How to Get Rid of a Streaky Fake Tan

Fake tanning products, such as sunless tanning lotions and sprays, can safely give your skin a sun-kissed glow. Since the sun's rays and tanning booths are leading causes of skin cancer, many people opt for fake tans over the real thing. If a sunless tanning product is applied poorly, streaks may occur. Thankfully, with simple care, you can effectively get rid of a streaky fake tan.

Things You'll Need

• Self-tanner remover lotion Body scrub Loofah Washcloth Hydroxy acids Lemon Knife

Instructions

1. Use self-tanner remover lotions. These lotions simply reverse the effects of sunless tanners, helping to remove the dye from your skin. If you have a streaky fake tan, apply the self-tanner remover lotion to the darker areas. You can effectively lighten them so they blend in with the rest of your fake tan.

2. Exfoliate. To give you the sun-kissed look, self-tanning products dye the top layers of your skin. If you exfoliate those top layers away, you'll get rid of the fake tan. Use a body scrub and a loofah or washcloth to exfoliate your skin multiple times daily. Use firm pressure, but don't press so hard that you damage your skin. If your skin looks red or raw after exfoliation, you are using too much pressure.

3. Sit in a hot tub. The hot water will soften your top layers of skin, loosening the sunless tanning products. If the hot tub has jets, use them. They will circulate the water against your skin, encouraging exfoliation. If you don't have a hot tub, simply soak in a hot bathtub for approximately 20 minutes.

4. Apply hydroxy acids. These acids occur naturally and encourage skin cell regeneration. This means that new skin cells will be produced more rapidly, to replace your streaked, dyed skin cells. You can find hydroxy acids in a range of skincare products, such as cleansers, toners and serums. Apply the products to the areas that are streaky.

5. Slice a lemon in half. Squeeze the juice onto your fake tan streaks. The acidity of lemon juice lightens darkened areas. It will cause the dark streaks of your fake tan to lighten, allowing them to better blend in with surrounding skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Exfoliate your skin before using self-tanning products. You'll get a more even application and be less likely to experience streaks.