Most people who have tried some form of sunless tanning method or product have likely experienced those dreaded streaks or blotches on their skin, usually during the first couple of times they have tried the process.
The likelihood of experiencing streaks is part and parcel of do-it-yourself spray tanning and sunless tanning products, although usually it can be perfected after a few tries, and there are remedies for tanning mistakes.
Uneven Application
What causes those streaks anyway? The most common reason is simply uneven tanning application. For instance, if you use a tanning lotion or apply a tanning spray yourself, you may have missed a couple of spots, or applied more product on one area of your body than others, and after a few days the uneven color becomes very apparent.
At-home spray tanning is usually a culprit, especially when it comes to those body areas that are hard to reach.
Prepare Your Skin
Tanning specialists always recommend that the person exfoliate and moisturize before any tanning session or application. Streaks and other uneven color results can happen if the skin is not adequately exfoliated or moisturized; exfoliation clears out the dead skin cells from the top layer, while moisturizers make the skin more conducive for the tanning process.
If you did not prepare your skin well, chances are streaks will be seen.
Use Tanners With Color Guides
Many self-tanning lotions and other products contain color guides or tints, or ingredients included in the solution that leave instant color on the skin, primarily to help you see where you have applied the tanning product and where you need to apply more.
Color guides are temporary, washing off or fading away after a few hours, and are helpful in achieving an even bronze color without the streaks.
Shave Before Tanning
Body hair can also cause streaks and uneven tans, so make sure you have shaved before having a spray tan or going to the tanning bed. It is also not recommended to shave for a few hours after your tanning procedure; it can interfere with the tanning, and splashing water over areas of your body can cause streaks as well.
Always Moisturize
Before your tanning session, make sure your body is moisturized, as this will help absorb the tanning solution or the UV rays and produce a healthy, even-looking color. Moisturizing after your tan also keeps the skin healthy and prolongs the color you achieve.