Best Self Tanner to Cover Stretch Marks. Does Fake Tan Cover Stretch Marks?

Various factors such as pregnancy, hormones, and weight fluctuation can lead to stretch marks. At first, they appear as red, jagged lines, but slowly, they fade to a white slivery shade.

Stretch marks can’t just vanish, but you can cover them up.

Does fake tan cover stretch marks?

Fake tan does not cover stretch marks completely, unfortunately. But it can lessen the intensity of the stretch marks and blend the skin tones.

Using a sunless tanner to conceal your stretch marks can work well and can give you a stunning look.

In this article, we’ll go over how to cover stretch marks with self-tanners, and we’ll discuss the Best Self Tanners to Cover Stretch Marks.

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Best Self Tanner to Cover Stretch Marks: Comparison Table

Here’s a quick breakdown of my favorite fake tanners to cover stretch marks. Below we do a review of each of these sunless tanning products, but first, we’ll go over the details of fake tans and stretch marks.

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Does Fake Tan Cover Stretch Marks?

Fake tan solutions don’t cover stretch marks completely. But when applied correctly, they can greatly lessen the appearance of stretch marks. Your stretch marks will fade into the background and blend much better with a bit of self tanner to even out the tones.

Keeping your tanning needs in mind, we have listed a few features that are important when you are choosing a concealing self-tanner.

No Skin Damage

The self-tanner should not cause any type of damage or allergies. Research still hasn’t proven the effect of paraben and sulfate on the human body. So even though opting for chemical-free products is suggested, what truly matters is that the tanner suits your skin.

Natural Look

A tanner shouldn’t give an orangey look, as it seems fake and unnatural. A tanner that gives a bronze or golden, glowy feel looks great and natural.

Easy Application

The tanner should be easy to apply. Mousse and foam is easiest to apply by yourself, but sprays work well too. Be sure you have a tanning mitt and a back applicator to get an even tan (or get some help from a friend!)

Long-Lasting

The tanner should last for a long time, at least a week.

Outdoor Tanning and Stretch Marks

Tanning in the sun has many benefits. It helps disguise cellulite, skin blemishes, and the like. It can make you look more toned. But it has drawbacks too, including the most obvious: the risk of cancer.

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How To Cover Stretch Marks with Self Tan

There’s really no magic to covering stretch marks with fake tanner. The process is essentially the same as applying any self tanner, but you get the bonus of softening the visibility of your stretch marks as well as getting glowing skin.

Here’s how you do it.

1. Prep Your Skin The Night Before

Good skin preparation is key to an even, well-blended fake tan.

Shave and exfoliate the night before. This removes any skin cells that are about to fall off, and will produce an even tan that is longer-lasting.

2. Choose a Good Self-Tanning Product

We’ve got you covered here! The self-tanners listed in this article will also work well to give you luscious glowing skin, and will soften your stretch marks.

3. Apply The Tanner

Follow the instructions on your self-tanning product, and spend some extra time on areas that have stretch marks.

The DHA from the self-tanner will hide your stretch marks somewhat, and you’ll feel more confident wearing bathing suits and other clothing that reveals the areas where your stretch marks persist..

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Best Self Tanner to Cover Stretch Marks

Sunless tanners, spray tans, and the like can provide delightful color and conceal blemishes. We love many self-tanners, and it is clear that they are much safer than tanning beds.

One of the easiest ways to cover up scars or stretch marks is by using a self-tanner. Many of them come with built-in moisturizers too!

If you’re not sure if a self-tanner will work or not, try a patch test. Take a small quantity of self-tanning lotion and apply it to your stretch marks.

Typically you’ll want to leave it on for at least 8-10 hours before checking the results, but some tanners work differently. Follow the instructions for the tanner you choose.

One of the easiest ways to cover up scars or stretch marks is by using a self-tanner. Many of them come with built-in moisturizers too!

In this section, we’ll look in-depth at five excellent stretch-mark concealer options. We’ll start with a comparison table to get oriented, and then move into the individual reviews. We’ll conclude with our favorites.

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Beauty By Earth Self Tanner with Organic & Natural Ingredients

Key Points at a Glance

• Vegan, sunless tanning lotion
• Cruelty free— hasn’t been tested on animals
• No side effects
• No chemicals
• Natural ingredients – organic shea butter, organic coconut oil, and Japanese green tea
• Non-toxic and Paraben free

The Details

The Beauty by Earth self-tanner is a great product, and one of the best sellers on Amazon. I really love it, and have done a detailed review here.

This sunless tanning lotion is made of natural ingredients like organic shea butter, organic coconut oil, and Japanese green tea. All three ingredients are great for your skin and provide strong hydration.

This tanning lotion is chemical-free, paraben-free and Vegan.

Because BBE is a buildable self-tanner, you can apply it multiple times and see how the changes impact your stretch marks. Once you get to the right level, you can reapply as needed to keep the shade where you want it.

It’s also really easy to use for beginners.

Because BBE is a buildable self-tanner, you can apply it multiple times and see how the changes impact your stretch marks. Once you get to the right level, you can reapply as needed to keep the shade where you want it.

The lotion is white in color, unlike other tanning lotions which are usually brown. It is safe to say that your clothes and sheets are in no danger of getting stained. It has a coconut/vanilla smell to it, which fades off after a while.

Some customers find that it leaves behind a weird greasy smell, and the lotion can feel greasy when you apply it. It takes a while to dry.

Even though the tan lasts for 4 to 5 days, it may get blotchy with time, but it is buildable. It’s easier to apply than many other self-tanners, and there’s less risk of things going wrong with a buildable self tanner.

For a darker shade, you can reapply and leave it on for longer.

The Bottom Line

Beauty By Earth is the best self tanner to cover stretch marks, and it’s one of the best self-tanners, period!

It’s easy to use and hard to screw up. It will cover your stretch marks and give you some color for 4-5 days. But as mentioned, a few days after application but it starts getting blotchy.

The substance seems very greasy when you put it on and takes time to dry. However, this self-tanner doesn’t give a brown-colored or orange-y look/ it gives a rather subtle and glowy look.

To cover silvery white stretch marks, you’ll have to apply it once. Whereas, to cover red stretch marks, you might have to apply another coat. Additionally, even though the tanner is waterproof, it’s recommended that you avoid contact with water for at least 6 to 8 hours.

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Fake Bake Flawless Darker Self-Tanning Liquid

Key Points at a Glance

• Fast-drying and fast-absorbing formula
• Transfer Resistant
• Includes Latex Gloves

The Details

The Fake Bake Self-Tanning liquid has a fast-drying formula that gives you a tan without sticky skin. Even though it’s supposed to have a fast-absorbing formula, it is recommended that you don’t shower for at least a few hours after application to let it absorb completely into your skin.

Once you apply the liquid, your skin will have a dark brown tone. Leave it on for a few hours. The tan looks great after you take your first shower.

It’s recommended that you apply the liquid at night and wash it off in the morning.

Fake Bake Self-Tanner balances the skin pretty nicely, and even if your stretch marks are very visible, the added layer of color diminishes their visibility.

The liquid sets easily and evenly on your skin. For a darker tan, you can reapply the liquid the next day. This tanning liquid is not organic and contains various chemicals, so if you’ve got sensitive skin, you may want to choose another option

This tanning liquid is transfer-resistant – you can wear anything or sit anywhere you want once the liquid dries up. So don’t worry about staining your sheets or clothes.

The product also comes with a pair of latex gloves and a mitt for easier and less messy application.

The Bottom Line

This Fake Bake tanner gives a nice, gold tan rather than a weird orange-y look. You need to give it time to set, so don’t shower for at least a couple of hours. However, the tan lasts for about 4 to 5 days. This product dries quickly and is easy to use. It also has a very good fragrance.

The ingredients, however, are not organic or natural.

This self-tanner gives a nice brown tan in the first use only, but if you want a darker shade, you’ll have to re-apply it. It especially gives a nice color after you shower.

Sally Hansen Air Brush Legs Light Glow

Key Points at a Glance

• Covers freckles, veins, scars and stretch marks
• Decent concealment and coverage
• Can be applied easily (Spray or lotion)
• Water and transfer-resistant
• Contains Palmaria Extract

The Details

The Sally Hansen self-tanners are available as sprays or lotions.

While the name says it’s designed for the legs, it can be applied to other areas (just not the face, use a face tanner). I’ve found it’s particularly good at covering stretch marks, particularly those on the bum and legs.

This tanning spray helps cover up freckles, veins, scars and stretch marks and produces glowing, tanned skin.

The Sally Hansen tanner is great for those looking to target specific areas. It’s a mild color, and could potentially be applied only to the areas with stretch marks (depending on your natural skin color). You can always reapply if you need to go darker.

One of the main ingredients of this self-tanner/bronzer is Palmaria Extract. Palmaria Extract contains antioxidants that help make your skin clear. Even though it’s said to be water and transfer-resistant, avoid wearing white clothes as it may rub off on your clothes.

When applying this self-tanner, shake the bottle and spray it on the desired areas. Make sure to rub it properly so that it sets on your skin and spreads out evenly. Then wait for it to dry off completely before you cover it with any cloth.

This product gives a natural, glowy look and is a good choice for those of us who have fair skin. Many people complain that it is very difficult to find the right shade to suit their skin. It’s important to follow the directions properly when using the product, otherwise it might backfire.

The Bottom Line

Sally Hansen’s Leg Tanner covers stretch marks on the legs and bum really well. It will also work on the belly. It lasts a long time, but you have to wait for it to dry completely before wearing your clothes.

You need to find the perfect shade according to your skin color. Initially, it may seem like your legs aren’t tanning, but if you take out time to blend the product properly, you will see the results.

Avoid wearing white after applying the tanner, as the product may rub off on your clothes.

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Skinerals Californium Self Tanner

Key Points at a Glance

• Sun tanning mousse
• Cruelty-free
• Sulfate and paraben-free
• Vegan
• Natural and Organic ingredients

The Details

The Skinerals Californium sun tanning mousse is great to cover up any imperfections such as scars or stretch marks on your skin.

Fake tan mousse is pretty easy to apply, just be sure you use a mitt.

This self-tanner offers a natural and subtle look, which is preferred over an orange-y brown look. And the best feature of this tanner is its delightful fragrance.

This mousse is made using purely natural ingredients, is organic, sulfate and paraben-free, and vegan. Love it!

The organic nature of this sunless tanning mousse makes it very safe to be used.

The mousse needs to be applied and spread out evenly on the areas you want tanned. Pay extra attention to your areas with stretch marks. If it isn’t spread out evenly, it can end up giving a splotchy look.

The tan gets lighter with every shower, but you can always reapply it to make your tan darker. Make sure to remove your hair and exfoliate your skin before applying the self-tanner to ensure a smooth tan.

The Bottom Line

The Skinerals Californium self-tanner offers a very natural look. It also has a very long-lasting and good fragrance as compared to other tanners. It’s a great choice for hiding stretch marks.

Even though it gives a great tanned look, the color fades with every shower. It may also give a streaky and splotchy look right after application.

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Loving Tan 2 Hr Express Deluxe Bronzing Mousse

Key Points at a Glance

• Gives an olive color
• Dries quickly
• Tans within 2 hours
• Easy application
• Good for medium to dark skin tones

The Details

The Loving Tan Express Deluxe Bronzing Mousse is a good choice because it has the quickest tanning time – 2 hours. Within 2 hours, you get your desired tan look easily.

This product has the same formula and concentration as tanning sprays used in salons. The formula is easy to apply and dries quickly. We’ve done a deep dive on Loving Tan here.

This mousse gives a tanned olive look and is preferred for those with medium to dark skin. It’s preferable that you apply two thin layers of the mousse rather than one thick one— this gives a better result.

The solution of this bronzer is less sticky, unlike other tanners. Rather than a rusty orange look, this mousse gives a glowing, subtle look.

Be careful not to get water on your skin after applying the mousse as it may leave a splotch or stain on your skin. This stain may remain until your entire tan fades off.

Perhaps the biggest downside is that this stuff isn’t cheap, given the quantity supplied.

The Bottom Line

Loving Tan is subtle yet glowy. It isn’t sticky, and doesn’t smell too bad during application. It produces a luxurious tan and covers stretch marks well. There are multiple shades to choose from, and it’s best to start with a lighter shade and go darker once you’re used to it.

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Conclusion

Sunless tanners are great! Whether you want to hide scars and stretch marks on your bum or belly, or want that amazing summer sun-kissed glow.

My favorite self tanner to hide stretch marks is the Beauty By Earth self tanner. It’s hard to screw up, which is great for beginners. And it gives a beautiful color that softens stretch marks. As it fades, you can reapply more as needed. Love it!

As an alternative, the Fake Bake mousse is great as well. The mousse is easy to apply, and it does a good job covering those annoying stretch marks.

We hope this list of self-tanners helps you choose the perfect one to make you look fabulous!