Changing My Hairstyle

A spray tan is a great way to achieve brown, glowing skin without the damage that can result from harmful UV rays. However, the pigments in a spray tan only penetrate the outer layer of skin. As a result, if you are dissatisfied with the look of the tan or simply need to remove it from a particular area, such as the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands, lightening the tan is possible. Here are a few ways to remove a spray tan before it wears off naturally:

Loofah or Bath Mitt

Since loofahs and bath mitts are used for exfoliation, they are great choices for spray tan removal. Simply soak in a relaxing bubble bath for about half an hour and then gently scrub your skin in a circular motion with your loofah or mitt. Be sure to use circular strokes so that your skin doesn't have a linear, streaky appearance.  After exfoliating, rinse well, dry and apply a moisturizer.

Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is available over-the-counter in a three percent solution. The liquid, which is often used to disinfect scrapes and cuts, can also help lighten your spray tan. You should rub or massage the hydrogen peroxide into the skin at the sites you want to lighten and allow it to sit for several minutes. You can then dry the area by patting it with a cloth, or if the tan appears to be especially stubborn, rub the area vigorously with a coarse towel.

Oil and a Scrub

Another removal method includes the use of a moisturizing oil, such as coconut oil, olive oil or baby oil. The oil should be left on the skin until mostly absorbed. Then, you can exfoliate with a sugar or salt scrub. If you don't have a commercial scrub available, you can use a handful of Epson salt, sea salt or granulated sugar. As a alternative to the scrub, you can use a bath mitt, a bath brush or a loofah.

There are multiple ways to remove a spray tan. However, there are instances in which you will simply have to pair daily exfoliation with patience. The best way to avoid the need for a removal is to have your spray tan applied by a professional. If you would like to safely tan to prepare for an upcoming event or simply to improve the look of your skin, contact a professional tanning salon in your area.