Why is my tan uneven from tanning bed?

Author: Rosalia Murray  |  Last update: Saturday, May 3, 2025

Choose your outfit: What you wear during your tanning session can impact the evenness of your tan. Ideally, you should wear as little as possible to minimize tan lines. Avoid makeup and perfume: These products can act as a barrier to UV rays, causing uneven tanning.

How to fix uneven tan from tanning bed?

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 to tan evenly in a tanning bed?

What's the best way to lie in a tanning bed? We recommend lying on your back with your arms several inches away from your sides. You'll want to keep your palms facing up and make sure there's a slight bend in your knees.

Why is my skin tanning unevenly?

Some people naturally have uneven skin pigmentation, meaning they have more melanin in certain areas of their faces. This can cause those areas to tan faster and more deeply, resulting in a patchy appearance. Uneven skin pigmentation can also be caused by factors such as hormonal imbalances, age, and genetics.

Why does my skin look blotchy in a 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.

Are Tanning Beds Safe? | How to Tan Safely | with Dr. Sandra Lee

Why is my natural 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 not to do after tanning bed?

Avoid using harsh or fragranced products immediately after tanning, as they may further irritate the skin.

Why am I not tanning evenly?

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.

How to even out splotchy 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.

How long does it take for an uneven tan to fade?

A tan from being outside will last an average of 7–10 days. The sun's UV rays stimulate melanin production in the cells of the outer skin layer, so once these cells are shed, you are left with your original skin tone.

How to avoid bunny tail in tanning bed?

☀️Tanning Tip Tuesday☀️ How to avoid the “bunny tail” or white spots on lower back or under your arms or sides: ✅ when using a lay down bed always reposition your body every few minutes to achieve an even tan. Switch from side to side and rest your arms behind your head .

How to maximize tanning bed results?

How To Tan Quicker On Sunbeds
  1. Prepare Your Skin. Exfoliate Before Your Session. ...
  2. Adjust Your Tanning Time. Start with a Shorter Session. ...
  3. Use The Sunbed Correctly. Rotate Your Position. ...
  4. Maintain A Healthy Diet. Get The Right Nutrients. ...
  5. Avoid Things With Negative Effects. Remove Makeup and Cosmetics.

Am I supposed to flip over in a tanning bed?

No, you don't need to flip over in a tanning bed. In fact, many people tan stomach-down because it's more comfortable that way. However, if you want an evenly distributed tan, then you should flip over halfway through your session so that both sides of your body get equal exposure to the UV rays.

What is the best position to tan in a tanning bed?

Lay on your back inside the tanning bed with your arms and legs spread. Laying with your legs together or with your arms resting against your sides can lead to an uneven or spotty tan. Stretch out your body when you first lay down to ensure all parts of your skin get exposure.

Which level tanning bed gets you the darkest?

Level 3 offers medium pressure lamps with lower UV rays and more UVA rays, providing a faster and deeper tan than Level 1 and Level 2. And finally Level 4 tanning beds (and up) feature ridiculously fast tanning times, with sometimes next to zero UVB rays, guaranteeing a dark tan with virtually no chance of a sunburn.

What foods make you more tanned?

Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.

Can you fix an uneven 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.

How do I tan back evenly?

How to fake tan your back in 3 steps
  1. Start small: Use a small amount of self-tanning product and gradually add more. ...
  2. Use tanning tools: To reach those difficult spots, use a back tanning applicator. ...
  3. It's all about the strokes: Start at the centre of your back and slowly move outwards using long vertical strokes.

How to avoid white armpits when tanning?

White armpits are a common self-tanning problem. To avoid those unsightly white patches, start by shaving your underarms a day before applying self-tanner to allow your skin to heal.

What helps you tan faster on sunbeds?

Summary. In summary, the best ways to get a faster tan using sunbeds are to start with a base tan, use a high-pressure sunbed, consider using a tanning accelerator, follow the recommended exposure time, stay hydrated, and use moisturizer. By following these tips and taking precautions to protect your skin.

Why wont my legs tan in the tanning bed?

Skin on the legs is thicker and harder and the UV light from the sun or sunbeds cannot easily penetrate it. The skin is also dryer, resulting in quicker exfoliation of the outermost layers. What is more, dry skin usually reflects the UV light, making the whole tanning process less effective.

Should you shave before or after tanning bed?

Before you get in the tanning bed, it's important to shower, shave, and exfoliate. Just like spray tanning, exfoliating off the dead skin will help you get a more even tan. It's also important to avoid shaving or exfoliating right before the tanning bed, as your skin may be sensitive.

Should you put lotion on immediately after tanning bed?

The initial exposure to UV light can leave your skin a bit shocked, so it's crucial to give it some extra TLC. Hydrate your skin with a good quality, fragrance-free moisturizer right after your session and throughout the next few days.

How many sunbeds a week are safe?

Moderate tanning of 2-3 sessions a week is OK for everyone else but ensure you rest the skin for a minimum of 24 hours between each session and at least 48 hours for skin type 2. The European Standard advises not to exceed 60 sessions per annum.

How long does it take to see results from a tanning bed?

The time it takes to develop a tan from sunbeds varies widely among individuals. Generally, you might start noticing results after 3-5 sessions, with a more noticeable tan developing within 1-2 weeks of regular use.

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