How to Get Off Blotches From a Self-Tanner

Get a sun-kissed, even tan without the dangers of sunbathing.

Safer than sunbathing and cheaper than tanning beds and professional spray-on tans, self-tanner is available in rub- and spray-on lotions. When applied lightly and evenly, these self-tanners produce even results. However, if you are not careful, blotches or steaks may develop where the self-tanner was not applied evenly over the skin. If you do not use form-fitting rubber gloves during the application, blotches may develop on your hands. Don’t get frustrated; these blotches are easy to remove.

Things You'll Need

• Exfoliating soap
• Towel
• Pumice stone
• Moisturizing lotion
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Sugar
• Lemon

Instructions

1. Exfoliate the blotched areas of skin with an exfoliating soap to remove layers of dead skin and the sunless tanning lotion. Rub the exfoliate soap into your skin for a minute, rinse, pat dry and compare the skin to see if you need to exfoliate the blotch further. Repeat the application of the exfoliating soap to make the self-tanner more uniform, as necessary.

2. Exfoliate the blotched skin with a pumice stone if an exfoliating soap is not available or does not effectively remove the self-tanner blotches. Rub the pumice stone against your skin gently to prevent irritation. Rinse dead skin off the area and pat dry. Apply a moisturizing lotion to the skin after exfoliating, using a pumice stone.

3. Create your own exfoliating rub to remove the dead-skin cells and self-tanner from the blotched and streaked areas of your skin. Combine baking soda, salt or sugar with water to create a paste to work into the blotched skin. Rinse, dry, examine the skin for tone unevenness and reapply the homemade exfoliating rub to even the skin tone and remove the streaks or blotches, as necessary.

4. Fade the blotched area of skin by rubbing a slice of lemon over the stain. Alternatively, soak your hands in water to cause the self-tanner to fade more quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Many brands that create self-tanner also sell products such as wipes or scrubs you can use to remove self-tanning products.

References

• Safe Tanning.org: How to Remove Sunless Tanning Lotion From Your Hands
• Mayo Clinic: Sunless Tanning – A Safe Alternative to Sunbathing

Resources

• Good Housekeeping: Tan Like a Pro