Here's one true DIY tip on how to even out tan lines with basic household items. Yes, baking soda is highly effective when it comes to toning down your tan. Put some baking soda in a glass of water and stir until you make a paste-like mixture. Apply the paste on tanned areas of your skin and remove after 15 minutes.
Spot-treat problematic areas: If you notice splotchiness or uneven fading in certain areas, you can spot-treat those areas with a gradual tanning lotion or a product specifically designed for touch-ups. This can help blend and even out the color without having to redo the entire tan.
Want to even out tan lines naturally? As mentioned above, it's going to take at least two to three months for your skin cells to completely turnover. However, if you're looking for instantaneous results, your best bet is to get a spray tan. “Tan lines due to the sun can take months to remove,” says Alysa.
Evening them out usually takes time and a lot of patience, but it IS possible. You just need a nudge in the right direction and several neat tricks, and your skin's even tone will be fully restored.
“To correct streaks, take a hot shower [or] bath and exfoliate,” says Evans. “Then, use an exfoliating mitt ... and work in circular motions to buff the streaks off." Since this method is just manual (a.k.a. there's no product involved), you can reapply the self-tanner immediately after.
The easiest way to get rid of tan lines is to just wait for them to naturally fade on their own while avoiding sun exposure as much as possible. In fact, your skin cells are constantly in a state of turning over, meaning the newer cells are pushed to the surface as the older skin cells die and flake off.
Soak in oil and buff with an exfoliating mitt
Oils, on the other hand, break down DHA and can fade fake tan faster. It does, so lather up or soak yourself in oil. You can also use coconut or olive oil, which should be left on the skin for 10 minutes before washing off.
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.
Exfoliate darker areas
To lighten darker patches, exfoliate the affected areas regularly. You can also apply a tan remover or exfoliating product to speed up the fading process. Try the Clarins Tonic Sugar Polisher , which contains rosemary, making it gentle enough for even the most sensitive of skin.
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.
Oil can break down the colour of self-tanner by loosening the dead skin cells that have been dyed brown by fake tan. When these dead skin cells start to crack and flake off, it can result in a patchy or uneven tan, often referred to as a "tiger bread" tan.
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. So, if you're feeling less like a golden goddess and more like a patchwork quilt?
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.
Shaving Before or After Spray Tan FAQ
Spray tan may fade slightly when shaving, especially if done immediately after the session. Waiting 8-12 hours before shaving and using gentle strokes can minimise the impact on the tan.
Conceal With Body Makeup
Simply fill in the tan line with a camouflaging foundation like Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation, which is gentle enough to use on irritated, sun-tanned skin. Set the makeup with powder to avoid smears and smudges, and you're good to go.
For quick sun tan removal, exfoliate with a scrub or alpha hydroxy acid to shed pigmented surface cells and apply natural lightening agents. For more immediate results, consider professional treatments that can remove the top layers of tanned skin.
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.
For instant coverage and to even tan lines, the St. Tropez Instant Tan is great. [It's] like a wash-off bronzer – you can instantly tone down the appearance of uneven tan lines.” If you haven't found a mousse formula you love, try Le Tan Instant Foaming Mousse or Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam.
Try using lemon and sugar to create a DIY tan removing scrub, or combine lemon or lime juice with baking soda for a fast-acting fake tan remover. Rub onto your body with a warm washer, then rinse thoroughly. Another winning kitchen combo? Olive oil and sugar.