How do you prevent blotchy tan?

Author: Mr. Columbus Friesen  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

4 things that will prevent a patchy tan
  1. Exfoliate well prior to start with the freshest skin possible.
  2. Only apply once a week. Layering new tan on top of old tan will cause build up.
  3. Gently exfoliate on a regular basis.
  4. Use an Exfoliation Glove to spot treat any dark areas.

How to stop your 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 my tan get splotchy?

It happens because your skin is too warm when you're applying the tanner. When your skin is warm, your pores are open. The same thing always happens to me. I now cool my skin down before I apply tanner. Helps to close your pores and has stopped this from happening for me!

Why do I get blotches when I tan?

The rash appears in people who have developed sensitivity to sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources, such as tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. It leads to immune system activity that causes a rash.

How do you fix a splotchy natural tan?

Grab any exfoliator and simply scrub your skin and carefully exfoliate the parts where the uneven tan lines are a lot more prominent on your skin. The exfoliator can help speed up the process of lightening dark areas of your skin.

HOW TO FIX A BAD SELF TAN | TIPS AND TRICKS BY A PRO SPRAY TAN ARTIST

Why is my natural tan speckled?

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 to get rid of uneven tan?

  1. (Lemon) scrub. Scrubbing gets rid of all dead skin cells, which can make your tan lines a lot less visible. ...
  2. Self-tanner/Bronzer. If you still can't get rid of your tan lines, there are always products that can hide your skin, so that the color difference is no longer visible. ...
  3. Cucumber. ...
  4. Greasing up with sunscreen.

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 to make skin less blotchy?

Moisturizing regularly and using gentle shaving techniques can help minimize these concerns. More chronic conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis, might require medical intervention. If blotchiness persists, then it is always wise to consult a dermatologist to correctly diagnose the underlying cause.

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.

How to treat patchy skin?

Treatments
  1. exfoliating with a loofah, pumice stone, or scrub to remove dead skin cells, if a doctor recommends it.
  2. applying ointment or cream regularly, ideally using products that contain humectants, ceramides, or emollients.
  3. using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
  4. applying a cold compress to the affected area.

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.

Why does my skin not tan as well anymore?

Basically, everybody's skin reaches a cut-off point when their skin can't tan anymore. This is due to the fact it's physically unable to produce any more melanin, the pigment that makes our skin turn darker.

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.

Is there a self-tanner without DHA?

Luckily, DHA-free self-tanners like Glimmer Goddess Organic Self Tanner Lotions and Self Tan Drops offer a fantastic alternative. Using natural ingredients, these products provide a more subtle, buildable glow—without the risk of irritation or unpleasant smells.

When I tan my skin gets blotchy?

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.

How can I even out my blotchy skin tone?

How To Even Your Skin Tone in 7 Steps
  1. Step 1: Cleanse With an Exfoliating Face Wash. ...
  2. Step 2: Balance Skin With a Hydrating Toner. ...
  3. Step 3: Address Discolorations With a Treatment Serum. ...
  4. Step 4: Treat Your Under-Eye Area. ...
  5. Step 5: Nourish Skin With a Non-Comedogenic Oil. ...
  6. Step 6: Restore Hydration With a Brightening Moisturizer.

Does blotchy skin go away?

Exposure to Cold

The discoloration resolves on its own once your body warms up. Some people experience blotchy skin in the cold weather due to hives. 1 Also known as urticaria, hives are welts on the skin that can occur from an allergic reaction or, in this case, exposure to cold temperature.

How can I hide my blotchy skin?

The Tool Kit: Concealer (a touch lighter than your skin tone, with peach or gold tones to brighten darkness); brush; powder and/or cream foundation (that matches your skin). The Technique: For isolated dark spots, just dot the concealer on top with a thin brush and pat with your finger to blend the edges.

How do I keep my tan from getting patchy?

Exfoliate. The best way to avoid a gradual tan going patchy is by exfoliating your body beforehand. This helps remove any dead skin where gradual tan tends to accumulate and appear darker.

Why does my tan have splotches?

Sometimes the white spots are merely scars that have become more visible after tanning. These areas of the skin have lost their pigmentation due to damage to the tissue. When tanning, the scars stand out from the darker skin around them.

How to avoid patchy sun tan?

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.

How can I tan evenly naturally?

Changing position frequently, every 30 minutes, such as lying on your stomach, back or side, is important to ensure your skin tans evenly. In addition, it is important to position yourself correctly in the sunlight, moving the towel or lounger towards the sun, so that you are always in direct sunlight.

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.

Why is my tan always uneven?

Often, patchy results are due to one of three things: improper skin prep, the application technique, or how you care for your skin post-bronzing. Typically, you'll want to cleanse and exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner or getting a spray tan. You'll also want to moisturize prior to application.

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