How do you fix a patchy tan?

Author: Rhoda Harber  |  Last update: Saturday, September 27, 2025

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.

How to fix a patchy tan quickly?

BAKING SODA AND LEMON. If you're wondering what to do when a fake tan goes patchy, one natural remedy to evening out tan lines can be found right in your kitchen. This simple trick involves combining lemon juice and baking soda until it makes a paste. Then, rub the paste on your tan, and let it sit for a few minutes.

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.

How to fix tanning patches?

Use a gradual tanning lotion to prevent blotching. Use a blending lotion if you're not on your routine of moisturizing. If it's already happened, exfoliate off some of the patchiness. Blend with either a mist, a lotion, or a mousse.

Why is my natural tan so patchy?

Irregular or patchy discoloration of the skin can be caused by: Changes in melanin, a substance produced in the skin cells that gives skin its color. Growth of bacteria or other organisms on the skin. Blood vessel (vascular) changes.

Avoid These Mistakes for a Flawless Baked Makeup Look!

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 quickly does a tan fade?

A natural tan will usually last for around 7-10 days, although this can vary for each different skin type and colour. However, any exposure to sun during that 7-10 day period could mean that your tan will hang around for longer, so the length of time it lasts really does depend on the individual.

Why is my tan patchy when I put it on?

Tan often settles in areas where skin is dry so the rougher texture causes tan to look patchy.

How can I fix my tan at home?

How To Remove Tan From Face
  1. Lemon Juice and Honey. Lemon aka our star ingredient is so acidic that we wouldn't suggest applying it on its own, especially before stepping out into the sun, being photosensitive et al. ...
  2. Yoghurt and Gram Flour. ...
  3. Tomato. ...
  4. Aloe Vera. ...
  5. Raw Papaya.

What is the best self-tanner?

After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.

How to get rid of 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 can I tan more evenly?

Exfoliating is non-negotiable if you want that perfect tan. Dead skin cells on the surface of your skin can create uneven patches, causing your tan to look blotchy or fade faster in certain areas. A good exfoliation removes this barrier, allowing your tan to develop evenly and stick around longer.

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 to fix uneven 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.

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.

What is the best self tan remover?

TANOLOGIST
  • ROSE & CARAMEL | Purity Excel 60 Second Self Tan Removing Scrub. Apply this fake tan remover to dry skin, leave it for about five minutes, and then wash off. ...
  • SKINNY TAN | Miracle Tan Eraser. ...
  • ISLE OF PARADISE | Over It Magic Self-Tan Eraser. ...
  • BONDI SANDS | Self Tan Eraser. ...
  • TANOLOGIST | Self Tan Eraser + Primer.

How do I tan back evenly?

How to fake tan your back in 3 steps
  1. Start small: Use a small amount of self-tanning product and gradually add more. ...
  2. Use tanning tools: To reach those difficult spots, use a back tanning applicator. ...
  3. It's all about the strokes: Start at the centre of your back and slowly move outwards using long vertical strokes.

Which soap removes tan?

When looking for the best soap for tan removal, you should opt for a formulation <br />of skin-brightening agents such as Vitamin C, Turmeric, Saffron, Coffee, etc. It is best to choose a toxin-free soap with the above properties. For example, you may try Mamaearth Ubtan Soap.

How to get rid of a blotchy 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.

How do you fill in a patchy tan?

An alternative approach is to top up your tan on any areas that seem to have been missed in your initial application. To tan these smaller areas, grab your tanning foam and a kabuki brush. Apply a small amount of tanner to the brush and buff it into your paler spot.

How do you get rid of old patchy tan?

Try lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help to lighten fake tan stains on the skin. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice onto a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.

How can I speed up my tan fading?

Is it possible to get rid of a tan? Sorry, but no. The tan is due to an increase in melanin, which is basically a defensive reaction from your skin being damaged by the sun. It will slowly fade if your skin is exposed to low enough levels of UV rays (e.g., in winter), but there is no way to speed this.

Why does my tan go patchy so fast?

Dry skin is possibly the most notorious enemy of a flawless tan. Hydrated skin helps the tanning product spread evenly, while dry skin will soak it up, causing darker patches. To avoid this, keep your skin moisturised regularly with Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion , applying especially in any areas prone to dryness.

Why do I still have a tan after 6 months?

Why won't my tan go away? When the cells become damaged with pigment, discoloration that doesn't fade occurs, leading to a tan that doesn't fade. In fact, it tends to stay dark unless you choose to have this hyperpigmentation treated professionally.

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