Hopefully, you’ll never experience a self tanning disaster and need to remove your self tanner. You can reduce the changes of this happening by careful preparation before applying your self tanning product. Be sure to exfoliate and moisturize thoroughly several days prior to application of self tanner and apply the product slowly and methodically to prevent streaking and an uneven application.
If you do experience streaking and need to remove self tanner, there are several ways you can do this. If you have small areas of streaking, the best way to remove these is to exfoliate thoroughly and repeatedly using a damp, nubby washcloth with a little moisturizing or cleansing gel. You can also use an exfoliating pad or loofah brush, but this really isn’t necessary. I find the washcloth performs just as well in most situations. Exfoliate the streaked areas repeatedly over several sessions, and you’ll gradually start to see the streaked areas lighten and then gradually disappear. If you applied the self tanning product to your knees, elbows, and ankles, you may find the self tanner has darkened those areas excessively. Use the same method of repeated exfoliation to remove excess tanning product from these areas. You need to be a bit more aggressive with your exfoliation in these regions since they tend to have an excess of dead skin cells that grab onto the self tanner.
Another trick for removing self tanner is to use a bit of baking soda applied to a damp cloth. Sprinkle baking soda onto a moist cloth and gently exfoliate your entire body to remove excess skin cells that have grabbed onto the tanning product. This is also a good way to exfoliate before applying your tanning product for the first time. If this method doesn’t work for you, there’s a product on the market called Flavours Freedom Sunless Eraser that’s made specifically for correcting uneven self tanner applications. You should be able to find this product online via a Google search.
If you apply too much of your self tanning product to one area during application, you can usually prevent the area from darkening excessively, by firmly rubbing the area with a nubby towel. You can then reapply the self tanner being careful to use a light hand.
Once you’ve corrected your self tanning problems, be sure to start a regular exfoliation and moisturizing program to prevent the future need to remove a self tanner. You may also want to reevaluate the type of self tanner you’re using since certain brands have more of a tendency to streak than others. I’ve success with the Loreal line of sublime bronze self tanners in both the lotion and gelee form. These products tend to give a rather dark color which may not be suitable for everyone.
By exfoliating properly and choosing the most appropriate self tanner for your skin type, you can experience a beautiful, steak proof tan that’ll show off that little red bikini you just bought!
