There’s nothing more frustrating than applying your fake tan, waiting for it to develop and then discovering patchy knees, streaky legs or darker elbows.
But before you blame your fake tan, take a look at what’s happening underneath it.
More often than not, patchy fake tan comes down to skin prep, application or aftercare rather than the tanning formula itself.
The good news? Most common tanning mistakes are incredibly easy to fix.
Here are seven reasons your fake tan might be looking patchy – and what you can do differently next time.
1. You're Applying Tan Over Old Tan
One of the biggest causes of an uneven tan is simply layering new colour over old, fading colour.
As your tan naturally fades, it can become uneven, particularly around areas such as the hands, knees, elbows and ankles.
Adding another layer before properly removing the old tan can make those areas appear darker and more difficult to blend.
Before starting your next application, give your skin a proper reset.
Remove. Prep. Then tan.
Lusso Tan's Fresh Lux Tan Removing Shower Gel is designed to help break down old tan and build-up, helping create a fresh canvas for your next application.
2. Your Skin Is Too Dry
Fake tan and dry skin aren't the best combination.
When skin is dehydrated, tan can cling to dry patches and create darker-looking areas. This is especially common around the elbows, knees, ankles and feet.
Rather than waiting until your skin is extremely dry, make hydration part of your everyday routine.
Moisturise regularly between tanning days and pay particular attention to the areas that tend to become dry first.
The goal is simple:
Smooth skin = a smoother-looking tan.
3. You're Skipping Your Pre-Tan Prep
Your tanning routine doesn't actually begin when you pick up your mousse.
It starts before that.
Lusso Tan's PH Balancing Primer is designed to cleanse, hydrate and prepare the skin before tanning, helping create a smoother base for application.
Think of it like skincare before makeup.
You wouldn't expect foundation to look its best on completely unprepped skin – and self tan works in much the same way.
4. You're Using Too Much Product
More tan doesn't necessarily mean a better tan.
Applying too much product in one area can make the colour develop darker and make blending more difficult.
Instead, work in sections and blend carefully as you go.
Start with a consistent amount of product across each area, then use whatever is left on your mitt for areas that naturally need less colour, such as the hands, feet, knees and elbows.
5. You're Forgetting the Tricky Areas
Hands, feet, elbows and knees are often where a beautiful tan can go wrong.
These areas can be naturally drier and tend to absorb product differently from the rest of the body.
Rather than applying a full layer of tan directly onto them, use the excess product left on your mitt and blend carefully.
For an even softer finish, a tanning brush can also help you blend around hands, feet and other smaller areas.
6. You're Getting Wet While Your Tan Develops
Once your tan is on, leave it alone.
Water, sweat and friction can interfere with the development process and create uneven patches.
Try to avoid showering, swimming, intense workouts and anything else that could disturb your tan during its development time.
And don't forget about your hands.
If you've applied your tan yourself, wash your palms thoroughly after application while keeping the rest of your developing tan untouched.
7. Your Aftercare Routine Needs a Little More Attention
Your tan doesn't finish developing the moment you rinse.
What you do afterwards can affect how evenly your colour fades.
Keep your skin moisturised, avoid harsh exfoliation while you're wearing your tan and be gentle when drying your skin.
When your colour eventually starts to fade, resist the temptation to keep layering over uneven patches.
Instead, remove the remaining colour and start again with a fresh base.
The Lusso Tan Patchy-Tan Checklist
Before your next application, remember:
Remove old tan
Start with a clean canvas.
Hydrate your skin
Don't let dry patches become your tan's worst enemy.
Prep before tanning
Use your Lusso Tan Primer to prepare the skin.
Apply evenly
Work in sections and blend carefully.
Use less on tricky areas
Hands, feet, knees and elbows need a softer approach.
Leave your tan alone while it develops
Avoid water, sweat and friction.
Moisturise afterwards
Help your tan fade evenly and keep your skin feeling soft.
Because when it comes to a flawless fake tan, it's not always about finding a different tan.
Sometimes, it's about changing the routine around it.
Ready to fix your tanning routine? Discover the Lusso Tan Prep, Tan & Removal System at LussoTan.com.
