Most of us have been there. Especially with the dismal winter we’ve had. You’re feeling pale and pasty; lacking that healthy glow. A little self tanner couldn’t hurt, right?
Nobody is perfect. And frankly, I’ve yet to meet anyone who can execute a flawless self tan.
Self tan fixes fall into two categories: preventative, and restorative. Let’s talk about them.
As Kim has shown us, hands are particularly susceptible to dryness. Concentrate on the hands, elbows, knees, and ankles.
Once exfoliated, apply moisturizer liberally to these areas to create a buffer. Let it soak in so the tan will still take.
-AFTER the tan is applied, the waiting game begins. Is it even? Is it too dark? Is it streaky? Here are a few remedies for self tanning blunders.
1.) For streakiness, baking soda works great. Instead of applying it straight to the skin, mix it with a mild cleanser on a washcloth or loofah and work it into the affected area. This method is gentle enough to not dissipate the whole tan, it will simply alleviate streaky patches.
2.) For orangeness or over-saturation in dry areas, toothpaste is a savior! Don’t bother getting the expensive, whitening kind. Any toothpaste will do. It works fast, too. Use a small amount (less than a quarter size) to affected areas. Massage in as if you would rub in lotion. Rinse off with warm water and repeat until desired results are achieved.
3.) If you happen to have any extra lemons lying around, cut them in half and rub the flesh on the streaky, and/or orange areas. The acid in the lemon breaks up the tanning solution, and relatively quickly. If the skin is dry, the lemon may sting a bit. If you go this route, make sure to cleanse the skin immediately afterwards and liberally apply moisturizer.
Self tanner, although much more safe and healthy than traditional tanning, can be much more unpredicatable. Prepare yourself, and your skin before application; and if mishaps occur, a remedy is just a cupboard or medicine cabinet away!
Melanie