Why am I tanning blotchy?

Author: Candelario Cruickshank  |  Last update: Thursday, October 9, 2025

Uneven pigmentation 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. The sun also can cause small blood vessels to stretch, giving skin a blotchy look.

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.

What does it mean if your tan is patchy?

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.

How to get rid of a blotchy tan?

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.

Why am I tanning unevenly?

Moisturize: Hydrating your skin is crucial for an even tan because dry skin can reflect UV rays, leading to uneven coloration. So, after your exfoliation session, make sure to slather on a good moisturizer.

Why is my skin patchy when I tan?

Why do I tan splotchy?

Uneven pigmentation

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. The sun also can cause small blood vessels to stretch, giving skin a blotchy look.

What is the golden rule of tanning?

The professional indoor tanning industry promotes and teaches what we refer to as The Golden Rule of Smart Tanning: Don't ever sunburn. The indoor tanning industry has been more effective at teaching sunburn prevention than those who promote complete sun avoidance.

How do you fix a splotchy natural tan?

Grab any exfoliator and simply scrub your skin and carefully exfoliate the parts where the uneven tan lines are a lot more prominent on your skin. The exfoliator can help speed up the process of lightening dark areas of your skin.

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.

Why do I get sun spots instead of tan?

Sun spots are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Specifically, UV light speeds up how much melanin (the skin's natural pigment) the body produces. Melanin can build up on areas of the skin that have received repeated and intense sun exposure, resulting in darker-looking spots on the skin.

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.

What is the best self-tanner?

After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.

How do you get rid of patchy tan fast?

- 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.

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.

Why am I blotchy after being in the sun?

Polymorphic light eruption is thought to be caused by UV light altering a substance in the skin, which the immune system reacts to, resulting in the skin becoming inflamed. It's not passed down through families, but about 1 in 5 people with the condition have an affected relative as it's a fairly common condition.

How do you get rid of tan spots?

Remember to exfoliate regularly, use tan removal creams, apply aloe vera gel, use sunscreen, try DIY masks, drink plenty of water, apply potato juice, use tan removal packs, and be patient.

Do sun blotches go away?

Most Sunspots (often known as “liver spots” though they have nothing to do with your liver) fade somewhat over time. They typically do not disappear completely because the skin has been permanently damaged by the sun. Sunspots are flat areas of discolored skin that can be tan or varying shades of brown.

What is blotchy skin a symptom of?

However, serious health conditions can also cause blotchy skin. This article outlines some of the many potential causes of blotchy skin. They include skin conditions like eczema and rosacea, infections like scarlet fever and shingles, temperature exposure, stress, pregnancy, and more.

How fast does tanning age your skin?

Indoor tanning speeds up skin aging

Indoor tanning is known to cause wrinkles, brown spots and thick leathery skin. Indoor tanning ages your skin 3 times faster than sunlight: indoor tanning can emit up to 15 times more UV radiation than sunlight.

Why did I tan unevenly?

Sensitivity to the sun due to medicine reactions or certain medicines. Sunburn or suntan. Tinea versicolor. Unevenly applying sunscreen, leading to areas of burn, tan, and no tan.

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 long does it take to even out a tan?

Want to even out tan lines naturally? As mentioned above, it's going to take at least two to three months for your skin cells to completely turnover. However, if you're looking for instantaneous results, your best bet is to get a spray tan. “Tan lines due to the sun can take months to remove,” says Alysa.

What not to do after tanning?

Opt for Gentle, Moisturizing Products: Avoid harsh soaps and scrubs right after tanning. Instead, use a mild, hydrating body wash to prevent dryness and peeling, which can dull your tan. Pat Dry, Don't Rub: Vigorous towel drying can be too abrasive. Patting your skin dry is gentler and helps avoid exfoliating too much.

How many times do I have to tan before I see results?

Your skin's tanning memory plays a significant role: First-time Tanners: It may take 5-7 sessions before noticeable results appear. Occasional Tanners: You might see results after 3-5 sessions. Regular Tanners: Can often maintain their tan with 1-2 sessions per week.

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