How to fix a blotchy sun tan?

Author: Lionel Beer  |  Last update: Saturday, March 29, 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 sun tan?

The best way to cover it up would be a makeup that matches the lighter part of your face. You can put it on the tanned part and blend it in. As far as actually fading it, use sunscreen to keep it from tanning deeper and also chemical exfoliants (like AHA) will help it fade faster.

How to get rid of splotchy 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.

Why does my tan look blotchy?

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.

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.

Tanning Routine | Tips on How to Self Tan At Home (Beginner Friendly!) | Dominique Sachse

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 long does it take for an uneven tan to fade?

A tan from being outside will last an average of 7–10 days. The sun's UV rays stimulate melanin production in the cells of the outer skin layer, so once these cells are shed, you are left with your original skin tone.

How to fix blotchy skin?

Treating blotchy skin involves identifying the underlying cause, whether it's environmental, related to skin conditions, or exacerbated by lifestyle factors. Implementing a gentle skincare routine, protecting the skin from sun damage, and consulting a healthcare provider for persistent issues are effective strategies.

How do you get rid of tan discoloration?

Opt for serums or creams containing vitamin C, licorice extract, or niacinamide to brighten. Exfoliate weekly with a gentle scrub or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to slough off pigmented cells. Book a session with your dermatologist for a chemical peel, IPL treatment, or microdermabrasion.

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.

What is the best tan remover?

VOTED THE BEST SELF-TAN ERASER BY THE INDEPENDENT!

Our Miracle Tan Eraser is formulated to remove old self-tan and target troublesome areas in a flash; apply this jelly-like hydrating scrub to your old self tan and let it work its magic!

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.

Why does my skin tan so unevenly?

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.

How do you fix a patchy tan without taking it off?

Exfoliate the skin

Another way to fix patchy tan is with an exfoliator, as gently scrubbing the skin will tone down the color. 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.

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 do I get my original skin color back after tanning?

Natural Ways to remove sun tan
  1. Baking soda. Since Baking Soda works as a scrub, gently mix with water and apply on the body whichever is affected, It will slowly reduce the site of darkness and provide a glowing natural skin.
  2. Turmeric. ...
  3. Coffee powder. ...
  4. Tomato. ...
  5. Milk. ...
  6. Honey. ...
  7. Gram Flour. ...
  8. No More Tan Mask.

How do you fix skin color discoloration?

How is skin discoloration treated?
  1. Antifungal ointments, creams and shampoos.
  2. Creams or lotions to lighten or fade dark spots or patches.
  3. Chemical peels.
  4. Laser skin treatments.
  5. Dermabrasion.
  6. Makeup to hide the discoloration.
  7. Surgery.

Why is my sun tan patchy?

To protect itself from the damaging effects of the sun, skin makes more brown pigment, called melanin. 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.

How to fix blotchy sunburn?

Try these self-care tips for sunburn relief:
  1. Take a pain reliever. ...
  2. Cool the skin. ...
  3. Apply a moisturizer, lotion or gel. ...
  4. Drink extra water for a day. ...
  5. Leave blisters alone. ...
  6. Treat peeling skin gently. ...
  7. Take an anti-itch drug. ...
  8. Apply a soothing medicated cream.

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.

How do you cover up 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.

Should you exfoliate after tanning in the sun?

Contrary to what one might think, exfoliate your skin does not make the tan disappear. It's even the complete opposite! A good exfoliation helps the epidermis to renew itself, while getting rid of dead cells and impurities.

How do you fade a tan evenly?

For a tan that fades evenly, it's important to start gently exfoliating three days after you have applied your tan – and then every day until your tan has been buffed away completely.

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