What can cause a patchy or uneven tan?

The correct choice identifies inadequate exfoliation before tanning or improper lotion application as primary causes of a patchy or uneven tan. Proper tanning, whether through products or tanning beds, relies heavily on skin preparation. When the skin is not adequately exfoliated, dead skin cells can build up and create uneven areas where the tanning product does not adhere properly. This can lead to a blotchy appearance.

Similarly, improper application of tanning lotions, such as failing to apply uniformly or skipping certain areas, can result in inconsistencies in color. This highlights the importance of both preparing the skin through exfoliation and applying products thoroughly and evenly to achieve a smooth, even tan.

Other options, while they may play a role in tanning outcomes, do not focus directly on the fundamental processes that lead to a patchy or uneven appearance. For instance, consistent application of tanning products generally promotes an even tan, while using tanning beds too frequently may lead to overexposure but doesn’t specifically cause unevenness. Lastly, choosing darker tanning products may result in a deeper tan, but it does not inherently cause unevenness unless coupled with poor application practices.