tan Purifty Face Mist – I go back to it time and time again because it never triggers breakouts or makes my pores look obvious, and it also delivers a really natural, radiant glow in just one use.

What is the best fake tan?

Best fake tan formulas 2025 at a glance:
  • Best overall: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam.
  • Best colour-correcting mousse: Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam.
  • Best for beginners: Tan-Luxe x Paris Hilton The Future Airbrush 360 Self-Tan Mist.
  • Best for natural results: St.

Is there a self-tanner that covers age spots?

Absolutely! Self tanners are formulated specifically to even out your skin tone and combat discoloration, including dark spots. The active ingredient in self tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA).

How do you apply fake tan evenly?

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. Starting from your shoulders apply the fake tan to both shoulders and arms using the same circular and then vertical movements as above.

How to stop fake tan going 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 tan without getting sun spots?

Wear sunscreen

Even if your goal is to tan, wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is essential. It will aid in blocking out harmful UV rays but will still also allow the skin to tan. It should be applied within 20 minutes or less of being outside.

What not to do while fake tanning?

Don't Wear Tight Clothing Immediately: Tight clothing can rub against freshly applied fake tan and cause streaking or smudging. Opt for loose, breathable clothing until your tan has fully dried and developed. Don't Forget SPF: Fake tan does not provide protection against harmful UV rays.

How do you fix tan spots?

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.

Why do I tan so easily when I'm white?

This happens because “Each of us produces a different quantity and quality of melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by our cells found in the basal layer of the skin,” explains Dr Puig.

How to stop white spots when tanning?

Treatment options include:
  1. wearing sunscreen every day, covering all areas of skin exposed to the sun. ...
  2. avoiding spending too long in the sun.
  3. avoiding artificial tanning beds.
  4. dermabrasion, which physically removes the outer layers of skin.
  5. topical steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, available to purchase online.

How do you prevent fake tan spots?

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. Additionally, ingredients like glycolic acid are fab at naturally fading your colour.

What is the best thing to apply fake tan with?

Apply with a mitt

There are a few different ways to apply your fake tan, we would recommend using a mitt for a flawless application. Our Tanning Mitt has a lotion proof barrier to protect your hands from staining while also achieving streak free coverage with flexibility to reach all areas.

How can I tan without getting marks?

  1. Exfoliation is key: Buff away dead skin cells with a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt to create a smooth canvas for even tan absorption.
  2. Shaving matters: Shave 12-15 hours beforehand to avoid patchy application around hair follicles.
  3. Clean and dry: Skip lotions, deodorant, and makeup on the day of application.

How to fake tan for beginners?

Fake Tan Tips: A Beginner's Guide On How To Fake Tan
  1. Exfoliate 24 hours before. ...
  2. Remove hair 24 hours before. ...
  3. Avoid deodorants and perfume. ...
  4. Choose the right tan for you. ...
  5. Moisturize just before tanning. ...
  6. Always Use A Tanning Mitt. ...
  7. Allow Your Tan To Dry Before Dressing. ...
  8. Wash Off Your Tan In Cool Water.

Is it better to self tan in the morning or at night?

Whenever I've fake tanned, I find it optimal to let the fan develop overnight as I hate the feeling of it feeling sticky underneath my clothes. I usually use Bondi Sands in dark or ultra dark, and pop it on before I go to sleep.

What is the best lotion to use before self-tanning?

LOTIONS Avoid any oils or lotions that use mineral oil (petroleum), baby oil, coconut oil, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (which is found in most body washes). I have found the best lotions to use are Aveeno, Cetaphil, Hempz, and CeraVe. Lotions with perfumes contain high alcohol levels and tend to dry out the skin.

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