How to Fix or Remove a Spray-On Tan

As more and more information becomes available about the dangers of sun exposure, more and more people are opting for artificial tans. They give you the look of a natural tan, but without the harmful effects of the UV rays. But artificial tans aren't without their own risks. If you apply them incorrectly, they can be splotchy, stripey or just plain too dark. Luckily, artificial tans are easier to remove than the real thing.

Instructions

1. Hydrate your skin. The artificial tan is only on the first layer of skin. The best way to speed the removal of the tan is to speed the removal of this layer. A long soak in a warm tub of water will hydrate your skin cells, making them soft and plump and easier to exfoliate.

2. Exfoliate your skin. One of the best and most inexpensive exfoliating products is baking soda. Once you've hydrated your skin, place some baking soda in your hand or a wash cloth and rub it anywhere you'd like to remove the artificial tan. Rub firmly but gently. If your skin begins to become red, stop and allow your skin to rest. You may need to repeat this step several times. Avoid using baking soda around your eyes.

3. Take a swim. Bleach is useful to lighten a tan, but not advisable for use on a large portion of your body. An alternative to this is chlorinated pool water. This has the added perk of continuing to hydrate your skin and speeding up the sloughing process. A chlorinated hot tub would be best, as warm water enters your skin cells better than cold water.

4. Use the things the tanning products say to avoid. These include Dove shower gel, Curel lotion and bug spray.

5. Be patient. If all else fails, remember that your body naturally gets rid of that layer of skin on its own.