5 Ways to Quickly Fix a Self-Tanner Disaster

May 12, 2022
Jessica Harrington
By: Jessica Harrington | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
person's hand resting on their bare thigh

Let’s admit it:Many of us fantasize about achieving that bronzed beach babe look once temperatures come close to hitting 70 degrees, especially those of us with naturally fair skin. In an effort to prevent compromising your skin’s health and risking skin cancer for this seasonal dream, we suggest the quick (and safe!) fix: self-tanner. But if your results end up looking less like a post-vacation glow and more like a streaky orange mistake, don’t worry. Keep reading for five easy ways to remove your self-tanner fast. 

Start (Gently!) Scrubbing

Self-tanning products are notoriously stubborn, but with a little elbow grease, they can be removed fairly easily. Use a gentle sugar exfoliant like the L'Oréal Paris Pure Sugar Scrub to slough the pigment away without irritating your skin.

L'Oréal Paris Pure Sugar Scrub

Try Baking Soda

Considering it’s used for everything from teeth whitening to carpet cleaning, it’s no surprise that baking soda is also a remedy for sunless-tanner removal. Pour some baking soda onto a damp washcloth and gently scrub the skin in a circular motion. Rinse, dry and repeat the process every few hours until the color is gone.  

Grab Some Lemons

These little sour fruits work wonders on self-tanning blunders! Slice up a lemon (or lemons, depending on the severity of your situation), rub it onto the targeted area and voilà, your streaks will be gone.  

Lather on Cleanser

A little soap and water go a long way. To address any streaky self-tanning issues — or when cleansing your hands of tanner residue — apply a light, oil-based cleanser such as the Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser to wash away the pigment.  

Try Baby Oil

Apply baby oil after a warm bath or shower and let it settle on your skin for about ten minutes. The oil loosens and lifts the pigment, decreasing the intensity of your tan — and it leaves your skin feeling super soft.

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser

Try Baby Oil

 

Slather on baby oil after a warm bath or shower and let it settle on your skin for about ten minutes. The oil loosens and lifts the pigment, decreasing the intensity of your tan — and it leaves your skin feeling super soft.


Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

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