How to Even Out Your Skin Tone for a Glowing Complexion

An uneven skin tone is among the most common aesthetic skin concerns.

While concealer and foundation are popular solutions for uneven tones on the face, what about the rest of the body?

That’s where fake tan comes in.

So, how can a fake tan help even out your skin tone?

Let’s take a look.

Why is My Skin Tone So Uneven?

At one point or another, we’ve all come across an image or video of someone with a flawless complexion. We’re talking about clear, evenly-toned, glassy-looking skin — no redness or hyperpigmentation in sight.

But is evenly-toned skin really achievable?

The truth is, despite what social media tells us, there’s no such thing as a perfectly even skin tone.

We all have variation in our skin tone, particularly across our faces — think flushed cheeks, darkness under the eyes, and redness on the tips of our ears or nose.

This colour adds dimension to our complexion; without it, we’d look lifeless.

However, the term ‘uneven skin tone’ is more often used to describe different types of discolouration, including sunspots, hyperpigmentation, dry patches and blotchiness.

Unevenness in your skin tone can be caused by several factors, including:

Sun Exposure: Repeated exposure to UV rays causes sun damage. Brown or dark spots can develop as a result of excessive melanin production, which protects your skin from UV rays.
Pollution: Free radicals and particles from air pollution can lead to dark spots on the face and body.
Hormones: Hormone-related hyperpigmentation is known as Melasma. Increased hormone stimulation causes the skin to produce more melanin. It is commonly experienced by people who are pregnant or who are taking contraceptives, however, it also can occur due to a reaction from skincare, makeup, and other medications.
Inflammatory-Induced Hyperpigmentation: This refers to the darkening of skin due to scarring. It is primarily caused by acne or skin inury.

How Do You Fix an Uneven Skin Tone?

So, how can you fix an uneven skin tone?

There are a few different things that you can do to even out your skin tone and to prevent new discolouration, hyperpigmentation and sun spots from developing.

Use SPF Everyday: Sunscreens and moisturisers containing SPF can help prevent new hyperpigmentation and sunspots.

Exfoliate: To treat hyperpigmentation, use a gentle exfoliant to discard dead and dulling skin cells. Our Tasmanian Sand Scrub is formulated to be gentle enough for both the face and body.

Look for Key Ingredients: Opt for skincare with activated charcoal and niacinimide, as these ingredients remove pollutants from the skin and work to control melanin production.

Makeup: Using a combination of concealing products can help reduce the appearance of unevenness in your skin tone. Depending on your preferred level of coverage, light, medium, and full coverage concealers and foundations can help to lighten and brighten the skin as well as create an even complexion.

Fake Tanning Products: Now for our area of expertise — fake tans can also be used to even out your skin tone!

Can I Use Fake Tan to Even Out My Skin Tone?

Let's talk about how fake tan can help even out your skin tone.

By applying fake tan to your skin, you can darken areas that are lighter in colour, making your skin tone appear more even.

The head, neck, shoulders, arms and hands are typically the darkest areas of our body as they are most often exposed to the sun, while the legs and torso are often lighter in colour.

Fake tan can help you create an even skin tone across the whole body. It can essentially be used to mimic the coverage of a light foundation, reducing the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots.

How Does Fake Tan Even Out Your Skin Tone?

Fake tan works in a simple way – it deposits a layer of pigment on your skin that covers any imperfections and makes the skin look more even.

Fake tan contains a magic little ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA).

DHA is derived from plant sources. It reacts with the amino acids in your skin to produce pigments called menoidins, which give your skin a gorgeous bronzed glow.

When we apply fake tan, the DHA helps to smooth out uneven skin tone by providing colour to lighter skin cells.

Most fake tans come with a colour-enhancing formula that takes into account various skin tones and helps to neutralise any discolourations or dark patches.

If you use the right fake tan and apply it correctly, you can achieve a smooth, even complexion that looks natural and healthy.

How to Use Fake Tan to Even Out Your Skin Tone

There are three key fake tanning products that can help to even out your skin tone.

Gradual Tan: Gradual tan is essentially a moisturiser with a built-in glow. Our Gradual Tan is a certified organic tanning cream, formulated with nutrient-rich, skin-loving ingredients. It glides on effortlessly and allows you to build up to your desired colour. It can be used daily, every other day or weekly.
Tanning Mousse: Tanning mousse is an easy to apply, quick-drying foam that is rapidly absorbed into the skin. It darkens over time and is then showered off. Our Tanning Mousse can be left on for one to five hours, depending on how dark you want your tan. It provides instant colour, contains zero orange tones and fades evenly.
Spray Tan: If you work in a salon or you’re an expert tanner, our Organic Spray Tan solution can give you a golden glow in just 1.5 hours. Deeply nourishing and lightweight, this spray tan hydrates the skin while delivering an even, sun-kissed glow.

Preparing the Skin for Fake Tan

Preparing the skin properly is key for the most even and long-lasting fake tan. This will help the tan adhere better to the skin, giving you a more even, natural look.

Start by removing any body hair (if that’s your preference) around 24 hours before you tan. This way, your skin will have time to settle before you apply the tan, leaving you with a beautiful, clean slate.

Four to six hours before you tan, exfoliate your skin to get rid of any dead skin cells and debris. We highly recommend using our Tasmanian Sand Scrub with the Exfoliating Glove. This pairing works wonders at sloughing off dead skin cells without causing any irritation.

After exfoliation, use a gentle, hydrating moisturiser to nourish your skin and ensure that it stays hydrated. Don't forget to apply some moisturiser to your elbows, knees, and ankles, as these areas tend to grab more colour due to their dryness.

Right before you tan, jump in the shower to rid the skin of dirt, sweat, lotions, oils and perfumes. For best results, you’ll need a clean and dry base for the tan to glide onto.

Applying the Fake Tan

When applying fake tan for the first time, it's best to start with a light application and gradually work your way up as you begin to understand how the product works.

Take your time and don't rush the application process. If you're using fake tan on your face, start with a small amount and be sure to blend it in well.

Here’s how to apply each of our tanning products.

Gradual Tan

Start by adding a generous amount to your hand or our Eco-Friendly Tanning Mitt. Then, gently massage it into the skin, making sure to cover every surface.

Gradual tan doesn’t transfer onto clothing, so there’s no need to wash it off after application. Simply let it dry, and you’re good to go! Your gradual tan will develop over the next 24 hours.

To build up to a darker colour, apply another coat every day until you’ve achieved your desired colour.

Tanning Mousse

Squeeze the mousse onto a tanning mitt and apply it to the skin in smooth, circular motions.

Note where you have discolouration or darker patches on the skin. In these areas, add a lighter layer of tan. This will ensure an even, smooth result. Remember to go light on the ankles, elbows, knees, knuckles, and nose. These areas are the most absorbent and will darken quickly.

The more mousse you apply, the deeper the tan will be. Similarly, the longer you leave it on, the darker it will become.

Wash it off after about an hour and a half for a lighter glow, or sleep in it overnight for the darkest tan.

Spray Tan

When it comes to spray tans, the lighter, the better — especially if you’re new to spray tanning.

Hold the spray gun 20 to 30 cm away from your body and spray in a downward motion. Use slow, steady, and controlled sweeps to avoid streaking.

As with the tanning mousse, apply only a small amount to those darker or hyperpigmented areas.

Depending on how dark you want your tan, you can wash it off within an hour or keep it on overnight.

How Do I Even Out My Skin Tone After Tanning?

If you notice any uneven areas after tanning, you can even out your skin tone by spot treating the area with a translucent powder or bronzer.

Choose a shade that's either a match for your skin tone or is slightly lighter or darker, as per your preference.

Apply the powder or bronzer to the uneven areas with a clean brush or sponge, and blend it in gently until you achieve a natural look.

Tanning to Even Out Skin Tone: Finding Your Glow

Fake tan is a safe, easy-to-use product that can help even out your skin tone for a smooth complexion.

Explore our tanning and body care products to find your perfect glow.

Have another question about how to use fake tan to even out your skin tone? We’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us to learn more.

How to Even Out Your Skin Tone for a Glowing Complexion?