Compared to the rest of the body, skin on the legs does not produce the same amount of melanin, which results in legs getting less tan. Skin on the legs is thicker and harder and the UV light from the sun or sunbeds cannot easily penetrate it.
The skin on your legs has a different depth and texture than the rest of your body so it might not take as well to tanner. Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself that might explain why your calves won't tan: Is there any residue left on your calves from products like moisturiser, shaving foam or body oil?
Problem 1 - the skin on the legs has fewer sebaceous glands which are what provides moisture. Problem 2 - there are fewer melanocytes in the legs. These are what stimulate melanin production. Problem 3 - dead skin cells form a barrier to UV radiation and lotions.
Because your face, arms, back, and the tops of your feet are most easily hit by direct sunlight, they will tan more quickly and, over time, more efficiently than your legs, which simply don't have as much opportunity to be hit by direct sunlight unless you are laying down.
Dry skin is possibly the most notorious enemy of a flawless tan. Hydrated skin helps the tanning product spread evenly, while dry skin will soak it up, causing darker patches. To avoid this, keep your skin moisturised regularly with Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion , applying especially in any areas prone to dryness.
I have been tanning, but I'm not getting any darker. Now what? You may have reached a tanning plateau. Everyone has a limit to how dark they can get, but to try to get past your current color we recommend switching the types of beds you use every few tanning sessions.
Currently, no safe or proven method exists to increase melanin – the pigment, or color, in a person's skin, hair, and eyes. A person's genetics determine their natural melanin levels and skin color. In general, people who have darker skin tones have more melanin than those with lighter skin tones.
Spray tanning with hairy legs is absolutely your personal choice. However, bear in mind, excessive hair can hinder an even tan. It's recommended to remove unwanted body hair before the session for better results.
Knees (and elbows)
Knobbly and generally neglected, the often-dry skin on the knees is notorious for soaking up more than its fair share of self-tan. Make sure you pay attention to the knees and elbows especially when you exfoliate, and do a quick sweep over these areas with your tanning mitt.
If the skin has been inflamed or is severely dry, the melanocytes (cells that give the skin its color) in that area do not react to UV light the same as they do in non-affected/dry skin areas.
The skin on most areas of your legs is thicker and harder than the rest of your body and ultraviolet (UV) rays can't easily penetrate it. The skin here is also dryer, resulting in quicker exfoliation of the outer layers. On top of that, dry skin deflects UV light, making the whole tanning process less effective.
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.
Skin discoloration on the legs can occur for several reasons including psoriasis, sunburn, and vitiligo. Some causes are temporary and will clear up independently, while others may require long-term treatment.
Therefore, what will determine whether a person can tan or simply turn red is both the amount of melanin produced by their skin cells and its quality. Or, the ratio between “good and bad” melanin.
A 2021 survey in UK found that 66% men and 62% women thought hairy legs on women was unattractive.
Get Bronzed
For good reason. Spray tans make you and your gorgeous legs instantly slimmer - we think at least 5 kilograms lighter!). Spray tans are so fantastic they hide lumps and bumps (see you later cellulite!) making your legs appear lean and toned.
Exfoliate: Before tanning, exfoliate your legs to remove dead skin cells. This helps your skin absorb sunlight more effectively. Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. This prevents sunburn and promotes a safer, more gradual tan.
Fair skin can tan under the sun, but only with care. Start with short, consistent exposure, about 10-15 minutes a day during safer times like early morning or late afternoon. Always wear sunscreen (yes, even when aiming for a tan) and reapply it as directed.