We have all ever wanted to show off skin with an enviable color but without risking burns from prolonged exposure to the sun.
However, with self-tanning products you also run the risk of applying it the wrong way and looking like Anne Hathaway in ‘Bride Wars’ and looking like an Oompa Loompa; when that happens what we are looking for is to get rid of the self-tanner the fastest and simplest way.
For this reason, we invite you to read this article and discover the tips we have to get rid of self-tanning.
How do self tanners work?
The first thing you should know is how self-tanners work, as we well know, tanning with this type of product prevents you from exposing yourself to the sun to pigment your skin, however, clarify that these types of lotions, creams, and/or sprays do not protect your skin. of UltraViolet rays.
The key for them to work and give us that much-desired color is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), what happens is that at the time of application is that dihydroxyacetone is activated with the dead cells of the superficial layer of our skin causing temporary darkening and managing to appear a light tan, this pigmentation is temporary and disappears after a few days.
What are the most common mistakes when applying self tanner?
1 – Do not exfoliate
Before applying any self-tanner on your skin, do not forget that you must first prepare it, that is, exfoliate it since you must make sure that your pores are closed.
Also, don’t forget to pay attention to the different areas of your body or you run the risk of getting a spotty or streaked tan.
A basic tip is that if you are going to wax, it is best to do it at least 12 hours before applying the self-tanner to ensure that the pores on your legs and armpits are closed.
To be completely safe, another thing you can do before applying the tanning product is to rinse your legs and armpits with cold water and dry them.
2 – Be in a hurry
Like everything in life when we do things without the time it takes, we are more likely to make mistakes.
Applying a self-tanner correctly and avoiding making mistakes can generally take 30 minutes, in case that time is not available, it is best to make an appointment at a tanning place.
3 – Choice of shades
One of the most common mistakes that we usually make is the selection of tone for the tan since we can choose a tone either too dark or not “golden” enough.
Currently, some formulas react to the pH and skin tone of the person who applies the product, so it could be said that they have the possibility of achieving a “personalized” tan.
Another characteristic of the most current formulas is that some of them contain Q10, a complex that is characterized by helping to hydrate the skin.
4 – Wear tight clothing
During the first hours of applying the self-tanner, you must wear clothes that are not too tight since you can damage the color obtained.
We advise you to wear loose clothing such as pants, joggers, flowy dresses, and even; If you can, avoid wearing underwear such as a ‘bra’ because the rods and straps can affect the color.
The first 8 hours after applying the product are really important.
How to remove the self tanner?
Some different products and procedures can help us remove the self-tanner in case the results obtained are not satisfactory, to our liking, or simply the product is already beginning to fade and we want to get rid of it, from homemade recipes to a good routine of swimming can be your best allies to get rid of the self-tanner.
1 – Oil and exfoliation
In this case, both the oil and a good scrub do excellent teamwork; what happens is that the oil is a product that helps to break down one of the main ingredients of self-tanners, which is DHA.
Resorting to psyches is also effective since chlorine helps to fade and “loosen” the tan, the same happens with exfoliating gloves if you use them properly, which is achieved by making circular movements.
2 – Baking soda
When you do not achieve the best finish with your tan, the parts of the body that usually give away the situation are generally your feet and hands, but you can get rid of these small details with the use of an ingredient that you surely have in your kitchen: baking soda.
The only thing you would have to do is take the baking soda, mix it with water until a paste is generated, then apply it to the affected or stained areas, let it act for a few minutes, and rinse.
3 – Lemon juice
To try this homemade recipe, all you have to do is use the juice of a lemon, mix it with sugar and apply it gently to your skin.
This application can be done with or without exfoliation gloves, the difference is that if you carry out the process with the use of a glove, it helps you to go a little deeper into the skin.
4 – Oils
Oils such as coconut and sunflower can be a good option, but some experts say that the best option is to use baby oil.
How do they work? You should apply it to your skin, let it act for several minutes, when taking a shower use a loofah to scrub your body and the color is likely to lighten one or two tones.
5 – Epilating cream
Sophie Evans, an expert who has worked with personalities such as Margot Robbie and Victoria Beckham, mentions that the most effective option and that she would use would be depilatory cream since this type of product works with active ingredients such as calcium hydroxide and potassium thioglycollate.
What causes them to break the bond with keratin but the key is that these products also work as exfoliants for the skin which helps to eliminate the layer of tanning.
6 – Toothpaste
The reason some experts recommend this option is because some toothpaste brands like Arm & Hammer use baking soda which as mentioned above is a good option for treating self-tanner mistakes.
If you use this method, it is best to apply it in strategic areas such as the areas between your fingers and the elbow.
How to remove self-tanner (video)
The best self tanning removers
1 – St. Tropez Tan Remover Prep and Mantain
It is one of the most popular and is easy to apply, plus it is excellent at removing residue.
Where to buy: Ulta.com
2 -Bondi Sands Tan Eraser
It is not aggressive with the skin and one of its most important characteristics is that it contains aloe vera, so although it helps with exfoliation, the irritation is less; best of all, it works in 5 minutes.
Where to buy: Amazon
3 – Bronze Tan Makeup Remover
It has a pleasant coconut scent, is non-irritating to the skin, and works both to remove self-tanner completely and to correct specific mistakes.
Where to buy: Amazon
4 – Tan Eraser Exfoliating Sunless Tan Removal Foam Cleanser
This self-tanning remover works for 5 to 10 minutes, has a cherry aroma and its main advantage is that it also works as skin preparation before tanning.
Where to buy: Amazon
5 – Model Co. Exfoliating Soap Remover for Self Tanner
Before using this product, you should take into account that since it is an exfoliant (in a bar soap presentation) it is not recommended that you use it on your face.
However, it is perfect for use when the color takes a long time to fade and in specific areas such as between the fingers and toes.
Where to buy: Amazon
6 – Glow Peel Pads from the Sephora Collection
These Sephora pads are perfect for removing self-tanning from the face, as they are gentle on the skin thanks to the fact that they are made with glycolic acid and aloe vera.
Use it on the skin of your face every three nights and the color of the tan will diminish little by little.
Where to buy: Sephora
