Why does my skin speckle when I tan?

Author: Xzavier Cassin I  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Sun exposure can also cause freckles to pop up as a result of concentrated melanin in small areas. When there's a lack of pigment or a loss of melanocytes, white spots or patches can also pop up. These white spots or patches are very different from freckles or sunburns. “They're not itchy, painful or tender,” says Dr.

Why is my skin spotty when I tan?

Spending time in the sun can cause changes in the pigment of your skin. You're probably familiar with hyperpigmentation, like melasma and freckles. But the sun us thought to contribute to concerns where skin stops producing melanin too. Hypopigmentation looks like white spots on your skin.

Why do I get splotchy when I tan?

A blotchy tan from a tanning bed is a sign that there has been underlying skin damage. This damage occurs repeatedly and increases your risk of skin cancer. It can also damage the collagen and elastin in your skin and lead to premature skin ageing.

What is hypopigmentation when tanning?

While we normally associated sun damage with Hyperpigmentation, excess UV exposure can also cause a loss of color in the skin. Areas of sun damage-induced Hypopigmentation (white spots and areas of de-pigmented skin) usually occur alongside sun spots and are irreversible.

Why does my skin look blotchy in tanning bed?

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.

Why is my skin patchy when I tan?

Why does my skin look mottled after being in the sun?

Exposure to sun or ultraviolet (UV) light, especially after taking a medicine called psoralens, may increase skin color (pigmentation). Increased pigment production is called hyperpigmentation, and can result from certain rashes as well as sun exposure.

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.

What vitamin deficiency causes hypopigmentation?

Vitamin deficiencies, especially the ones in vitamins D, B12, and E are amongst the most common causes for having white spots on your skin. Deficiency leads to the change in pigment that makes the skin a lot paler than otherwise with patches of white marks all over the skin.

How do you fix sun hypopigmentation?

Usually, no treatment is necessary if post-inflammatory hypopigmentation is a temporary problem. Sometimes, creams can boost the healing process. You may even the discoloration out with careful sun exposure. Over time, the lighter spots on your skin should fade away, making them no longer visible.

What does hypopigmentation look like?

A person with hypopigmentation may have no color in their skin across their whole body, their skin is lighter than expected, or they have patchy areas of light and darker skin. It happens when there is damage that affects the melanocytes, cells that produce melanin.

How do you fix tan splotches?

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 is my skin mottled?

In almost all cases of mottled skin, the cause is a disturbance in the usual blood flow to the skin. If the oxygen supply to skin cells is reduced, it can increase the amount of deoxygenated (without oxygen) blood reaching the area. This causes the skin to become discoloured.

What does sun damaged skin look like?

Pigmentation changes such as age spots, liver spots (solar lentigines) and freckles. Loss of skin tone (decreased elasticity) Rough, uneven skin texture. Broken capillaries (spider veins), usually around the nose and chest.

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.

Why am I breaking out after tanning?

Tanning booths and beds can cause people to develop a rash. The itching and bumps you notice may be caused by too much UV light exposure. Your skin also could be sensitive to chemicals used to clean tanning beds or ingredients in cosmetics or lotions.

Why do I get white spots when I tan?

These can appear anywhere on your body that's been exposed to the sun, but you tend to see them more on your arms, legs and lower half of your body. These white spots appear because there's less pigment in the affected area. Don't be alarmed, though, as these spots aren't a sign of a worsening condition.

How to get melanin back in skin?

Currently, several vitamins and supplements are being investigated for their ability to boost melanin production. However, the best way to support melanin production and good skin health is to eat a healthy diet full of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains.

How did I get rid of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis?

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis does not require treatment due to its benign nature. It does not spontaneously repigment. With age, lesions may slowly enlarge and increase in number.

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

What triggers hypopigmentation?

Hypopigmentation can result from various causes, including post-inflammatory responses, fungal infections, or genetic conditions like albinism.

How to get rid of white dots on skin?

Depending on the cause, a person may be able to get rid of white spots with one of the following treatments:
  1. dermabrasion.
  2. topical steroid cream.
  3. low-dose topical corticosteroid cream.
  4. ultraviolet light treatment.
  5. antifungal shampoos, washes, or soaps.
  6. retinoid cream.

How to get rid of splotchy tan?

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.

Why do I tan so 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.

Is there a self-tanner without DHA?

Luckily, DHA-free self-tanners like Glimmer Goddess Organic Self Tanner Lotions and Self Tan Drops offer a fantastic alternative. Using natural ingredients, these products provide a more subtle, buildable glow—without the risk of irritation or unpleasant smells.

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