Why does my tan fade in patches?

Author: Wilhelm Ferry  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

YOU FORGOT TO MOISTURISE DAILY. This is where you may see your tan fade or become patchy over time. It's really important to keep hydrating the skin daily with a rich moisturiser.

Why does my tan fade 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 do I stop my tan from going patchy?

Exfoliate. The best way to avoid a gradual tan going patchy is by exfoliating your body beforehand. This helps remove any dead skin where gradual tan tends to accumulate and appear darker. We recommend using our Tasmanian Sand Scrub one day before you apply your gradual tan.

Why is my fake tan coming off in patches?

Often, patchy results are due to one of three things: improper skin prep, the application technique, or how you care for your skin post-bronzing. Typically, you'll want to cleanse and exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner or getting a spray tan. You'll also want to moisturize prior to application.

Why is my tan coming off in spots?

Yes, your leading cause of spot tanning is dry skin. I suggest exfoliating often like 3 times a week at least and use heavy cream at night like cold cream so you wake up with nice supple skin.

Best Remedy for Hyperpigmentation

How to fix a patchy natural tan?

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.

Why does my tan keep disappearing?

When your skin becomes too dry, the skin cells on the surface begin to flake off, taking your golden colour that sits within them away! This is where you may see your tan fade or become patchy over time. It's really important to keep hydrating the skin daily with a rich moisturiser.

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].

Why does my fake tan look spotty?

One of the main reasons for a patchy tan is bad application, as rushing the process or using the wrong technique can leave you with uneven colour distribution. Remember, fake tanning requires a gentle touch and precision, so take your time to apply it evenly on the skin.

How to stop fake tan clinging to dry patches?

"After your initial hydration, apply a richer shea butter moisturiser again over any ultra dry areas like knees, hands and feet, or any random dry patches that tan tends to cling on to," Michaella urges.

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.

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.

Why do I get patches when I tan?

Sometimes the white spots are merely scars that have become more visible after tanning. These areas of the skin have lost their pigmentation due to damage to the tissue. When tanning, the scars stand out from the darker skin around them.

How to fix blotchy fake tan?

- 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 fading so quickly?

Unfortunately, your epidermis skin sheds a staggering number of cells per day, meaning that your tan will fade as fast as your epidermis sheds and will almost always be temporary.

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.

Why is my natural tan going patchy?

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.

How to apply self-tanner evenly?

To get even coverage, you should exfoliate before applying a self-tanner.
  1. For best results, you want to apply a self-tanner to moist skin.
  2. When applying a self-tanner, you want to use a circular motion.
  3. For a natural look, avoid applying self-tanner to your elbows, knees, and ankles.

How to stop tan going patchy on hands?

After showering, use your Bondi Sands Exfoliation Mitt and gently buff your hands and feet in circular motions to exfoliate away any dry skin. This will stop your self tan sticking to any dry areas and causing patches - a clear giveaway that your natural glow is anything but natural!

What not to do after fake tanning?

AFTER THE TAN

Shower lightly in cold – lukewarm water for 45 seconds ONLY after your desired development time. Use plain water, don't use shower gels, scrubs, shampoos or loofah during the first 24 hours after your treatment. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub or scrub your skin.

Why does fake tan go patchy on my chest?

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.

Why does my skin not hold a tan?

This happens because “Each of us produces a different quantity and quality of melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by our cells found in the basal layer of the skin,” explains Dr Puig. The cells that produce melanin are called melanocytes.

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 to keep a tan forever?

9 ways to make your summer tan last so much longer
  1. Cool showers. Hot baths can dehydrate your skin, leading to faster peeling. ...
  2. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. ...
  3. Exfoliate. ...
  4. Facial self-tan. ...
  5. Gradual tan. ...
  6. Bronzer. ...
  7. Eat beta-carotenes. ...
  8. Drink water.

Previous article
What to put in hair before heatless curls?
Next article
How do you define being fit?