Self-tanners can help one achieve a golden brown color without direct exposure to the sun. Nevertheless, the application of a self-tanning lotion can be a tricky process and can oftentimes result in streaks or orange disarray. There are instances where you need to get rid of the self-tanning lotion or smoothen out any uneven streaks. Luckily, there are some household products that you have at home that can effectively remove tanning lotion stains. Read further to learn ways on how to remove tanning lotion stains from skin.
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Steps on how to remove tanning lotion stains from skin
Let us now take a look at the steps on how to remove tanning lotion stains from skin.
- Baby oil. In most instances, moisture can help retain your normal color. However, baby oil has an opposite effect and can loosen the skin cells that are pigmented with the tanning lotion. By using baby oil, it can tone down or fully remove the self-tanning product without damaging your skin. Simply soak your skin in baby oil and leave in place for 10 minutes. Take a shower and carefully scrub the skin with a loofah to remove the color. Repeat the process if needed.
- Wear exfoliator gloves and lemon juice. Exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to get rid and smoothen tanning lotion stains. The combination of exfoliator gloves and the acidity of the lemon juice can break up and lift off the color from your skin. Apply lemon juice on the stained area using a cotton ball. Wear the exfoliator gloves and go to the shower. Rub the lemon juice into your skin with the gloves and rinse away with warm water. Repeat the process if needed to remove any lingering color.
- Mix baking soda and lemon juice to create a paste that can lighten and exfoliate tanning lotion stains on your skin. Gently rub the paste over the stained areas and rinse off with warm water and repeat if needed.
- White vinegar can be used to exfoliate and lift tanning lotion stains on the skin. Simply apply for up to 10 minutes on stained areas. Rinse after with warm water and check for any lingering stains.
- Apply a tanner removal product. Many brands that produce self-tanning lotions also have removal products. In case your tan is not yet fully developed, you can use one to halt the development and remove the stains on your skin.
How to smoothen patchy areas
In case you have patchy areas after applying the self-tanning lotion, you might want to smoothen them out. Let us look at some of the techniques to smoothen any streaky or patchy areas.
- Exfoliating wipes. Certain parts of the body such as the hands, elbows, knees, and ankles soak up more product than other parts. You need exfoliating wipes to tone down or smooth out the color. Rub it on the area in a gentle motion.
- Sugar-based exfoliator. Streaks can develop if you do not apply enough product or miss a spot during application. In such instances, you can use a sugar-based exfoliator to gently even out the color. Apply the product on your skin and rub lightly and rinse away with warm water.
- Massage the patchy areas with a cut lemon. Simply slice up a lemon and massage gently on your skin. Rub it on the spot for 2-3 minutes.
- Acetone can be applied to the streaks to smoothen them out quickly and conceal any mistakes. Soak a cotton ball with acetone and rub on the area to smoothen.
- Hair remover cream can be applied for half the recommended time to gently smoothen streaks. Dab a small amount onto a cotton swab and gently apply and leave in place. Rinse away the product with warm water.
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How to get fake tan off hands quickly
One of the usual tanning mistakes that can occur is when you overcook the tan on your hands which turn orange or patchy. Luckily, you can get the tan off your hands with the following techniques.
- Slather a salt or sugar scrub on a loofah and work in circular motions over your hands. An alternative is to combine a quarter cup of raw sugar with a half cup of sorbelene cream. Do not scrub vigorously until your hands turn red or you will risk getting abrasions on your skin. Repeat the scrubbing once every morning and afternoon. In most cases, there is a significant difference after 2 days.
- Squeeze 1 or 2 fresh lemons and allow your hands to soak in the juice for up to an hour or as long as you can tolerate it. Repeat the soaking up to 3 times throughout the day. Take note that the acid present in the lemon will break down the tanning product, causing it to fade entirely.
- Add a few drops of bath or massage oil to warm water and soak your hands. You can also add a few drops of the oil to an exfoliator and scrub your hands. Repeat the process if needed.
- Look for a tan-removing product that can effectively get rid of the tan on your hands. This is a good option especially those who perform self-tanning regularly.
How to remove self-tanner from palms
If you were unable to wear gloves or not able to thoroughly wash hands after applying a self-tanning lotion, it can leave your fingers with an odd tint. Luckily, there are several solutions to fix this common mishap.
- Apply a quarter-size quantity of body scrub to your wet hands. Rub into your hands to get rid of the surplus dye. You can also utilize a loofah mitt and your preferred soap. Rinse using cool or warm water. Tap the skin until dry with a soft towel.
- Prepare a natural lightening paste with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Dab the paste over the streaky areas. Leave the paste in place for a few minutes and rinse it away with cool or warm water.
- Apply a skin bleach to the stained areas. Simply follow the directions to get the best results. Thoroughly rinse the bleach from your hands to check your original skin tone. Avoid using chlorine bleach on your skin since it can burn or dry it out.
- Soak your hands in a sink full of warm water. Lightly exfoliate the skin with a washcloth to remove the dye. This might take several minutes or repeated washing of the hands to remove the dye.
- If your hands are free from sores or open cuts, rub a cotton ball dipped in non-acetone nail polish remover.
- Utilize a self-tanning dye remover which can easily remove streaks and discolorations.
Does coconut remove self-tanner
You can dab on a mixture of coconut oil and sugar to the stained areas and exfoliate until the discolored area is completely erased. Take note that this technique is relatively gentler for your skin than using the lemon technique when getting rid of the self-tanner. Furthermore, you do not have to worry about avoiding sun exposure for a while.
Just remember to wash away the excess from the coconut oil before reapplying the tanning lotion since it can become an obstruction and provide an uneven finished result.
Final thoughts
There are several methods to effectively get rid of tanning lotion stains from the skin. With the techniques discussed on how to remove tanning lotion stains from skin, you can easily remove the stains as well as a smoothen any even streaks or patches.
