How to fix spotty fake tan?

Author: Victoria Balistreri  |  Last update: Monday, January 12, 2026

- 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.

How to fix a splotchy fake tan?

How to fix patchy fake tan
  1. Gently buff away excess tan. Excess product often settles onto dry areas, like the elbows, knees, ankles, hands, and feet, causing an uneven, patchy tan. ...
  2. Exfoliate the skin. ...
  3. Fill in the gaps. ...
  4. Always use a tanning mitt. ...
  5. Opt for a gradual tan moisturiser.

Why does my fake tan look spotty?

What are the common causes of a blotchy St. Tropez tan? Not blending your tan enough. Not using a dry tanning mitt. Not ensuring your skin is clean and dry. Hopping around different areas of your body before completing one area. Using too much product at once.

How to remove fake tan spots?

Add a small amount of baking soda to a moistened washcloth, and rub across self tanning splotches. Not only will the baking soda bring a bleaching effect, but it also exfoliates the skin.

How to fix a patchy natural tan?

  • Gradual sun exposure: Gradually exposing the untanned skin to the sun can help even out the tan lines over time.
  • Self-tanner or bronzer: Using self-tanning products or bronzers can help blend the tan lines and create a more even skin tone.

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

Why is my natural tan speckled?

These melanocyte cells generate melanin, which is what causes your skin to tan in the sun. Unfortunately, sometimes the sun causes the melanocytes to increase unevenly, which can then result in darker and lighter patches of skin.

Can I put fake tan over patchy fake 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.

Why does my fake tan make my legs dotty?

Dotty fake tans usually occur if you've waxed or shaved too close to the day of your tan. Waxing and hot steam from a shower open up the pores — if you apply fake tan to the skin immediately, the product can seep in and create a dotty or spotty effect.

How do you fade fake tan evenly?

Exfoliate regularly

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. Our Exfoliating Body Scrub , is the perfect refreshing exfoliant.

Why is my tan blotchy?

Excess tan often settles onto dry areas, like the elbows, knees, ankles, hands and feet, causing patchiness.

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 moisturize after fake tan?

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].

How to not get dots when fake tanning?

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 to apply self-tanner so it's not splotchy?

How to apply self-tanner without streaks
  1. Exfoliate. Remove dead skin cells from your body and face by exfoliating your skin in the shower with a facecloth. ...
  2. Shave the day before, not just before you apply the self-tanner. ...
  3. Use day/night cream. ...
  4. Consider where your tan should start and end.

Can I put another layer of fake tan on the next day?

We generally recommend sticking to one self tanning product per application. If you do not find the color 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.

How to stop fake tan going like tiger bread?

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.

How to fix splotchy spray tan?

If you have specific tan lines or if you are looking for how to fix a patchy tan of uneven color, make sure you exfoliate those areas but refrain from the rest of your tan. This will help even everything out and make it look natural. Be sure to use a gentle exfoliant or exfoliating mitt for optimal results.

Why is my fake tan so patchy?

Tan often settles in areas where skin is dry so the rougher texture causes tan to look patchy. Use a scrub or exfoliating glove to buff dry and rough areas. When you apply your tan, always use a tanning mitt for the smoothest application and a seamless blend.

How do you get rid of uneven tan?

  1. (Lemon) scrub. Scrubbing gets rid of all dead skin cells, which can make your tan lines a lot less visible. ...
  2. Self-tanner/Bronzer. If you still can't get rid of your tan lines, there are always products that can hide your skin, so that the color difference is no longer visible. ...
  3. Cucumber. ...
  4. Greasing up with sunscreen.

How do you get rid of Strawberry legs after fake tan?

Avoid a blunt razor and avoid hair removal too frequently. You could try using hair removal creams, epilators or wax the hair off the areas instead of shaving. Strawberry legs are essentially enlarged pores of hair follicles that contain oil, bacteria and dead skin.

Why does fake tan cause 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 to make fake tan fade evenly?

Gently exfoliate your skin before getting a spray tan to create a smooth base. Once you have your tan, limit exfoliation to once or twice a week to encourage balanced fading. Use a soft washcloth or an exfoliating mitt for the best results. Moisturizing is your secret weapon.

Should you moisturize after fake tanning?

The answer is YES, but only after the self tan has fully developed. All Bali Body fake tan's take around 8 hours to fully develop and reach their maximum level of glow. Regardless of when you wash the colour guide off, we highly recommend you don't moisturise until the 8 hour mark.

Does layering fake tan make it darker?

**Risk of Over-Tanning**: Applying a second layer can lead to a much darker and potentially unnatural appearance. This may result in an uneven or patchy finish, especially in areas where the product tends to gather.

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