How to fix a patchy tan?

Author: Taryn Kling  |  Last update: Sunday, November 2, 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 do you fix 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.

How to fix a blotchy natural tan?

If you ever go away and forget your tan. or have really patchy tan and need to fix this, I have a quick tip. Grab some body lotion. Any body lotion will do. Pop a small base on the palm of your hands, grab whatever foundation you're using and pump it into the lotion.

How do you fix tanning patches?

Use a gradual tanning lotion to prevent blotching. Use a blending lotion if you're not on your routine of moisturizing. If it's already happened, exfoliate off some of the patchiness. Blend with either a mist, a lotion, or a mousse.

How do you fix a patchy tan ASAP?

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

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.

Can I put new tan over old tan?

Add a layer of radiance

A single application can extend your colour for a few more days and balance out an uneven fade off. Once your special event is over, allow your tan to fade away in full and exfoliate your skin a day before your next spray tan. This creates the perfect base for a new application of tanner.

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 do I tan back evenly?

How to fake tan your back in 3 steps
  1. Start small: Use a small amount of self-tanning product and gradually add more. ...
  2. Use tanning tools: To reach those difficult spots, use a back tanning applicator. ...
  3. It's all about the strokes: Start at the centre of your back and slowly move outwards using long vertical strokes.

How to remove patchy self-tanner?

Try Baby Oil and Baking Soda

Arnold shares that "it helps soften the skin while buffing away mistakes,'' while it gently removes any streaks or blotches. Oil breaks down DHA (AKA the color) that's responsible for giving you a bronze glow, and applying baby oil will help fade unwanted pigment.

How do you fix sun blotchy skin?

Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and bleaching creams may also be helpful. However, be sure you talk to your dermatologist first, since some of these approaches may irritate your skin or even make the blotchiness worsen. The most important thing is to keep your sun exposure to a minimum.

How to get rid of very bad tan?

Face, Hands, Arms, and Feet
  1. Tomato juice: Apply to tanned areas, leave for 15 minutes, and wash off. ...
  2. Curd and honey: Mix and apply daily to remove tan effectively.
  3. Lemon juice and sugar scrub: Exfoliate your skin while reducing tan.
  4. Raw potato juice: Use directly on tanned areas for quick results.

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.

Why is my self-tanner blotchy?

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.

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 to fix a patchy natural tan?

Simply take some coconut oil (mixing other natural oils is okay as well), apply it on the uneven tanned areas, and leave it on overnight. When you wake up in the morning, simply wash your skin. Repeat the process each day, and your tan lines should be barely visible after a while.

Why do I still have a tan after 6 months?

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.

Does exfoliating remove tan?

Yes, a tan will naturally fade away due to the exfoliation of our skin. It may not be the nicest thing to think about, but the human skin sheds and then generates millions of cells everyday. When the tanned skin cells are replaced with new, untanned skin cells, your body will gradually return to its normal colour.

How to blend patchy fake tan?

- Lemon juice can help to dissolve uneven patches of self-tan on small areas, such as your ankles, wrists and palms. - Mixing lemon juice with a tablespoon of sugar or bicarbonate of soda will gently exfoliate the area which will further help to pull out any excess tan.

Can you reapply tan the next day?

If you do not find the colour to be as deep as you would like, you can always apply a second coat 30-60 minutes after initial application, or the following day. To maintain your tan, we recommend using one of our Everyday Gradual Tanning products.

How do you fix old tan?

We've put together 4 easy steps for you to try:
  1. Soak: Ok so the BEST (and most relaxing) way to remove your tan is to soak your skin in a warm bath or shower! ...
  2. Exfoliate: Once your pores are open and your skin has softened, apply a layer of our So Over it Scrub. ...
  3. Buff: Now for the fun part!

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

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.

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 to reverse sun damage to skin?

Photodamage can't be completely reversed but some treatment options can help rejuvenate your skin. Talk to your provider about the risks of complications. Possible treatments include: Retinoids, retinols: These topical products provide their best benefit when treating early signs of photoaging.

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