There's nothing more frustrating than spending time applying your self tan, only to notice it clinging to dry patches, fading unevenly, or looking patchy just a few days later.

The good news? It's rarely the tan that's the problem.

In most cases, patchiness comes down to how your skin has been prepared and cared for. A few simple changes to your routine can completely transform how your glow develops and fades.

Here's everything you need to know.

1. Dry Skin Is The Biggest Culprit

Self tan develops within the outer layer of your skin. If that layer is dry, flaky or uneven, the colour will naturally develop unevenly too.

Areas like:

• Elbows
• Knees
• Hands
• Feet
• Ankles

naturally hold more dry skin, meaning they absorb more DHA and appear darker.

Keeping your skin hydrated every day is one of the easiest ways to achieve a smoother, more natural-looking glow.

2. Always Start With A Fresh Canvas

Old tan left sitting on the skin creates an uneven base for your next application.

Before applying a fresh layer:

✔ Remove old tan completely

✔ Gently exfoliate 24 hours before tanning

✔ Focus on rough areas without over-scrubbing

Starting fresh allows your new tan to develop evenly and last much longer.

3. Hydration Makes Your Tan Last Longer

Many people think moisturiser removes fake tan.

In reality, it's the opposite.

Well-hydrated skin holds onto colour for longer and allows the tan to fade naturally instead of breaking up into patches.

Our advice?

Moisturise daily, paying extra attention to elbows, knees and ankles.

Healthy skin equals a healthier-looking glow.

4. Don't Skip Your Tan Prep

Preparation isn't just an extra step-it's what separates an average tan from a flawless one.

Using a skin-prepping product before tanning helps:

• Smooth the skin
• Balance hydration
• Reduce dry patches
• Create an even surface for application

The result is a glow that develops more evenly and fades beautifully throughout the week.

5. Hot Water Can Shorten Your Tan

Long, hot showers and baths strip moisture from the skin.

When your skin becomes dehydrated, it naturally sheds dead skin cells faster—which means your tan disappears faster too.

Instead:

• Use lukewarm water
• Pat skin dry instead of rubbing
• Moisturise after every shower

These small habits make a huge difference.

6. Maintain Your Glow

Rather than waiting for your tan to disappear completely, keep it looking fresh with gradual tanning products.

A gradual tan helps:

• Extend the life of your colour
• Prevent uneven fading
• Keep skin nourished
• Maintain a natural-looking glow all week long

It's one of the easiest ways to keep your tan looking salon fresh between full applications.

Your Glow Starts With Healthy Skin

At Lusso Tan, we believe great tanning starts with great skincare.

Beautiful colour isn't just about choosing the right self tan-it's about creating healthy, hydrated skin that allows your tan to perform at its very best.

Whether you're using our skincare-infused tanning balms, prepping with our Primer, or maintaining your glow with our Daily Gradual Tanner, every step works together to give you a smoother, longer-lasting, more natural-looking tan.

Because the best glow is one that looks like healthy skin.

Shop the Lusso Tan collection today and discover the difference a skincare-first tanning routine can make.