Kayla Young
Getting stuck with a fake tan gone wrong is pretty much a right of passage! We have all been there and ended up with either an orangey Cheetos color or a tan so dark it wouldn’t look real even if we had spent hours tanning in the hot sun.
Although our main goal when applying self-tanner is to get that gorgeous bronzed, yet subtle look. But it doesn’t always work out that way, right? Fake tans are an excellent way to get some color on your skin right before a vacation, a wedding, or any other event.
But if the tan goes sideways, you’ll want to know how to remove fake tan!
Does Baby Oil Remove Fake Tan?
Yes, baby oil removes fake tan, as long as you use it correctly.
In this article, we’ll explain how to remove fake tan with baby oil.
Contents
The Process of Removing a Fake Tan
You can’t wait a week for it to fade naturally. And you’ve decided you don’t want to lighten your sunless tan. So you’re ready to remove your imperfect sunless tan once and for all.
However, before doing so, you need to understand the process it requires.
All fake tans use a chemical called DHA, which reacts with dead skin cells on the surface layer of your skin. This pigment slowly develops into a darker color to give you the tan you may (or may not) have wanted.
If too much of the pigment is applied, it causes your fake tan to look unnatural and ugly.
This is particularly difficult with the hands and feet, heels, elbows, knees, etc.
On the other side, we also need to consider the intensity of the pigment. Different tanning products come in a variety of intensities.
So it isn’t just how much of the product you apply, but also how rich the pigments in the product are that determine the tan you end up with.
Keep in mind that this tan is only on the surface level of your skin, and is not a real tan.
Does Baby Oil Remove Fake Tan?
Yes, baby oil can remove fake tan, if you use it correctly. The easiest product to use to remove fake tan is a gentle and harmless bottle of baby oil, along with some exfoliation and a little Epsom salt.
Sounds too easy to be true, right? Well, take out your bottle from the cupboard and let us prove it to you.
Baby oil is one of the most effective weapons to combat a bad spray tan, and it does so without causing any damage to your skin.
We all love the smell of baby oil and how soft it makes our skin. You’re about to start loving this little product even more.
The easiest product to use to remove fake tan is a gentle and harmless bottle of baby oil, along with some exfoliation and a little Epsom salt.
Gone are the days of scrubbing the skin and intense exfoliation to remove the tanning pigments. We will instead go for a solution that nourishes and soothes our skin while eliminating all signs of that tan that didn’t work out.
When you exfoliate or use any other method to remove your tan, they all follow the same principle. All tan removal methods work to get rid of the skin cells at the top-most layer of your body, which hold all the pigments.
It’s known as the stratum corneum, and consists of dead skin cells that haven’t yet shed off.
What baby oil does is use a gentler approach to get rid of those dead cells. Due to its incredible hydrating properties, baby oil causes the surface of your skin to expand slightly as it gets absorbed deep inside the epidermis.
This releases the dead, tanned cells from the outermost layer of your skin.
These can then be washed off easily without requiring any harsh scrubbing or chemical exfoliation. You won’t even need to use a loofah or mitt to get them off!
A bonus advantage of using baby oil is its hydrating properties that will help lock down some much-needed moisture in your skin as it recovers from that fake tan.
So, while other remedies and products dry out your skin and damage the cells to remove your tan, baby oil functions in the opposite way. And more effectively, too!
How To Remove Fake Tan With Baby Oil
Now that you know of all the wonders this magic oil can do for your skin let’s figure out how to use it against your fake tan. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through.
What You Will Need
- Baby oil
- Epsom salts
- Old Pajamas
- Your favorite Pretty Little Liars episode
Step 1 – Undress and Prep
Grab your baby oil and undress to begin the application process.
Step 2 – Apply Baby Oil Where You Ned to Remove Tanner
Apply the baby oil to all the areas where you wish to remove the fake tan from. Make sure your application is generous, and all the spots are coated well by the oil. You can even do it for a full-body deep-moisturizing session and just apply it everywhere.
Step 3 – Loose Pajamas or Junky Clothing
Put on our old pajamas to protect your clothing from becoming oily and gross. Baby oil can stain fabrics, so you don’t want to get any over a new shirt.
Step 4 – Let The Baby Oil Soak Into Your Skin
Leave the oil to soak for 30 minutes to an hour as you relax and watch some Netflix.
What a way to spend your weekend, right?
Step 5 – Bath With Epsom Salts
Once an hour is up, fill up your bathtub with warm water and add 2 cups of Epsom salts. Mix it around well to help them dissolve into the water. The salts will ensure most of the tan is removed and also relax your muscles.
Step 6 – Soak in the Bath
Soak into the bath for 15-20 minutes (we won’t hold it against you if you decide to stay in for longer), then apply your favorite body wash to clear out the oil. Try to use a strongly-scented one, so it removes that nasty fake tan smell too!
Step 7 – Body Wash
Run the body wash well over your body using a circular motion, then rinse off in the shower with cold water to close off any opened pores.
Step 8 – Gentle Exfoliation
Using a washcloth or gentle exfoliating brush, rub in a circular motion all over your skin. This will help loosen any leftover fake tan, so all the tanned cells come off completely.
Step 9 – Dry Off and Moisturize!
Dry off with a soft towel, and wrap up the process by applying some lotion to lock in moisture, and you’re good to go!
Step 10 – Repeat If Necessary, If Your Tan Was Really Dark
Depending on how dark your fake tan was and the amount of pigment used, you will probably need to repeat this process twice within 2 to 3 days for further results.
How Long To Leave Baby Oil On To Remove Tan
After applying your baby oil everywhere you want to remove tan, wait for at least a half hour, and preferably an hour, for it to do its magic.
The baby oil, coupled with Epsom salts and a bath with gentle exfoliation, should remove most fake tanners pretty well.
Working with Baby Oil to Remove Self Tan
Due to the oily nature of baby oil, it can be a little tricky to use. However, these tips will ensure you can remove your fake tan without facing any trouble.
Wear Gloves
You should wear gloves when applying the baby oil; otherwise, it can be a nightmare to get off.
If you don’t have gloves lying around, try to use only one hand for applying so you can use the other to grab stuff without it slipping out of your palms.
Letting it Soak into Your Skin
Many people rush through this step and then wonder why baby oil didn’t work for them. The longer you let the oil soak into your skin, the better. So do this process when you have a free evening and no errands to run.
Time it Out
It can be tempting to try removing your fake tan as soon as the bad results come out, but it won’t work. You will need to give your tan a day at least so it can develop before being you get rid of it.
Also, be sure not to delay this removal process until the day of your next tan application. If any oil is left on your body, it will act as a barrier to your new tan. You’ll end up with a streaky, blotching tan.
The Best Baby Oil Products to Apply
You’re probably wondering if you should just go for the traditional Johnson’s baby oil or try out a different brand? While the baby oil of our childhoods works just as well, here are a few other products you can try out too.
Does Baby Oil Help You Tan?
We have discussed in-depth how baby oil can help remove fake tan. While we’re on the topic, we should mention that Baby Oil can help you tan in the sun, as well!
Final Thoughts
If you’re stuck with a self tan that just didn’t work out, it’s easy to panic. The good news is that you now know how to get fake tan off with simple ingredients like baby oil, Epsom salt, and a body wash.
Follow the guide above and your fake tan should be (largely) gone.
Next time, be more careful with your self tanner!
