How to avoid patchy tan caused by sweat

A self-tan that looks picture perfect on some areas of the skin and stippled on others is a familiar sight. "We have all had our tan wear off in that diamond shape around the inner-elbows, at the tops of the inner arms and between the breasts," notes tanning authority James Harknett, "and that dreaded scaly look that sets in".

A patchy tan is not only caused by the skin becoming dehydrated, or by spending too much time in the swimming pool, but from day-to-day friction and sweat. "For many of us who exercise regularly, a tan can slough off the skin in days," Harknett says, whereas self-tan can usually last for a week.

It's with cruel irony that our efforts in the gym (or yoga studio) can hinder the investments in our skin – after all, an intended outcome for both training and tanning includes boosted body confidence. So, can we workout and maintain an even-looking tan at the same time? Here, the celebrity spray tanner shares his tips to keep patchy tans at bay this spring.

1. Apply a lighter self-tan that can be topped up

"If you know you exercise and sweat a lot, the first tip is to keep the tan a little lighter, as a gentle tanning application is easier to top up and fill in if patches do occur." Try the St. Tropez Tan Luxe Tan Tonic Drops which are designed to be added to your serum or moisturiser and can be gradually built-up for a customised tan. Or, if you favour a tanning water, foam or lotion, opt for a hydrating formula like the ones below.

St. Tropez Tan Luxe Tan Tonic Drops

Tan-Luxe The Water Hydrating Self-Tan Water

MineTan Workout Ready Self Tan Foam

Sisley-Paris Self Tanning Hydrating Body Skin Care

2. Be careful what you wear

"Choose your gym gear carefully. Look for seamless options made of thin, breathable materials so they act like a second skin (try Sweaty Betty's Athlete Seamless Gym Leggings and Balance Seamless Bra). Or choose loose leggings which allow the air to flow to your skin (such as the Year of Ours Stretch-modal jersey track pants). The Nike Indy Cooling Sports Bra is also ideal because the Dri-FIT Technology helps keep you dry and comfortable."

3. Apply talc or body powder to sweaty areas

"Before slipping into your sports bra, sprinkle some talc or body powder (try the Neal's Yard Remedies Lavender & Tea Tree Body Powder) on the chest and under the arms. Work it in with a bronzer brush and do the same to the inner arms and backs of knees. Think of where your skin rubs together; the talc will create slip and prevent friction which breaks down your tan."

4. Have cool showers and moisturise afterwards

"After you exercise, shower in cool water, gently press-dry the skin and moisturise generously all over. DHA, the tanning agent used in self-tan formulas, is a naturally drying ingredient so regular moisturising is essential to help lock in the colour. The Malin + Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Moisturiser is ideal for both self-tanned and naturally tanned skin. It's also a good idea to use the hairdryer at the gym on the cold setting to cool down the body to avoid any excess sweating."

5. Keep a tanning survival kit handy

"If your tan does start to wear off and fade in places keep the Fake Bake Airbrush & Exfoliating Wipes Kit in your gym bag. The kit contains all you need to correct mistakes. First there's Coconut Oil Exfoliating Wipes which can remove areas of break-up; this is perfect for between the breasts, the inner arms and armpit area when your colour starts to crumble. Then there's the mini Fake Bake Airbrush Self-Tanning Aerosol Spray, which has a golden guide colour allowing you to see where you are tanning when topping up patchy areas."

6. Don't forget the face

"If you find that your face is feeling a little dehydrated from perspiration and your colour has chipped away in places then prepare the face for a fresh tan with a chemical exfoliator like the Drunk Elephant Baby Facial. With a potent blend of glycolic, tartaric, citric, lactic and salicylic acids, this facial treatment exfoliates without causing redness or irritation, providing a fresh blank canvas for a fresher glow."

For a bespoke glow you can visit James Harknett at the Away Spa W Hotel London.

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