Avoid oils as this can make application tricky and it can react with certain self-tanners – breaking the formula down and making it patchy. Instead, use a light lotion or cream. Remember: moisturising your face day and night is always essential and even more critical after applying a fake tan to make it last longer.
Your self tan will look so much better if you apply a light, oil-free moisturizer. The moisturizer helps to layer in a smooth surface so you don't get streaks. If you use a moisturizer it also absorbs excess self-tanner and prevents spots that darker in some areas.
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.
Exfoliate and Scrub
You can simply scrub your skin and carefully exfoliate the parts where the tan lines are most visible. This way you will also speed up the process of lightening dark areas of your skin. The equation is rather simple – the more you scrub, the faster the fading process.
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!
Remember: moisturising your face day and night is always essential and even more critical after applying a fake tan to make it last longer. Add a little extra cream to any sunspots or freckles as this can soak up the self-tanner like a sponge and make the area even darker.
Once you have washed off your fake tan moisturise your skin daily to increase the longevity of your tan. Dry, dehydrated skin will cause your dead skin cells to shed quicker, taking the fake tan you worked so hard for with it. Use an oil-free moisturiser as oil can break down the product [2].
Face facts
To get a nice even tan on the face, be sure to apply to the entire neck area, right up to the jawline (including the back of the neck) and rub into your hairline too.
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.
Because your face is (generally) less covered up than the rest of your body, and if you have a rigorous skincare routine, you might find that the self tan on your face fades quicker than your body. If your facial tan needs a little top-up, our Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk - Face is perfect for the job.
EXFOLIATION. One of the best solutions for how to apply self tanner evenly is with some good old-fashioned exfoliation. Whether you're using a natural exfoliant like a brown sugar body scrub or you bought one designed specifically for evening out your tan, gently exfoliating your skin will have it glowing in no time.
Avoid OILS on the skin!
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.
Exfoliate the skin
Another way to fix patchy fake tan is with an exfoliator, as gently scrubbing the skin will tone down the colour. Massage our Tan Enhancing Body Polish and Exfoliator onto the streaky areas until the pigment has faded. Top Tip: The key to an even-looking tan is smooth skin.
If your skin isn't sensitive or prone to breakouts, you can use a self-tan formulated for the body — but Evans recommends diluting it with your favorite facial moisturizer before application. Board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, agrees.
Our favorite facial self-tanner is the Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops. It's simple and easy, looks natural on the skin, and can be built up depending on how many drops you use. But if you're looking for an affordable option that you can pick up at the drugstore, we love the Sol by Jergens Deeper By The Drop.
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.
Antihistamines – Relieve blotchy face symptoms caused by allergic reactions. Hydrocortisone Cream – A mild steroid that reduces inflammation and redness. Vitamin C and Niacinamide Serums – Can help brighten skin and even out tone.
The skin on your face is far more sensitive than the skin on your body and so it makes sense that it would need an entirely different formula. Facial skin doesn't tan in the same way as the body – it tends to go a little bit darker because of its higher pH.
Get your prep on
Self-tanner loves to cling to dry spots, so make sure you exfoliate to ensure an even application and prevent patchy results. Around 24 hours before your glow-up, slough away those dead skin cells with a gentle facial scrub or chemical exfoliant (like AHA wipes or a serum).
AFTER THE TAN
Shower lightly in cold – lukewarm water for 45 seconds ONLY after your desired development time. Use plain water, don't use shower gels, scrubs, shampoos or loofah during the first 24 hours after your treatment. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub or scrub your skin.