5 Ways to Fix a Self-Tanner Disaster — Fast

Let’s admit it — many of us fantasize about achieving that bronzed beach babe look the second temperatures even come close to hitting 70 degrees. In an effort to prevent compromising our skin’s health and risking skin cancer for this seasonal dream, we go for the quick-fix: sunless tanner. But what happens when this sun-kissed dream quickly shifts to a nightmare and instead of looking like a golden goddess, your skin resembles that of an Oompa Loompa? Have no fear. If you fall victim to a tanning disaster and end up experiencing some unsightly streaking (on date night, no less) on those tricky, hard-to-reach areas, we’ve detailed five great ways to remove any hint of tangerine tint.

1. Start Scrubbing

Self-tanning products are notoriously stubborn, but with a little elbow grease, they can be removed fairly easy. Use a gentle sugar exfoliant like Kiehl’s Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub to slough the pigment away without irritating your skin.

2. Bask in 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.  

3. Grab Some Lemons

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

4. Lather on a 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, creamy cleanser such as Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser to wash away the pigment.  

5. 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.

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