Is there anything more frustrating than carefully applying a self tan, only to find your arms and torso have a beautiful glow while your legs remain stubbornly pale? If your fake tan refuses to stick to your legs, or develops into a patchy mess, you are certainly not alone.
This is one of the most common tanning troubles, and it almost always comes down to preparation and the condition of the skin on your legs. As pioneers of gentle, organic beauty, we have formulated our tanning range to work with your skin, helping you to achieve a believable, streak-free tan that feels as good as it looks.
At a glance
- The skin on your legs is often drier and thicker than elsewhere on your body
- Proper exfoliation is the most crucial step for an even, lasting tan
- We recommend using our Exfoliating Hand & Body Scrub before tanning
- Moisturise very dry areas like knees and ankles before applying your tanner
- Choose a hydrating formula like our natural Self Tan Lotion to nourish skin as it tans
The number one reason your tan will not take
The single most important step to a flawless tan on your legs is exfoliation. The skin on our shins is thicker and often drier, meaning it has a faster build-up of dead, flaky skin cells.
When you apply self tan over this layer, the colour clings to these loose cells. As they naturally shed over the next day or so, they take your beautiful tan with them, resulting in a patchy or faded finish.
To create the perfect canvas, you need to gently buff this layer away.
Start with a simple but effective tool like our Exfoliating Mitt. Used on damp skin in the shower, its textured surface is brilliant for polishing legs, knees and ankles without being harsh or scratchy.
Exfoliating Mitt
Instantly smooth your skin with this gently exfoliating body mittIf you prefer a scrub, we recommend our COSMOS Organic certified Exfoliating Hand & Body Scrub. This dermatologically tested formula uses fine particles to purify and refine your skin, while the uplifting scent of wild berries makes it a joy to use. Your legs will feel soft, smooth and perfectly prepped for tanning.
Exfoliating Hand & Body Scrub 200ml
Treat your skin to berry bliss with this invigorating hand and body scrub192,00 kr
★★★★★
“Love this scrub. Smells good, nice texture and exfoliates perfectly without drying the skin”
Laney P · Verified Buyer
Reviewing: Exfoliating Hand & Body Scrub 200ml
See this product now →Are your legs too dry?
Dryness is the enemy of an even tan. Skin that lacks moisture can absorb self tanner unevenly, causing darker patches to develop, especially around the knees and ankles where skin is naturally drier and thicker.
It can also work the other way. A surface barrier of very dry, tight skin can prevent the tanner from developing properly, leaving you with a barely-there result.
The solution is not to slather your legs in moisturiser right before tanning, as this will dilute the tanning agent. Instead, focus a small amount of a light body lotion on just the driest spots - knees, ankles and the tops of your feet - about an hour before you plan to apply your tan.
Choosing the right self tan for your legs
Once your skin is smooth and prepped, the right formula will make all the difference. Many mousses can be drying, which only makes the problem of patchy legs worse. A hydrating lotion is a much better choice for dry legs.
Our Organic Food Federation certified Self Tan Lotion is designed to give you a natural, streak-free glow while nourishing your skin. It has a beautiful lotion texture that glides on easily and sinks in quickly, without any stickiness. Instead of stripping moisture, it delivers hydration with ingredients like organic Aloe Vera and Shea Butter.
This buildable formula develops into a believable golden tan in just a few hours, free from the dreaded orange tones or that biscuity self-tan smell. Because it is also dermatologically tested, it is a kind choice for those with sensitive skin.
Self Tan Lotion 150ml
Tan easily at home with this natural and organic self tan lotion287,00 kr
★★★★★
“This is an extremely good self tan lotion. No streaks and has a natural colour and leaves the skin feeling soft. I really recommend giving it a try.”
Rosemary D · Verified Buyer
Reviewing: Self Tan Lotion 150ml
See this product now →A gradual glow with built-in sun protection
If you prefer to build your colour slowly or want a clever multi-tasker for holidays, a gradual tanner with sun protection is an ideal option.
Our Glow & Protect SPF30 is a 3-in-1 marvel that moisturises, protects and provides a gentle tan. The rich, hydrating cream nourishes your skin while providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, all while a natural tanning active builds a subtle, sun-kissed glow over a few days.
It simplifies your routine, ensuring your legs feel soft and protected while gradually developing beautiful, even colour.
Glow & Protect SPF30 150ml
Glow, hydrate and protect in one intelligent step364,00 kr
★★★★★
“A very special suncream that protects and gives one a gentle bronze glow at the same time. This is now my favourite suncream.”
Rosemary D · Verified Buyer
Reviewing: Glow & Protect SPF30 150ml
See this product now →Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait to apply tan after exfoliating?
For the best results, it is ideal to exfoliate 12-24 hours before you apply your self-tan. This gives your skin’s pH time to settle and ensures your pores have closed, which helps to prevent the tanner from creating little dark dots on your legs.
Should I moisturise my entire leg before fake tanning?
No, you should only apply a light layer of moisturiser to the driest areas, such as your knees, ankles and feet. Applying lotion all over your legs will create a barrier and dilute the tanning agent, leading to a much lighter tan.
Why does my tan always go patchy on my shins?
The skin on your shins has fewer oil glands than other parts of your body, making it naturally drier and more prone to dead skin cell build-up. This is why regular, gentle exfoliation and consistent moisturising between tanning sessions are so important for keeping this area smooth and helping your tan last longer.
Can I build up the colour with your self tan?
Absolutely. Our Self Tan Lotion is designed to be buildable. For a deeper shade, simply reapply it on a second or third consecutive day until you reach your desired level of bronze.
How do I stop my tan from clinging to my knees and ankles?
These areas grab colour because the skin is thicker and drier. The trick is to apply a small amount of a regular body lotion to your knees, ankles and the tops of your feet just before tanning. This acts as a barrier, allowing a lighter, more natural amount of colour to develop.
Is it better to tan in the morning or at night?
Most people prefer to apply self tan at night. This allows the colour to develop fully for 6-8 hours without the risk of it rubbing on clothes or being affected by daytime activities. You can then shower in the morning to rinse off the guide colour, revealing your new glow.
We hope this guide helps you achieve the perfect, even tan on your legs. For more advice on finding your ideal natural self tan, our UK customer care team is here to help and can be contacted on 01403 740350 or on social @GreenPeopleUK.
MEET CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People's Choice in the 2023 list of Who's Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible 'Naturally Gorgeous'. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
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