How to Get Rid of a Bad Fake Tan

When you're standing in front of the fake tan product at the store, it always seems like such a good idea. You get great color, without the worry of harmful rays of the sun. However, if your application was a bit streaky and you look like you've been painted by a 3 year old, here are some tips to get rid of a bad fake tan.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Rubbing alcohol
• Self-tanner remover
• Buffing cloth (think loofah)
• Witch hazel

1. Apply a layer of Witch Hazel to the area in which you want to rid yourself of the fake tan. This is a good method for a small area on your body rather than the whole thing. Apply the Witch Hazel with a cloth and rub into the skin. Rinse with water and pat dry. After a few applications to the area, you'll notice that your fake tan is gone.
2. Use Hydrogen peroxide to remove the fake tan. Many people keep Hydrogen Peroxide in their medicine cupboard. In the same way that it bubbles up and disinfects a cut, it bubbles up performing a sort of liquid exfoliation on your skin. Apply with a cloth, allow it to sit for a minute, then rinse and pat dry. Repeat until that fake tan is eradicated.
3. Scrub your body with a dermatological buffing cloth. Several companies make them and they will be available at your local beauty supply store. Think of a loofah sponge, but in cloth form. As you scrub your skin with warm soapy water, the fake tan will be on its merry way.
4. Rub self-tanner remover all over your body. The manufacturers of self-tanner got smart and created an antidote for the fake tan. Available at drug stores, this cream will penetrate the layers of the skin and lighten the bad fake tan. Then moments later, you rinse and dry.
5. Place rubbing alcohol on your skin and scrub with a wash cloth. Rubbing alcohol will counteract many compounds in most self-tanners. Simply rinse after your application and repeat until the color has been completely removed.

Tips & Warnings

• If all else fails, take a few showers with hot soapy water. Your skin will shed the top layers where the tanner is sealed and you'll be rid of that bad fake tan in just a couple of days.