Difference between revisions of "Fix a Fake Tan"
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Laying in the sun for that summer glow is always tempting, but it comes with consequences like retinal damage, sunspots, wrinkles, and leathery skin. Fortunately, there are fake, self-tanners that create the illusion of sun-kissed skin! Unfortunately, they can be tricky to properly apply. Waking up to discover that your fake tan has made you look like a zebra can be panicking, and when a fake tan does in fact look incredibly fake, with streaks and smudges, it ends up being a modern day beauty disaster and major disappointment. It is all too easy to commit a mistake when applying fake tans, but don't worry because there are numerous remedies to fix each problem. Fake tanning is a learned skill and it is almost impossible to get it totally right the first time trying. Everyone's skin is unique which means that tanning products will react differently on everyone. Your tan might turn out blotchy, uneven or even orange, but there are ways to even out or even remove those unnatural looking spots. | Laying in the sun for that summer glow is always tempting, but it comes with consequences like retinal damage, sunspots, wrinkles, and leathery skin. Fortunately, there are fake, self-tanners that create the illusion of sun-kissed skin! Unfortunately, they can be tricky to properly apply. Waking up to discover that your fake tan has made you look like a zebra can be panicking, and when a fake tan does in fact look incredibly fake, with streaks and smudges, it ends up being a modern day beauty disaster and major disappointment. It is all too easy to commit a mistake when applying fake tans, but don't worry because there are numerous remedies to fix each problem. Fake tanning is a learned skill and it is almost impossible to get it totally right the first time trying. Everyone's skin is unique which means that tanning products will react differently on everyone. Your tan might turn out blotchy, uneven or even orange, but there are ways to even out or even remove those unnatural looking spots. | ||
| − | [[Category:Sun and Sunless Tanning]] | + | [[Category: Sun and Sunless Tanning]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Evening out Dark Spots and Streaks === | === Evening out Dark Spots and Streaks === | ||
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#*First, exfoliate your skin by dampening your face with warm water and then gently rubbing your skin in circular motions with a cream or wash cloth. | #*First, exfoliate your skin by dampening your face with warm water and then gently rubbing your skin in circular motions with a cream or wash cloth. | ||
#*Then, apply a generous amount of face lotion, again rubbing in circular motions which will help restore your natural tone. | #*Then, apply a generous amount of face lotion, again rubbing in circular motions which will help restore your natural tone. | ||
| − | #*Lastly, apply the foundation or tinted moisturizer, covering your face and neck evenly resulting in a fresh face. Stay away from heavier foundations that may draw attention to any uneven colors.<ref>http://www.divinecaroline.com/beauty/skincare/tanning/how-prevent-and-fix-self-tanning-disasters</ref> | + | #*Lastly, apply the foundation or tinted moisturizer, covering your face and neck evenly resulting in a fresh face. Stay away from heavier foundations that may draw attention to any uneven colors.<ref name="rf1">http://www.divinecaroline.com/beauty/skincare/tanning/how-prevent-and-fix-self-tanning-disasters</ref> |
#Skip the bronzers and blushes. Adding a third shade of tan to your face will only exacerbate the problem. When choosing the right foundation color for you, don't match it only to the tone of your face. It is wiser to match it to the tone of your neck so you do not have two different skin tones visible. | #Skip the bronzers and blushes. Adding a third shade of tan to your face will only exacerbate the problem. When choosing the right foundation color for you, don't match it only to the tone of your face. It is wiser to match it to the tone of your neck so you do not have two different skin tones visible. | ||
#*Next time, don't use fake tan on your face. Instead, buy a foundation that matches your skin with the fake tan. You can then play around with your foundation by mixing it with your lighter color to match your fake tan as it fades. | #*Next time, don't use fake tan on your face. Instead, buy a foundation that matches your skin with the fake tan. You can then play around with your foundation by mixing it with your lighter color to match your fake tan as it fades. | ||
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#*Stop along the bottom sides of your feet. | #*Stop along the bottom sides of your feet. | ||
#Go all natural with sugar exfoliation to even out dark spots. Organic sugar scrubs, as will products with lactic acid, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), help cell turnover. The best type of sugar to use is organic brown sugar because the grains are softer and smoother. Simply mix one part sugar with two parts water together in a bowl. After you have your mixture ready, softly spread it onto the problem areas with your fingers and rub it onto your skin for about one minute. Let it sit for three to five minutes before rinsing off with warm water. | #Go all natural with sugar exfoliation to even out dark spots. Organic sugar scrubs, as will products with lactic acid, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), help cell turnover. The best type of sugar to use is organic brown sugar because the grains are softer and smoother. Simply mix one part sugar with two parts water together in a bowl. After you have your mixture ready, softly spread it onto the problem areas with your fingers and rub it onto your skin for about one minute. Let it sit for three to five minutes before rinsing off with warm water. | ||
| − | #*This sugary fix helps to hide unnatural hues and it’s a safe and natural alternative to lathering your skin with synthetic chemicals that may do more harm than good.<ref>http://beauty.about.com/od/faketanners/a/selftan.htm</ref> | + | #*This sugary fix helps to hide unnatural hues and it’s a safe and natural alternative to lathering your skin with synthetic chemicals that may do more harm than good.<ref name="rf2">http://beauty.about.com/od/faketanners/a/selftan.htm</ref> |
=== Removing the Tan Completely === | === Removing the Tan Completely === | ||
#Combine sugar and fresh lemon juice to remove botched fake tans. Lemon juice is naturally acidic and it acts like a mild bleach. It works to remove unwanted color from patchy and flaky tans. Make sure you use fresh lemon juice because already squeezed lemonade that you buy at the store may have different chemicals in it that you may not want to apply onto your skin. Simply cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice out into a bowl. | #Combine sugar and fresh lemon juice to remove botched fake tans. Lemon juice is naturally acidic and it acts like a mild bleach. It works to remove unwanted color from patchy and flaky tans. Make sure you use fresh lemon juice because already squeezed lemonade that you buy at the store may have different chemicals in it that you may not want to apply onto your skin. Simply cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice out into a bowl. | ||
#*Then, mix one cup of raw sugar with 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. | #*Then, mix one cup of raw sugar with 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. | ||
| − | #*Dip a cotton ball into your mixture, and wipe the streaky orange areas using circular motions. Your candy corn discoloration should be diluted after several minutes of light massaging.<ref>http://www.beflattered.com/age-matters/articles/How-to-get-the-Perfect-Fake-Tan-4.aspx</ref> | + | #*Dip a cotton ball into your mixture, and wipe the streaky orange areas using circular motions. Your candy corn discoloration should be diluted after several minutes of light massaging.<ref name="rf3">http://www.beflattered.com/age-matters/articles/How-to-get-the-Perfect-Fake-Tan-4.aspx</ref> |
#*Use a loofa or other scrub brush with the lemon juice and sugar mix for a more aggressive way of completely removing your fake tan. | #*Use a loofa or other scrub brush with the lemon juice and sugar mix for a more aggressive way of completely removing your fake tan. | ||
| − | #Turn to baking soda and lemon juice for a gentle scrub. Sugar is course and can be rough to scrub against your skin. If yours is too sensitive for the sweet solution, try baking soda instead to strip the fake tan right off. It is nonabrasive and leaves your skin feeling incredibly smooth. However, it may take a little longer to get rid of the streaks.<ref>http://laurenconrad.com/blog/2012/07/beauty-faux-pas-how-to-nix-remove-get-rid-of-a-bad-fake-tan/</ref> | + | #Turn to baking soda and lemon juice for a gentle scrub. Sugar is course and can be rough to scrub against your skin. If yours is too sensitive for the sweet solution, try baking soda instead to strip the fake tan right off. It is nonabrasive and leaves your skin feeling incredibly smooth. However, it may take a little longer to get rid of the streaks.<ref name="rf4">http://laurenconrad.com/blog/2012/07/beauty-faux-pas-how-to-nix-remove-get-rid-of-a-bad-fake-tan/</ref> |
#*Grab a bowl and mix equal parts baking soda with fresh lemon juice. Mix together until the powder becomes a paste. If your mixture seems more like a liquid, add more baking soda. You want the spread to stay on your skin and not run right off. | #*Grab a bowl and mix equal parts baking soda with fresh lemon juice. Mix together until the powder becomes a paste. If your mixture seems more like a liquid, add more baking soda. You want the spread to stay on your skin and not run right off. | ||
#*After you have developed your desired consistency, spread it on your skin and begin rubbing in soft, circular motions. Focus on the areas of extreme streakiness until the unwanted tan disappears. Don't scrub for more than three minutes. | #*After you have developed your desired consistency, spread it on your skin and begin rubbing in soft, circular motions. Focus on the areas of extreme streakiness until the unwanted tan disappears. Don't scrub for more than three minutes. | ||
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#Head to your nearest drug store and pick yourself up a bottle of hair removal cream. A quality hair removal cream should help to erase those disastrous fake tan spots. | #Head to your nearest drug store and pick yourself up a bottle of hair removal cream. A quality hair removal cream should help to erase those disastrous fake tan spots. | ||
#*Simply apply your hair removal cream, let it sit for the recommended time in the directions on the package, and wipe off. While this may work like an eraser, beware of skin irritation. Hair removal cream works by using strong chemicals that strip off dead skin cells. | #*Simply apply your hair removal cream, let it sit for the recommended time in the directions on the package, and wipe off. While this may work like an eraser, beware of skin irritation. Hair removal cream works by using strong chemicals that strip off dead skin cells. | ||
| − | #*If you have sensitive skin, this may not be the best method for you.<ref>http://topbeautybrands.com/how-to-fix-a-fake-tan/</ref> | + | #*If you have sensitive skin, this may not be the best method for you.<ref name="rf5">http://topbeautybrands.com/how-to-fix-a-fake-tan/</ref> |
#Use a scrubbing mitt to remove fake tan quickly. If you notice shortly after application that your tan is headed in the wrong direction, the fastest method is to slough it off with a specialty exfoliator mitt. These mitts are double-sided for easy access to areas that are hard to reach. Before using, it is important to soften your skin in the shower or bath first and dampen the mitt. | #Use a scrubbing mitt to remove fake tan quickly. If you notice shortly after application that your tan is headed in the wrong direction, the fastest method is to slough it off with a specialty exfoliator mitt. These mitts are double-sided for easy access to areas that are hard to reach. Before using, it is important to soften your skin in the shower or bath first and dampen the mitt. | ||
| − | #*Squeeze any excess water from the mitt and use reasonable pressure to rub your skin in a rapid vertical direction. You should see folds of dead skin and more importantly, fake tan, begin to roll away.<ref>http://fashionista.com/2013/05/how-to-remove-self-tanner-fix#3</ref> | + | #*Squeeze any excess water from the mitt and use reasonable pressure to rub your skin in a rapid vertical direction. You should see folds of dead skin and more importantly, fake tan, begin to roll away.<ref name="rf6">http://fashionista.com/2013/05/how-to-remove-self-tanner-fix#3</ref> |
#*Soak in a bath to remove self-tanner pigment. This is a great way to loosen the top most layer of dead skin cells before you use your mitt. | #*Soak in a bath to remove self-tanner pigment. This is a great way to loosen the top most layer of dead skin cells before you use your mitt. | ||
| − | #*Add in a body wash to your bath to create bubbles that will also help exfoliate your skin.<ref | + | #*Add in a body wash to your bath to create bubbles that will also help exfoliate your skin.<ref name="rf6" /> |
=== Preventing Fake Tan Mistakes === | === Preventing Fake Tan Mistakes === | ||
| − | #Understand the process of fake tans. Sunless tanning products work on the top layer of skin which are the dead skin cells you rub off during exfoliation. The dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in the fake tan products reacts with the amino acids in the dead skin cells to produce melanoids, which result in increased pigmentation in that top layer. This means that a sunless tan only goes as deep as the top layer of your skin, and does not extend any further.<ref | + | #Understand the process of fake tans. Sunless tanning products work on the top layer of skin which are the dead skin cells you rub off during exfoliation. The dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in the fake tan products reacts with the amino acids in the dead skin cells to produce melanoids, which result in increased pigmentation in that top layer. This means that a sunless tan only goes as deep as the top layer of your skin, and does not extend any further.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*To create a good fake tan, you have to start with an even top layer of skin. | #*To create a good fake tan, you have to start with an even top layer of skin. | ||
#Prep your skin beforehand. Total body exfoliation and moisturizing are a must for even fake tan results. Shave your legs, exfoliate your body and face, and moisturize everywhere you apply the fake tan. Start exfoliating a few days before you self-tan, and avoid over-moisturizing immediately before you apply the product. | #Prep your skin beforehand. Total body exfoliation and moisturizing are a must for even fake tan results. Shave your legs, exfoliate your body and face, and moisturize everywhere you apply the fake tan. Start exfoliating a few days before you self-tan, and avoid over-moisturizing immediately before you apply the product. | ||
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#*When you dry off, make sure you are pat dry dry instead of rub dry with a towel. Rubbing will remove your tan because your skin will be wet and soft. | #*When you dry off, make sure you are pat dry dry instead of rub dry with a towel. Rubbing will remove your tan because your skin will be wet and soft. | ||
#*After your shower, be sure to moisturize your entire body. | #*After your shower, be sure to moisturize your entire body. | ||
| − | #Try using tinted self-tan products. These fake tanners are most fool-proof because you can see the distribution of the sunless tanner before it develops. Using tinted products usually produce better results. Opt for a lotion instead of a quick-drying foam, for a better window of opportunity to correct any uneven spots before the DHA starts reacting with your skin and sets.<ref | + | #Try using tinted self-tan products. These fake tanners are most fool-proof because you can see the distribution of the sunless tanner before it develops. Using tinted products usually produce better results. Opt for a lotion instead of a quick-drying foam, for a better window of opportunity to correct any uneven spots before the DHA starts reacting with your skin and sets.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Stay away from that orange glow. When trying out a new brand of self-tanner, always start with a light to medium shade, rather than a dark one at first. You can always go back and apply the darker shade, but it is difficult to undo the damage once you've turned bright orange. For the first time using a fake tan, you can even try diluting your self tanner by mixing it with equal parts lotion. | #Stay away from that orange glow. When trying out a new brand of self-tanner, always start with a light to medium shade, rather than a dark one at first. You can always go back and apply the darker shade, but it is difficult to undo the damage once you've turned bright orange. For the first time using a fake tan, you can even try diluting your self tanner by mixing it with equal parts lotion. | ||
#*If you do decide to dilute the fake tan, make sure you mix them completely together so you don't end up with streaks and spots. | #*If you do decide to dilute the fake tan, make sure you mix them completely together so you don't end up with streaks and spots. | ||
| − | #Keep your fake tan from premature fading. Since you can exfoliate to fade an uneven tan, you can also exfoliate away a perfect tan. To keep your beautiful glow around as long as possible, avoid shaving your legs for 48 hours after you've applied the product. Also, for the first few days after application, don't take long baths or go in chlorine-filled pools, because they will rub off the top layer of skin and interfere with the DHA reaction.<ref | + | #Keep your fake tan from premature fading. Since you can exfoliate to fade an uneven tan, you can also exfoliate away a perfect tan. To keep your beautiful glow around as long as possible, avoid shaving your legs for 48 hours after you've applied the product. Also, for the first few days after application, don't take long baths or go in chlorine-filled pools, because they will rub off the top layer of skin and interfere with the DHA reaction.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Use gloves to prevent orange palms. Nothing says faux tan like orange palms and feet. To make sure this does not happen, apply the tanning lotion or cream with latex or plastic gloves. However, it can be slightly more challenging to apply the tanner with gloves on, so if you think it will cause more harm than good, skip the gloves and just make sure you wash your hands many times during the application process. | #Use gloves to prevent orange palms. Nothing says faux tan like orange palms and feet. To make sure this does not happen, apply the tanning lotion or cream with latex or plastic gloves. However, it can be slightly more challenging to apply the tanner with gloves on, so if you think it will cause more harm than good, skip the gloves and just make sure you wash your hands many times during the application process. | ||
#*Work on one body part at a time, and wash your hands before moving on to the next area. | #*Work on one body part at a time, and wash your hands before moving on to the next area. | ||
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#*When you are ready to dress, don't wear tight clothes or thick fabrics. Instead, put on cotton so your skin can breath. The best thing to wear would be a cotton bath robe for a couple hours. | #*When you are ready to dress, don't wear tight clothes or thick fabrics. Instead, put on cotton so your skin can breath. The best thing to wear would be a cotton bath robe for a couple hours. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
