Why Your Fake Tan Goes Patchy And How To Stop It

Few things are more frustrating than applying fake tan, loving the colour on day one… and by day three, it’s
fading in patches, clinging to dry areas, and looking uneven.

Patchy fake tan is one of the most common tanning complaints and it’s rarely the tan itself that’s the
problem.

In most cases, patchiness happens because of skin prep, application technique, or aftercare. Once you
understand what causes it, achieving a smooth, even, long lasting glow becomes simple.

Here’s exactly why your fake tan goes patchy and how to stop it for good.

The Real Reason Fake Tan Turns Patchy

Fake tan develops by reacting with the outer layer of your skin. If that surface isn’t smooth, hydrated, and
evenly prepared, the tan will grab onto certain areas more than others.

This is why tan often clings to:

• Elbows
• Knees
• Ankles
• Hands
• Dry patches
• Areas you forgot to exfoliate properly

The tan is doing its job. Your skin just wasn’t ready for it.

Mistake 1: Not Exfoliating Properly Before You Tan

Old skin cells are the number one cause of uneven fading.

If you don’t exfoliate 24 hours before tanning, the tan sits on top of dead skin. As that skin sheds naturally
over the next few days, the tan disappears in patches.

How to fix it: Use an oil free exfoliator or scrub the day before tanning, paying extra attention to dry areas.

Mistake 2: Applying Tan to Dry Skin

Dry skin absorbs more tan, which is why knees, elbows and ankles often go darker and patchy.

How to fix it: Lightly moisturise these areas 30 minutes before tanning. This creates a barrier so the tan
develops evenly.

Farae’s favourite hydrating moisturiser Brown Sugar After Dark provides deep hydration to the skin, infused
with natural brown sugar, aloe vera, and advanced skin conditioning ingredients. This lightweight
moisturiser is the perfect addition to your tanning prep routine.

Mistake 3: Rushing the Application

Applying tan too quickly, without blending properly, often leads to uneven development that becomes
obvious as it fades.

How to fix it: Use a tanning mitt and apply in circular motions, working methodically section by section.

We recommend using Sienna X Ultra Dark Tanning Mousse for the ultimate glow up. It provides streak free
applications whilst also giving you professional level tanning results.

Mistake 4: Showering Too Soon After Tanning

Rinsing your tan off before it has fully developed disrupts the process and can lead to streaks and patches
as it fades.

Always follow the development time recommended for your tan before showering.

Mistake 5: Not Moisturising After You Tan

This is where most people go wrong.

If you don’t moisturise daily after tanning, your skin dries out. As dry skin flakes away, your tan goes with it
unevenly.

How to fix it: Moisturise every day to keep the skin hydrated and the tan fading evenly. Even better, use a tan
extender or tanning accelerator to maintain colour while keeping skin nourished.

Mistake 6: Letting Sweat and Friction Ruin Your Tan

Tight clothing, sweating, and friction from workouts can cause tan to wear off in certain areas faster than
others.

Opt for loose clothing after application and keep skin hydrated if you’re active.

How to Stop Fake Tan Going Patchy: The Simple Routine

24 Hours Before

• Exfoliate thoroughly
• Shave or wax if needed

30 Minutes Before

• Moisturise dry areas only (knees, elbows, ankles, hands)

During Application

• Use a mitt
• Apply slowly in circular motions
• Blend carefully around joints

After Developing

• Shower gently
• Pat skin dry, don’t rub
• Moisturise daily
• Use a tan extender to keep skin hydrated and glowing

Why Tan Extenders and Accelerators Make a Big Difference

Tan extenders and tanning accelerators don’t just deepen colour they keep the skin hydrated, which is the
key to preventing patchy fade.

Hydrated skin = even fade = longer lasting glow.

Patchy fake tan isn’t bad luck, it’s usually a sign that your skin needed more prep and aftercare.

Once you focus on exfoliation, hydration, careful application, and daily moisturising, your tan will fade
naturally and evenly, without the blotchy patches.

Because a great glow doesn’t just come from the tan you use, it comes from how you prepare your skin for
it.

Click here to shop all our tanning products