Why has my fake tan gone patchy?

Author: Price Predovic  |  Last update: Thursday, October 23, 2025

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.

How to fix patchy fake tan?

For gaps in your tan, you can use a tanning mousse or lotion to touch up the areas you've missed and blend them seamlessly with the rest of your tan. The Self-Tanning Milky Lotion , is perfect for self-tan touch-ups.

Why is my fake tan coming off in patches?

Comments Section
  • exfoliating too hard or not enough
  • did you shake the fake tan bottle enough before use
  • how are you applying it?
  • you could be using too much, or too little
  • make sure you blend it in circles on your body, not in lines
  • do small areas at a time
  • let it air dry for a little bit before getting changed

How do you fix missed spots on fake tan?

What are the best methods to blend missed spots after self-tanning? Use Magic shaving powder. Mix it 50-50 with water. Dip a rag in the mixture. Scrub away the missed spots. Use Tanologist product. Apply it on the spots that need fixing. It stays on for 24 hours. Can be washed off with soap and water.

Why does my fake tan look spotty?

What are the common causes of a blotchy St. Tropez tan? Not blending your tan enough. Not using a dry tanning mitt. Not ensuring your skin is clean and dry. Hopping around different areas of your body before completing one area. Using too much product at once.

HOW TO FIX SELF-TANNING DISASTER | Tip Tuesday #54

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.

How do you remove fake tan blotches?

- 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.

Can I put another layer of fake tan on the next day?

We generally recommend sticking to one self tanning product per application. If you do not find the color to be as deep as you would like, you can always apply a second coat 30-60 minutes after initial application, or the following day.

What does patchy fake tan mean?

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.

How do you fake tan without getting spots?

Apply a layer of day cream, night cream or lotion on drier skin (after cleansing) and patches of skin where dead skin cells tend to accumulate (ankles, knees and elbows). This prevents these parts of your body from absorbing more self-tanner than the rest of your body, resulting in blotches.

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 is my tan going away in patches?

YOU FORGOT TO MOISTURISE DAILY.

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.

Why does my fake tan look like tiger bread?

Oil can break down the colour of self-tanner by loosening the dead skin cells that have been dyed brown by fake tan. When these dead skin cells start to crack and flake off, it can result in a patchy or uneven tan, often referred to as a "tiger bread" tan.

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.

How to apply self-tanner so it's not splotchy?

It's time to coat your skin. Use a self-tanning mitt to avoid streaks, uneven spots, and stained hands. Spread the self-tanner onto the mitt, then apply it to your skin, massaging in a circular motion. Work in areas, applying the tanner one area at a time.

Why does my tan go patchy after a few days?

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.

How do you fix a patchy tan ASAP?

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 natural tan so 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 long does fake tan last?

Before we dive into tips on how to extend your sunless tan, you're probably wondering, “Just how long does a fake tan last?” On average, your skin retains self tanner for 5-7 days, but this period of longevity can vary based on many factors. Expired self tanning products, sensitive skin, and skin types are a few.

Does fake tan get darker after a shower?

If you showered after just a few hours, you might notice your skin is not as tanned as you'd expected. Don't fret! Your colour will continue to develop and darken for a few hours (and a spray tan takes up to 24 hours to develop fully). That brown water disappearing down the drain?

Can you put fake tan on twice in one day?

Applying too much product too quickly can result in streaking, patchiness, or an unnatural orange colour. Instead, stick to one application per day and build up your tan gradually over time. This will give you a more natural-looking result and reduce the risk of any mishaps.

What happens if you don't wash off your self-tanner?

what happens if i forget to shower off the tan? the longer you keep the tan on, the darker it will get. however, some skin types may experience discoloration (looking a bit orange or yellow) if left on too long past around 8 hours. you may also get a streaky tan as you're more likely to rub or wash off some sections.

How to stop fake tan going patchy on holiday?

Hydrate Your Skin

Use a hydrating lotion daily to nourish and quench your skin. Our personal favorite is the Hemp Nation Tan Extender, which helps to lock in moisture and extend the life of your tan. Well-hydrated skin will hold onto the spray tan longer and allows the colour to fade more evenly.

Should you moisturize after rinsing off self-tanner?

Regardless of when you wash the colour guide off, we highly recommend you don't moisturise until the 8 hour mark. Why you might ask? Even rinsing your initial colour guide off, the product still continues to develop on your skim, resulting in the most perfect fake tan.

Why does fake tan go patchy on my chest?

Annoyingly, fake tan clings to dry skin, which then causes a patchy and uneven tan. So, to make your faux-glow look more natural, make sure that you hydrate any dry areas (think elbows, ankles, feet, palms, knuckles and cuticles) before applying your tan.

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