5 Foolproof Ways To Fix Streaky Self-Tanner
It's no secret that self-tanning can sometimes go terribly, terribly wrong. Sometimes it ends up too dark, extremely orange, or streaky, and you need a quick fix. Or maybe there's extra buildup around the knees, ankles, and fingers—spots notorious for screaming, 'THIS IS A FAKE TAN!' But with a few tips and tricks, you can fix those messy spots or start over when things have gone completely awry. Whether you're looking to immediately remove the self-tan after applying, you have a few days to let it wear off, or you need to get if off your face ASAP, we have you covered. And if you're looking for a new, trusted self-tanner, check out some of our faves. Here, find 9 products to help fade your self-tan in no time, with input from Sophie Evans, St. Tropez skin finishing expert and celebrity self-tanner; Jules Von Hep, Isle of Paradise founder and celebrity tanning expert; and Alexandra DiMarchi, Tan-Luxe global tanning expert.
When it comes to self-tanning, St. Tropez is a tried and true brand. After leaving this mousse on for just five minutes, your tan will disappear, whether you just applied it or it's a week old. This product is so gentle, you will be primed and ready for your next tan with no down time. For best results, scrub the product away in the shower with a mitt or exfoliator. 'The Prep and Maintain Tan Remover Mousse from St. Tropez will not only detox your skin with the help of bicarbonate soda, urea, and cotton extract, but it will also make your skin the perfect PH balance ready for a fresh new coat of self-tan,' says Evans.
This aloe-infused product is great at quickly fading a lingering tan. Reviewers suggest leaving on for between 10 and 15 minutes, a bit longer than the brand's five minute recommendation. When showering, make sure to scrub the product off with a mitt or loofah to ensure the tan is evenly removed.
No matter what product you are using to remove your tan, the St. Tropez Tan Removal Mitt will always be your trusty sidekick. After using your removal product of choice, buff wet skin with the mitt to make sure all of the unwanted tan is removed. If you've noticed extra dark spots of tan on your palms or between your fingers, dampen the area and scrub away with the mitt. Since the mitt is also exfoliating dead skin, make sure to hydrate afterwards to nourish the moisture barrier. This will leave your skin baby smooth and prepped for your next self-tanning session.
While this product isn't specifically geared towards tan removal, it's exactly what you need to get off that slightly orange tint that just won't go away. The skin on your face is much more delicate than the skin on your body, so it is important to use a gentle product. Because the skin on the face has such a high cell turnover, the self tan will likely only last a few days, but this product will expedite the process. This AHA exfoliant will not only remove the tan but will brighten the skin and diminish dark spots.
For a no-scrub removal, 'Just mist all over skin until totally saturated, lather, and leave for five minutes. Then, just wash off in the shower, buffing skin gently until the tan is fully removed,' says Von Hep. The formula includes glycolic acid which works to exfoliate away your tan, but it's also filled with avocado, coconut, and chia seed oils that help to hydrate sensitive skin.
'Exfoliating is the best way to get rid of an old tan,' says DiMarchi. There are several products on the market that help dissolve self-tanner, but using a body scrub or exfoliating mitt is the key to removing all of the pigment. Plus, it'll leave your skin extra smooth and prepped for your next tanning sesh. Oils can also help to remove tanner, while hydrating and plumping the skin at the same time. But be careful to not let the oil sit on your skin for longer than five minutes, because it can make the tan set in even more.
Nope! 'Just make sure the remover products are fully rinsed off before applying a fresh layer of self-tan,' says Von Hep. However, if the specific tanner you use suggests waiting up to 24 hours, Evans recommends you do so in order to avoid any irritation. Lastly, always remember to moisturize after applying a fresh tan.
Yes, but you should definitely use a different technique on your face than your body. The skin on your face is much more sensitive and has a higher cell turnover rate. In fact, your self-tan will likely only last two to four days on your face. 'Generally, to correct a bad face self-tan all you need is to exfoliate well with an exfoliating wipe, mitt, or device to lift off the self-tan or use a good AHA product,' Evans explains. If you're looking to expedite the process, gentle facial scrubs, AHA's, and exfoliating tools should be your go to's to buff away a face tan. And of course, slather your face in moisturizer afterwards.
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