How to avoid fake tan dots on legs?

Author: Dr. Janet Luettgen Jr.  |  Last update: Sunday, January 4, 2026

Tiny dots on your legs are a giveaway you didn't allow enough time between shaving or waxing your legs and applying the fake tan. To avoid this fake tan gone wrong mishap, make sure you remove any hair at least 12 hours (but ideally 24 hours) before to allow the pores to close.

Why do I have dots on my legs after fake tanning?

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!

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 get rid of tan spots on my legs?

Treatment
  1. Medications. Applying prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid might gradually fade the spots over several months. ...
  2. Laser and intense pulsed light. ...
  3. Freezing (cryotherapy). ...
  4. Dermabrasion. ...
  5. Microdermabrasion. ...
  6. Chemical peel.

How to not get strawberry legs when fake tanning?

Keeping the skin cool prior to tanning can help reduce strawberry legs as warmth can open the pores. Cold water or applying ice cubes can help prior. If shaving, change your razor regularly, make sure it's clean and not congested, use in conjunction with a smooth mousse/gel/cream in abundance.

HOW TO REMOVE SELF TANNER | LAURA BEVERLIN

Should you moisturise legs 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.

Can you reverse strawberry legs?

There's no cure for KP, but you can reduce the appearance of strawberry legs. Treatments include exfoliants, moisturizers, retinoids, and more.

How do you remove fake tan spots?

Baby oil is the most effective option for removing a fake tan from large areas of the skin. Olive oil or coconut oil will also work. Rub the oil into your skin, and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a loofah or washcloth to scrape away the color gently.

Why do I have tan spots on my legs?

Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations. Use of commercial tanning lamps and beds also can cause age spots.

How do you 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 is my fake tan speckled?

What causes a patchy fake tan? Common reasons for patchy self-tanning include having products on the skin (perfume, deodorant, oil-based moisturizers, etc.) that can cause your tan to break down and fade unevenly.

Should I shave my legs before or after self-tanning?

This seems easy enough, but a lot of people forget to shave before applying self tanner. However, you prefer to remove hair (waxing, shaving, laser, etc.) please do yourself a favor and do it before you apply product. Hair removal after-the-fact can remove your tan, leaving splotchy marks on your legs.

How to avoid fake tan dots?

Here's how to prevent a dotty fake tan in the future:
  1. Shave or wax at least 24 hours before you plan on fake tanning to give your pores plenty of time to close up.
  2. Avoid taking a hot bath or shower on the day of your treatment because the warmth of the water can also open up your pores.

Why are my legs spotty after tanning?

Sun exposure and tanning can lead to white sun spots on the skin. The presence of white sun spots on the skin is clinically known as idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH). IGH is a benign skin condition considered a cosmetic problem.

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 do you get rid of tan spots?

Remember to exfoliate regularly, use tan removal creams, apply aloe vera gel, use sunscreen, try DIY masks, drink plenty of water, apply potato juice, use tan removal packs, and be patient.

How do I prevent dark spots on my legs?

Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis may result in black spots due to inflammation. To prevent and manage these spots, wear loose, breathable clothing, maintain good hygiene, and use anti-chafing products. For spots related to hormonal changes or skin conditions, consulting a dermatologist is recommended.

Does apple cider vinegar really get rid of age spots?

There's also evidence that it may help manage dry skin, acne, and age spots, among other conditions. ACV is generally safe to use, but it does come with a risk of irritation or worsening skin symptoms, especially for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions.

Why do I have dots on my legs from a spray tan?

Tiny dots on your legs are a giveaway you didn't allow enough time between shaving or waxing your legs and applying the fake tan. To avoid this fake tan gone wrong mishap, make sure you remove any hair at least 12 hours (but ideally 24 hours) before to allow the pores to close.

How do you prevent dark spots when fake tanning?

Not protecting extra-dry areas

These spots are notorious for soaking up too much tanner and going too dark or muddy looking. So it's generally a good idea to apply some body moisture cream or lotion here as a barrier before you get your bronze on.

How to fix spotty self-tan?

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. The acid in the lemon will strip the tan and baking soda is a natural exfoliant. This method is perfect if you just have a few patches that you need to even out.

Do exfoliating gloves remove strawberry legs?

Yes, exfoliating gloves can definitely help get rid of strawberry legs. They remove dead skin cells that cause clogged pores (the dark spots that look like strawberry seeds). Exfoliating regularly also prevents ingrown hairs, another cause of strawberry legs.

Does shaving make KP worse?

Shaving can only exacerbate irritation or even cause bumps to become infected or inflamed. Use a humidifier. Cold, dry air can irritate even the toughest of skin. Using a humidifier during the dry winter or if you live full time in arid climates can help alleviate dryness or irritation that may be causing bumpy skin.

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