Gentle exfoliation and certain approved dark spot-lightening products can help reduce the appearance of a tan. A range of home remedies can help even out a self-tan at home. Exfoliating before applying tan may help reduce unevenness or streaking.
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.
- Rub the affected areas with baby oil which should help tone down orange streaks on your hands. - Lemon juice can help to dissolve uneven patches of self-tan on small areas, such as your ankles, wrists and palms.
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.
For quick sun tan removal, exfoliate with a scrub or alpha hydroxy acid to shed pigmented surface cells and apply natural lightening agents. For more immediate results, consider professional treatments that can remove the top layers of tanned skin.
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.
Baby oil helps to break down the DHA (the active ingredient in fake tanner) and makes the removal process easier, especially when paired with exfoliation. Let the oil sit on your skin for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off in a warm bath.
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.
Oil Up – Yep, oil works wonders. Apply baby oil or coconut oil to the affected areas and let it soak into the skin for about half an hour. Then, take a bath or shower and gently exfoliate. The oil will help to loosen the skin cells that have absorbed the tan.
If your tan feels too dark the following day, try having three hot showers to help bring it down to a more natural colour.”
Excessive Sweat or Water Exposure: Excessive sweating, swimming, or showering can cause the tan to fade unevenly. Body Movements: Stretching, bending, or rubbing the skin can affect how evenly the product is distributed, especially in high-mobility areas like the joints.
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.
Turmeric
Turmeric can be mixed with curd or honey to make a paste. Apply this on the hands and legs and leave for 20 minutes before washing off. Since saffron is expensive, it needs to be used carefully. Soak some strands in warm milk for 15 minutes and then use a cotton ball to apply over the tanned areas.
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.
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.
So, does the tan go away or not when you exfoliate the skin? Not only does it not go away, but it also makes it last longer and makes your skin look softer and more beautiful. Your tan has to do with melanin pigmentation and exfoliation does not affect this at all.
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.
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.
Yep! Oil in all its forms — think baby oil, coconut oil and olive oil — loosens dead skin cells, which can help break down tan build-up. Grab the oil and apply a generous amount to your palms before massaging it into the skin. Let it soak for at least half an hour (the longer you keep it on, the better).
Combining baking soda with just enough water to make a paste is a very effective way to remove excess tan buildup or streaking from the skin. Gently scrub in a circular motion to reduce the streaking appearance without irritating the 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.