How to Fix Self Tanner Mistakes

When they are applied correctly, self tanners can be a beautiful alternative to baking in the sun. Self tanning mistakes can occur when you apply too much self tanner in a spot, resulting in a big blotch of brown discoloration.

You can reduce the chances of a self tanning disaster by carefully preparing your skin 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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 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. A washcloth will perform just as well in most situations.

2. Exfoliate the streaked areas repeatedly over several sessions and you'll gradually start to see the areas lighten and 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.

3. 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.

4. If you apply too much of your self tanning product to one area during application, you can 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.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you've corrected your self tanning problems, be sure to start a regular exfoliation and moisturizing program to prevent a future self tanning disaster.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.

[anitamarie]

on 5/19/2008 Use cream hair remover lotion to remove self tanner, I found out the hard way one year and now keep it handy just for that reason.