How to Remove a Fake Tan
Fake tans involve the application of a solution
consisting of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to the external layer of the skin.
DHA oxidizes the skin cells which thus turn to a nice golden brown
color, if properly done. Under normal circumstances, these cells are
shed naturally and the tan disappears within 4-6 days. However many
people have had bad experiences with self-tanning. The most common
mistake is overdoing it so that instead of a brown color one gets black
or worse: different shades of color in different places! These people
are in a hurry to remove the fake tan, particularly if they have been
tanning for a big event. The Net abounds with scores of solutions
against the fake tan.
Here are some of them:
• Toothpaste—apply some of toothpaste to the tanned area and rub slowly.
The fake tan should be removed after scrubbing for a while.
• Salt and lemon—rubbing salt with one half of a lemon is helpful. The
acidity of the lemon combined with the effect of abrasion of the salt
helps remove the tanned cells of the surface.
• Soap and pumice stone—apply soap generously to the tanned area and rub
gently with the pumice stone. A gentle circular motion should get you
adequate results.
• Lemon juice—apply some lemon juice and leave to dry. Once dried, rub
with fingers. The tan should come off in small rolls of skin.
• Hydrogen Peroxide—apply with cotton wool. Avoid face and sensitive
areas, however. Wash thoroughly afterwards.
• Exfoliation-with the same exfoliators you used before applying the
tan.
• Baby wipes—use them to scrub the skin thoroughly.
• Tan removal wipes—these can usually be purchased at the chemists and
are specifically made for self tanning solutions.
• Baking Soda—during the bath, shave off and apply some baking soda to
the affected area. Rub with palms or with a wash cloth.
 Gradually, go
over the whole body with special attention to the elbows, knees and
under the armpits. You may need to repeat the process until you obtain
satisfactory results. All these methods work by removing the dead cells of the skin, that is
by accelerating the natural cycle that would normally cause the tan to
fade away in a couple of days. Thus, if these techniques do not work,
the only remaining option is to wait it out (even if you have to stay
hidden during that period!). There is of course no guarantee that all
these methods will work for everybody. Some people with sensitive skin
may have adverse reactions. It is therefore better to try out the
technique of your choice in a small area of your skin and monitor it for
a day. If nothing happens, then the technique is probably safe for you. Even so, in order to avoid such bad experiences in the first place,
adequate precautions must be taken when applying self tanning solutions.
If you are new at it, try getting professional help from a spa or salon.
This may spare you some unnecessary trouble. |
