It's the go-to solution when it comes to giving yourself a tan before summer. But sometimes you can get carried away... How can you remove excess self-tanner from your skin? Here's a practical guide.

Self-tanner is a cosmetic product designed to give your skin the appearance of a natural tan without the need to expose yourself to the sun. It is also known as a fake tan, but it has nothing to do with artificial tanning in UV booths. Self-tanner is available in various forms, such as lotions, creams, sprays, or mousses, and provides a uniform tan...

It's worth knowing that most self-tanners contain an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is a type of sugar that reacts chemically with dead skin cells to produce a brown pigment called melanoidin. When you apply self-tanner to your skin, the DHA interacts with the upper layer of the skin, causing a temporary color that can last from a few days to about a week—this is what creates a "fake tan". 

Applying self-tanner is an art form. Indeed, it generally requires careful skin preparation to achieve the best results. For example, it is recommended to exfoliate your skin before application to remove dead skin cells and achieve a smooth surface. It is also important to apply the self-tanner evenly and consistently to avoid patches or darker areas. But sometimes these instructions aren't fully followed, the application can go wrong, and you need to be able to fix it. 

How to remove a botched self-tan from your skin? 

Whether it's botched (oops, orange streaks) or you've simply changed your mind afterwards, it's best to know the different ways to remove self-tanner once it has been applied to your skin. Fortunately, nothing is permanent, so if you got carried away during application, don't panic. You can fix it with the right steps. 

Exfoliating the skin

Exfoliation is one of the most effective methods for removing excess self-tan streaks. Use a gentle scrub, exfoliating sponge, or exfoliating mitt (scrubbing mitt) to gently rub the skin in circular motions. This will help remove dead skin cells as well as self-tan pigments from the surface of the skin barrier. You can also make a body scrub yourself at home by mixing sugar or salt with olive or coconut oil.

The magic of lemon juice

Lemon juice is known for its natural brightening properties. Apply fresh lemon juice to the areas where you want to remove excess self-tanner and leave it on for a few minutes. Then, rinse with lukewarm water. Be sure not to expose your skin to the sun immediately after applying lemon juice, as it can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.

Baking soda

 Baking soda mixed with water works wonders for pretty much everything... In addition to being an excellent household ally, it can also help remove excess self-tanner. How? Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water until you get a thick consistency. Apply the paste to the affected areas, rub gently, and rinse with lukewarm water.

Cleansing milk

Cleansing milk can be effective at removing self-tanner. Soak a cotton pad with cleansing milk and gently wipe it over the areas to be treated. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Vegetable oil 

Olive oil, walnut oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil can help break down stubborn self-tan streaks on the skin. Apply your favorite vegetable oil to the skin, massage gently, and leave it on for a few minutes. Then, rinse with lukewarm water.

Be aware that these methods are natural and although they have already proven their worth, it is important to note that they may not completely remove the self-tanner after the first application. You may need to repeat the process several times to achieve the desired results. Obviously, and as after every skincare routine,  make sure to moisturize your skin (especially if you have dry skin) with a moisturizer after removing the self-tanner to keep your skin beautiful.