How to Remove Self Tanner

When temperatures reach 70 degrees, many of us dream about having that beach babe glow. To avoid compromising the health of your skin and risking cancer, we recommend a quick (and safe!) fix. Fix self-tanner. If your results look more orange than a glow from a vacation, you shouldn’t be worried. Continue reading to learn six simple ways to remove self-tanner quickly.

How does self-tanner work?

Dihydroxyacetone (also known as DHA) is the main ingredient in most self-tanning lotions. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology states that DHA is a type of sugar that interacts with skin proteins to produce brown products called Melanoidins. It reacts with dead skin cells that are on the surface of your skin, temporarily darkening it. DHA-containing products are considered to be a safe and effective way to fake a suntan without the risk of UV damage.

How long does self-tanner last?

Self-tanning products usually last from three to seven days, depending on the formula, how you prepare your skin, and whether you sweat or wet your skin after application. Sophie Evans of ST.TROPEZ, Skin Finishing Expert and Celebrity Self Tanner, told Makeup.com that exfoliating is essential for a longer-lasting self-tanner. The final exfoliation should be done 24 hours prior to application. She said that exfoliation would reveal new skin cells and remove all previous self-tanner color.

You can also extend the life of some self-tanning products by applying them more often or for longer (provided you do not exceed the recommended time on the packaging). You can, for example, apply the L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Hydrating Water Mousse 3 times in a period of 12 to 24 hrs. You can use self-tanner drops in a facial moisturizer for a subtle refreshment. L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning face drops are our favorite.

How to Remove Self Tanner

Start (Gently!) Start (Gently!)

Self-tanning products can be stubborn to remove, but they are easily removed with elbow grease. To remove the pigment without irritating the skin, use a sugar exfoliant with oil like Kiehl’s Gently Scrubbing Body Scrub. According to Evans, “oil-based” scrubs and lotions will fade self-tanner more quickly. Check the ingredient list to see if the oil is listed among the first three. Kiehl’s’ pick contains castor as its third component, along with an exfoliating mixture made of crushed apricot seed, perlite, and polyethylene-free scrub beads.

Try Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used to remove sunless tanners. Pour baking soda on a wet washcloth, and scrub gently in a circle. Repeat the procedure every few hours, rinsing and drying the skin each time. Baking soda can dry out your skin and is highly acidic. If you experience irritation, wash off the baking soda and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer.

Grab some Lemons

These little sour fruit can do wonders for self-tanning mistakes! Rub a slice of lemon on the affected area. Lemons can cause skin irritation because they are acidic. Be careful when using this method. Rinse your skin well afterward.

Use an oil-based cleanser.

It’s not necessary to use a lot of soap. If you have streaky self-tanning, or if you want to clean your hands from tanner residue, use a mild oil-based cleanser like Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Oil-to Foam Body Cleanser to remove the pigment. Try gently exfoliating your skin using the oil-based cleaner and a washcloth.

Try applying baby oil.

After a warm shower or bath, apply baby oil to your skin and allow it to sit for 10-30 minutes. Rinse with warm water again and use a washcloth. The oil lifts and loosens the pigment to reduce the intensity of the tan. It also leaves your skin feeling soft.

Use a Self-Tan Removal Mitt

Did you know that there are also removal mitts for tenners? The ST. TROPEZ Removal Mitt is a great tool to remove old tanner, either to prepare for a new application or to erase mistakes. The brand recommends moistening your skin and using your index finger to gently rub any mistakes. This mitt can be reused — simply rinse it with warm water and let it dry after each use.

How to remove self-tanner from hands and feet

Evans claims that even the pros have trouble achieving a streak-free, even tan on the hands and the feet. The skin on the hands and feet is drier. The skin on your hands and feet is thicker, more resilient, and has a higher pH. Evans, in this guide to applying self-tanner to difficult areas, said that hands and feet always become darker than the rest. “They’ll usually develop between five and seven shades darker.”

Evans suggests that you apply self-tanner on the hands by using a tiny amount (whatever remains on the applicator after finishing your body), and do so, one hand at a time. Make sure to cover all of your fingers. She told Skincare.com that she would use a cleaning wipe to clean her palms and tidy up the area where the palm meets the arm. “Wipe under each nail and cuticles and the line between the two,” Evans said.

She recommends that you flex your toes and feet as you apply tanning products, then cleans the soles of your foot with a cleaning wipe. We recommend the CeraVe Hydrating makeup Removing Plant Based Wipes because they are gentle for sensitive skin and biodegradable.

Try the above methods to fix any mistakes you have made. You may be able to get away with using baking soda and lemon juice more often to remove streaks on the feet and hands, as the skin is tougher. If the self-tanner gets too dark, oil-based scrubs and lotions can help fade it.

The Best Self-Tanners for Beginners

Do you need help selecting a self-tanner that is virtually mistake-proof to use? Check out our favorite products on the list.

L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion

This self-tanner comes in two shades: Medium (linked above) and Deep. It’s a foolproof solution to adding a glow to your skin and balancing it out. It is tinted so that you can easily see the area where you are applying it. You can also correct any mistakes or streaks as you go. It is creamy, similar to your favorite body lotion. Vitamin E hydrates your skin and gives it a soft feel.

L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Glow daily moisturizer

Look for a self-tanner that gives you a gradual glow if this is your first time using it. This product darkens your skin with each application, allowing you to customize your tan. You can achieve a natural, even tan that deepens according to your preferences. The formula does not streak or turn skin orange, according to reviews.

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse

This easy-to-use tanning lotion gives a streak-free, even finish. The coconut-scented foaming formula gives off a tropical scent that is pleasant and produces a realistic tan within four to eight hours. You can use it three times within 12-24 hours to achieve a darker, more lasting tan. This self-tanner, which contains coconut water and Vitamin E, will moisturize and bronze your skin.

TRONEZ Purity Self Tan Bronzing Water Face SprayThis lightweight mist will give you a natural-looking tan on your face. This formula is streak-free and does not require rinsing. It can be misted onto clean skin to produce a gradual tan over four or eight hours. No need to mix; simply mist 4 to 6 sprays on your face.

Isle of Paradise Express 30-Minute Mousse

The fast-acting formula will give you a bronzed, sun-kissed tan in 30 minutes. You can leave it on for longer to get a deeper tan. The quick formula allows you to correct any mistakes made in the application. This is ideal for tanning before an important event such as a Wedding or Prom.