Fake Tan Gone Wrong? 5 Quick Fake Tan Fixes

April 13, 2026

By: Truly Beauty

Fake tan gone wrong? Don’t panic, our quick fixes have you covered.

Orange palms, streaky legs, patchy elbows. Fake tan doesn't always go to plan, but you don't have to start over.

Read on to discover how to fix fake tan fast and the best products to correct mistakes.

How to Fix Fake Tan Fast

To fix fake tan fast, soak your skin in warm water, then gently exfoliate to remove excess color. For stubborn patches, use an exfoliating scrub like Truly's Smooth Legend Scrub, which physically removes dead cells to help break down pigment. Then blend uneven areas with a few drops of instant self-tanner like Truly Beauty's Sun Drops for a smooth, even finish.

Most streaks, patches, and dark spots can be corrected in minutes with exfoliation and light reapplication.

Smooth Legend Pre-Shave Scrub

Supermodel Smooth Pre-Shave Scrub

Add to Bag $32

Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

Sun Drops Bronze Body Glow

Luxurious Bronzing Body Oil

Add to Bag $35

Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

1. Fake Tan Too Dark

Fake tan develops too dark when the skin absorbs too much pigment. This usually happens when your skin is dry, when you leave the product on longer than recommended, or when you apply too much product in certain areas to intensify the color. Dry areas like legs, arms, and elbows absorb more DHA, which makes them develop faster and darker.

Quick Fix:

• Soak your skin in a warm bath or shower for 10 minutes to soften the surface.

• Gently exfoliate to lift excess color without irritating the skin.

• Apply body oil with coconut oil to help break down pigment and speed up fading.

2. Streaky Fake Tan

Streaks form when you don’t blend fake tan evenly or when it starts drying before you fully work it into the skin. This often happens when you rush application or apply large amounts of product at once. Getting dressed too quickly after tanning can also drag product and create visible tan lines.

Quick fix:

• Lightly exfoliate over streaks to soften harsh edges.

• Use a slightly damp tanning mitt to blend lines smoothly.

• Apply a thin layer of fresh tan to even out tone if needed.

3. Patchy Fake Tan

Patchiness appears when the skin absorbs fake tan unevenly. Dry areas pull in more pigment, while areas with leftover skincare like moisturizer, deodorant, or oils block absorption. Skipping exfoliation before tanning also leaves dead skin cells on the surface, which disrupts an even finish.

Quick fix:

• Gently exfoliate patchy areas to even out the skin’s surface.

• Apply an instant bronzer to blend color.

• Use a mild chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid to fade stubborn patches.

4. Orange Hands

Hands develop too much color because the skin absorbs pigment more quickly due to its thin texture and deep creases. Product also builds up around knuckles, cuticles, and between fingers when you don’t blend quickly or wash your hands after application. Applying tan without a mitt also increases the chance of uneven development.

Quick fix:

• Soak your hands in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to loosen pigment.

• Gently exfoliate, focusing on knuckles, nails, and finger creases.

• Massage a small amount of body oil into the skin to lift remaining color.

5. Uneven Fade Around Elbows and Knees

Fake tan clings to dry and textured skin, which causes uneven fading around joints. Knees, elbows, and ankles develop more color because their skin is naturally rougher and more absorbent. This issue often happens when you skip moisturizer on dry areas before tanning, apply too much product, or do not blend properly around joints.

Quick fix:

• Gently exfoliate to smooth texture and remove excess pigment.

• Apply a hydrating body lotion to improve absorption and balance tone.

• Use a gradual tanning product to even out color over time.

How to Remove Fake Tan Completely (The S-S-S Method)

If your tan is beyond fixing, you can remove it safely with a simple routine.

1. Soak: Start by soaking your skin in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften the top layer. This helps loosen the fake tan so it lifts more easily.
2. Scrub: Follow with an exfoliating scrub like Truly's Smooth Legend Scrub to help break down remaining pigment. 
3. Sun Drops: For a full reset, repeat this process over 1–2 days, then reapply your tan using an instant product like Truly Beauty's Sun Drops for a more even result.

While fake tan lasts around 3-7 days, you can remove it faster with our methods above. 

Don't forget to read our guide on How to Self Tan Instantly for a gorgeous golden glow without streaks or patches.

Share