Cart
0
You spent the afternoon outside, and now you've got it: the stark strap mark, the half-tanned thigh, the glow that's deep in some spots and barely there in others. Uneven tan lines are one of summer's most common frustrations, but the good news is they're fixable, and easy to prevent next time. Here's how to even out tan lines and get back to a smooth, seamless, sun-kissed finish.
1. Start With Gentle, Targeted Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the single most effective fix for an uneven tan. Dead skin cells cling to darker patches and sharp lines, so buffing them away softens the contrast. The trick is to be targeted: focus a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt on the darkest areas and tan lines, and go lighter everywhere else. This gradually blends the deeper color into the lighter skin around it instead of stripping your whole tan at once.
2. Moisturize Like It's Your Job
Hydrated skin holds color more evenly and fades more gracefully. Dry, flaky skin is exactly where tans turn patchy. Moisturize morning and night, paying special attention to elbows, knees, ankles, and shoulders, the spots that tend to grab too much or too little color. Well-moisturized skin also keeps an existing tan looking smooth and luminous for longer.
3. Even Things Out With Strategic Sun
If one area is lagging behind, you can give it a little extra controlled sun exposure to help it catch up, while shielding the already-tanned areas. The key word is controlled. A low-SPF tanning oil like Summer Body SPF 4 Tanning Oil lets you build color gradually and evenly on the lighter spots without risking a burn that would only make the unevenness worse. Apply a higher SPF to the areas that are already where you want them.
4. Apply Your Tanning Products Evenly
Streaky application is the number-one cause of a patchy glow. Whether you're using a tanning oil or sunscreen, warm the product between your hands first, then apply in long, even strokes, overlapping slightly as you go. Don't forget the awkward zones: the backs of your knees, the sides of your torso, and the tops of your feet. Even, generous coverage now saves you from fixing patches later.
5. Soothe With Aloe and Natural Oils
If your tan lines look jagged, a quality aloe vera gel can help smooth the transition while calming and hydrating the skin. Natural oils like coconut oil, applied to the darker areas, can gently condition and soften harsh edges over a few days. These won't erase a tan overnight, but they nudge everything toward a more uniform tone.
6. Camouflage in a Pinch
Got an event tonight and a tan line that won't quit? Tinted body products and gradual self-tan lotions can temporarily blur the contrast, evening out the look until your real tan catches up. Think of it as makeup for your tan, a quick fix while the longer-term steps do their work.
7. Prevent Lines Before They Start
The easiest uneven tan to fix is the one you never get. Move your swimsuit straps around periodically, change positions while you're lying out, and reapply your tanning oil or sunscreen every two hours so coverage stays consistent. Prepping with exfoliation and moisturizer before you tan also helps color land evenly from the start.
8. Protect Your Face Separately
Your face tans differently than your body and is far more prone to uneven patches, sun spots, and premature aging. Keep it on its own protection plan with Summer Face SPF 50, a lightweight gelée that guards delicate facial skin while the rest of you glows. For full-body balance, pair it with Summer Body SPF 30, or grab both in the Summer Duo.
The Takeaway
Evening out tan lines comes down to three habits: exfoliate the darkest spots, keep your skin deeply hydrated, and build color slowly and evenly with the right products. Patchy tans aren't permanent, and with a little patience (and a lot of moisturizer) you'll be back to a smooth, all-over glow in no time.
