How to Remove Self Tanner

Learn How to Remove Self-Tanner

Maybe you've suddenly managed to achieve a less-than-enviable shade of Oompa Loompa-orange. Perhaps your feet look like a blotchy mess or your hands have streaks all over them. Even worse, maybe it's your entire body that's a streaky, half-tanned mess. What's a girl looking for a gorgeous glow to do? Remove the mess, of course.

Most of the time, these faux pas are easily solved. The only trick involves knowing how to remove self-tanner. If you're a serial at-home tanner, you already know the importance of proper maintenance. Those new to the world of tanning at home, though, will appreciate knowing how easy it is to correct those inevitable sunless tanning errors. Here's how to make the most of the lovely glow you desire.

Exfoliation

The most common method of tanner removal is exfoliation. Self-tanner is essentially a dye that deposits pigment onto the skin. When the skin is scrubbed, the skin cells slough off, taking with them the self-tanner. Follow these steps to successfully remove self-tanner from the body:

1. Apply a thin layer of baby oil to the body.
2. Allow it to soak in for 25-35 minutes.
3. Immerse yourself in warm bath water.
4. Gently exfoliate the skin, using either a sugar scrub (which is less harsh than a salt scrub), a washcloth or a loofah.

Helpful Hints

• If you find that an at-home scrub doesn't do the trick, search for a local spa that offers a full-body exfoliation treatment. Often, the vigorous nature of a professional treatment is enough to remove all traces of color.
• Invest in a dry brush. Due to their large size, dry brushes are ideal for full-body exfoliation. They are also soft, yet surprisingly stimulating. Use of a dry brush encourages dead skin cell removal, increased lymph circulation and skin detoxification.

Lemon Fresh

It's good for a burst of tart flavor, but lemons also have their place in the beauty world. Removing the odd streak is a snap with the rub of a lemon wedge. Simply massage the wedge quickly over the area in question. This will usually lift the tanning lotion's unwanted color.

Splish, Splash, Take a Bath

Summertime brings with it more than just blazing heat! The desire to jump into the pool is insatiable. One might expect an orangey or blotchy tan to destroy that dream pretty quickly, but pool water has actually proven to be helpful in matters of terrible tans. A long swim (or, conversely, a long soak in the tub) is usually enough to speed the natural fading process and eliminate color.

This method works because the skin cells soak up the water and increase in size. As they grow larger, the tan gets lighter until eventually the color fades completely.

Forget About It

Sunless tans naturally fade with time. While playing the waiting game is never fun, in this case it's quite simply the easiest way to solve the problem. If you plan on staying indoors for a few days, you can take advantage of this method. Additionally, it's the most efficient fix for a blotchy face or neck, usually fading within 24 hours.

Not only is it simple, it's also the healthiest approach to self-tanner removal for your skin. The cons, however, likely outweigh the pros in this case. When you need a quick fix, there are quicker methods that require just a little know-how.

Removal Products

Several products formulated to remove self-tanner are available. They include the following:

• St. Tropez Self-Tan Remover: This 11 oz. bottle is more than enough to get you through the year. Use this unique product to quickly and easily remove self-tanning mistakes. It's ideal for the palms, feet and ankles. This product is also available in a convenient, 10-piece, pocket-sized package.
• ModelCo Tan Remover Exfoliating Body Scrub: This gently exfoliating micro-salt scrub dissolves the self-tan while treating the skin to the pleasant scent of pink grapefruit.

Avoiding Mistakes

No one is perfect, and self-tan application mistakes are some of the most common out there. There are ways, however, to avoid making the same mistake twice. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best tan possible:

1. Keep skin thoroughly moisturized at all times. Dry skin is more susceptible to unevenness.
2. Get speedy. The best way to ensure a great finish is to apply the self-tanner as quickly and evenly as possible.
3. Apply the self-tanner at least three to four hours prior to taking a shower or bath. Many people prefer to apply the tanner at night for this reason.
4. Regular maintenance, including reapplication of tanner as needed, is necessary to keep your skin glowing.