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.
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.
Use a circular motion over the affected area to buff and blend the line. It won't look perfect immediately--don't worry, the bronzer may not blend right away--but after you shower, there's a good chance it will even out and look seamless.
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.
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.
Hop in the shower and exfoliate
If you notice some streaks or dark spots on your skin, a hot shower can help smooth out streaks and give your self-tan a more natural appearance. The combination of hot water and steam can help lighten any dark spots, tone down your overall tan, and soften your skin.
Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing - Self-explanatory but try not to rub your body with a towel after your spray tan. Moisturize - After your shower, moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer. If your skin is hydrated, your tan will fade more evenly. Avoid swimming, long showers, baths, steam rooms, and saunas.
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.
Hydrate Your Skin
Use a hydrating lotion daily to nourish and quench your skin. Our personal favorite is the Hemp Nation Tan Extender, which helps to lock in moisture and extend the life of your tan. Well-hydrated skin will hold onto the spray tan longer and allows the colour to fade more evenly.
Depilatory Cream
One of Evan's go-to tan removing methods is a hair-removing cream like Nair or Veet. “It removes the color completely,” she insists.
It's best to use baby oil on larger areas such as arms or legs. You can also apply baby oil with a damp cloth and rub it gently, but ensure you wash it off immediately after use. Rubbing Alcohol can remove spray tans and self-tanners from your skin. Apply to rub Alcohol to a cotton ball, then rub it onto your skin.
A patchy, streaky or dotty fake tan often means you've missed a 'prep step' in the run up to your treatment. Preparing your skin for your fake tan encourages an even, long-lasting glow so it's well worth examining your pre-tan routine to check where you might have gone wrong.
If you notice you've gone overboard in some areas you can lift some of the color with Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Makeup Remover. Just pour micellar water to a cotton pad and rub it on the affected area. It should help remove some of the color.
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.
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.
Use an exfoliator mixed with a touch of olive oil to gently remove the dead skin cells sitting on the surface of your skin and in turn lighten the fake tan. Avoid using a harsh exfoliator because it might take your tan off in patches.
Understanding Self-Tanner Durability
Before we dive into tips on how to extend your sunless tan, you're probably wondering, “Just how long does a fake tan last?” On average, your skin retains self tanner for 5-7 days, but this period of longevity can vary based on many factors.
As sweat is acidic, it can cause self tan to break down when left to sit on the skin.
Your first course of action to even things out is to exfoliate any darker areas. Exfoliating with a mitt and gentle body scrub will help lift away those dead skin cells that have absorbed a touch too much colour. Additionally, ingredients like glycolic acid are fab at naturally fading your colour.
Apply Vaseline on your brows and hairline
Applying a thin layer of Vaseline to these areas acts as a protective barrier, preventing the fake tan from clinging to your eyebrows or staining your hairline – especially if you're blonde.