Whether you’re a tanning newbie or a glow-getting expert, mistakes are (unfortunately) inevitable. Lighter streaks, darker elbows and unflattering stains between your toes and fingers are all common side effects. That’s why we’ve created this guide on how to fix patchy tan and how to remove self tanner, so you can even out streakiness, for a smooth, flawless finish.
What causes patchy tan?
At St.Tropez, we constantly strive to bring you high-quality products that can be applied effortlessly, so you don’t experience a patchy tan. However, other products on the skin (including perfume, deodorant and oil-based moisturizers) can cause your tan to breakdown if you apply your self tanner without cleansing the skin first. We recommend showering before you tan and using an oil-free moisturizer.
How to fix patchy tan
@sttropeztan on Instagram
1. Gently buff away excess tan
Excess tan often settles onto dry areas, like the elbows, knees, ankles, hands and feet, causing patchiness. Luckily, our soft Buffing Mitt is designed to gently buff away tan build–up, leaving you with a smooth and even finish.
Immediately after applying your chosen tan, use the Mitt to blot away any excess tan by gently rubbing darker patches on the skin.
Top Tip: To prevent tan from settling onto dry areas, always moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer just before applying fake tan. We recommend using our Tan Enhancing Moisturiser.
2. Exfoliate the skin
Another way to fix patchy tan is with an exfoliator, as gently scrubbing the skin will tone down the color. 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. We suggest exfoliating 24 hours before application to create a clean, soft canvas for your fresh tan.
3. Fill in the gaps
Sometimes, darkening lighter patches is easier than trying to remove tan, particularly if you’re in a rush. To give your skin an instant high shine and luminous effect, use a temporary self-tanner, like our One Night Only Wash Off Lotion in Light/Mediumor Medium/Dark, to instantly add color to any missed sections. It works just like makeup, delivering a natural tan that lasts for up to 24 hours.
For best result, apply and blend onto dry skin using a Tanning Mitt. Remember to focus on lighter areas to create an even-looking, bronzed finish.
Top Tip: The next day, wash off the Finishing Gloss with soap and water, then use our Tan Remover Mousse to remove all traces of tan before reapplication.
4. Always use a tanning mitt
Of course, the easiest way to fix patchy tan is to prevent it altogether. For a streak-free finish, use our Dual Sided Luxe Applicator Mitt. It allows you to evenly distribute your tanning product and seamlessly blend it into the skin for a flawless finish, every time.
5. Opt for a gradual self tanner
A gradual tanning lotion allows you to build your color over time, so you’re never left with a patchy or streaky finish. Simply apply every day in place of your ordinary moisturizer until you achieve your desired tan.
- Our Gradual Tan Body Lotion develops into a subtle glow from day one, and keeps skin hydrated for up to 48 hours. Choose between our light/medium and medium/dark lotions.
- Our Gradual Tan Tinted Lotion develops into a deeper tan over time but also gives skin an instant bronzed look.
How to remove fake tan
@kateromanoff via @sttropeztan on Instagram
If your tan is patchy and you’d prefer to start from scratch, or your color has faded and you’re ready to reapply your tan, there’s no better way to prepare your skin for a fresh coat than with the St.Tropez Tan Remover Mousse. Infused with detoxifying cotton extract and probiotics, it purifies, rebalances and primes the skin, removing all traces of tan in minutes.
- Start by massaging the Tan Remover Mousse all over your dry skin.
- Using the Tan Remover Mitt, gently scrub the Tan Remover Mousse into the skin. Pay particular attention to difficult areas, like the elbows, ankles, hands and feet.
- Leave the mousse to work its magic for 5 minutes.
- Rinse off in the shower with warm water.
Top Tip: The St.Tropez Tan Remover Mousse is also suitable for sensitive skin.
