If you’ve used self-tanner before, you’ve probably ended up with streaks every now and then, which can be really frustrating. If you ever end up in this situation, you’ll be happy to hear there are solutions and these are the different ways to remove self-tanner streaks.
How do self-tanning streaks happen?
Before learning to remove self-tanning streaks, it can be useful to know what causes them, as you could perhaps avoid them in the future.
One of the most common mistakes when self-tanning, which leads to streaks as well as other problems, is bad preparation. The correct preparation before self-tanning is key, and it will make all the difference to your tan. If you want to know how to prepare properly, read on.
Another mistake that causes streaks is using the wrong products for your skin. Everyone’s skin is different, so you should keep in mind that some products work for some people, while they might not work for others. Find a product which is specific to your tan and suits your needs – remember there are different types of self-tanner available for your use.
Everyone knows that there are certain places which are so much harder to tan than the rest of your body, such as your back or your hands. If you struggle with self-tanning hard-to-reach places, maybe it’s a good idea to ask someone to help you (if that’s possible) or invest in a product that solves this problem.
When you are waiting for the colour to develop before washing off your self-tanner, avoid wearing tight clothes as these stick to the skin and can cause streaks. Wear loose clothing and also choose something which won’t easily stain.
How do you remove self-tanning streaks?
Despite proper preparation, self-tanning streaks can still appear. There are different methods you can use to remove them.
Method #1: Body scrub
Start by wetting the area where you have streaks in your self-tan and take some body scrub. Gently rub this around in the area to exfoliate the top skin cells off and rinse. Repeat until you are happy with the result.
Although you should have exfoliated beforehand, sometimes you may miss a spot. This method is especially good for when you have lots of streaks, for example, all over your legs, as it doesn’t take long.
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
One thing to bear in mind is that you will scrub away some of the self-tanner in the process, so this is best if you want to either remove the tan altogether or are planning to reapply afterward.
Method #2: Self-tanner remover
You can buy a self-tanner remover in any drugstore. Follow the instructions on the product – for most products, you should apply to dry skin, leave to soak in for a few minutes and rinse – to remove your self-tanner.
Once again, this method is suitable for removing a large area of self-tanner or your whole body and won’t be very effective on a small area as this can result in an uneven finish. Self-tanner removers are usually more effective than home remedies, especially if they are the same brand as the self-tanner you’ve used, as they have been formulated specifically to remove those chemicals.
- Enjoy Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser technology that effectively removes self tan in just 5 minutes, without excessive exfoliation. This unique cleansing formula also moisturizes and leaves the skin silky smooth.
- Our soothing aloe vera formula effectively removes self-tan and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth post-removal.
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Although a self-tanner remover may be a pricier option than others, it’s worth investing in one and keeping it with your tanning supplies, ready for when you need it.
Method #3: Glycolic acid
Choose a product which contains glycolic acid and use it to remove fake tan streaks. A wipe or toner is suitable, and you can use it to blend out the area and rinse when you’re done.
Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliator and has the same effect on your skin as using a body scrub. The acidic properties get to work at removing your upper layer of skin cells and therefore leave your skin smoother and your self-tanner more blended.
- GENTLY EXFOLIATES THE SKIN – Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Face Pads work to gently exfoliate and retexture skin; Use these exfoliating glycolic acid cleanser pads for face to reveal brighter and smoother skin
- WITCH HAZEL FOR BRIGHTER SKIN TONE – Glycolic face pads with witch hazel and blue daisy, known to even tone the skin to reveal a smoother and brighter complexion that’s more radiant-looking
- ANTI-AGING RESURFACING PADS – These pads come fully saturated with a solution containing 20% of pure Glycolic Acid. They exfoliate the skin and reduce scars, bumps, lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin feeling softer and smoother.
- BOOSTED WITH VITAMINS B5, C & E – Powerful antioxidants that will leave your skin fully hydrated and that will help repair photo-damage from UV rays.
- GLOWING MAKEUP REMOVER WIPES clean skin is the first step in any good skin care routine. These Glowing Makeup Removing Wipes are AHA towelettes that remove makeup and oil while helping reveal your most beautiful glow.
- PLANT FIBER TOWELETTES our plant fiber towelettes are made with the planet in mind
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Using a wipe infused with glycolic acid or a bit of cotton wool with some glycolic acid toner on it gives you more precision than a body scrub, and it’s less messy. You can find makeup wipes or exfoliating pads which are made with glycolic acid, or a glycolic acid toner. It doesn’t really matter what exact product you use, as long as it contains glycolic acid.
Method #4: Lemon juice
Get a bottle of lemon juice and pour some onto a piece of cotton wool. Use this to gently dab at the self-tanner and repeat in any other areas until you have blended it out.
Just like the glycolic acid, lemon has acidic properties which get to work on the skin and remove the layer of skin cells. You can use the lemon juice to almost blend out the self-tanner streak so that it appears less obvious and looks more natural.
Final thoughts
With the right preparation and technique, you should be able to prevent self-tanning streaks. Despite that, they can still appear sometimes so it’s useful to know these tricks and tips to removing and fixing self-tanning streaks. No matter your skin, budget, or aim, there’s a solution for everyone so you can have a flawless tan all-year-round.
