How to Fix Green Fake Tan Color

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So you’ve had your spray tan or used a self-tanner and you’re about to jump into the shower to rinse it off.

All the while daydreaming of the golden glow your skin will radiate over the coming days. You know, you’re feeling yourself! But then the unexpected happens…

You look in the mirror and see that you’re not the bronzed goddess you envisioned. Instead, you’re looking more like Shrek’s sister.

And no, your eyes are not deceiving you. Turning green after a spray tan or self-tanner is a thing.

So what went wrong and what can you do about it? Read on to find out How To Fix Green Tan Color.


Contents

Why is My Skin Green After A Fake Tan?

Before we show you exactly how to fix green tan color, you should know that there are essentiall only five things that can cause a green color on your skin. They are:

1. Hot Stuff

So basically, if you’re a Sweaty Betty, then there’s a good chance that it’s your sweat that is making your tan green-tinged. Self-tanning products can lead to green tones when the color is developing and you sweat at the same time.

This is because sweating can mix with the chemicals in the product to create a green tinge on your skin. Make sure you stay cool the next time your tan is developing.

2. Smelly Issue

If you use regular deodorant, then some of the chemicals in the product can interfere with the ingredients. So try opting for a more natural deodorant like EO Organic Deodorant .

Its convenient spray formulation will keep your underarms smelling sweet with its combination of grapefruit, vetiver, lavender, rosemary, and geranium. It is both cruelty-free and vegan and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that might react badly with your sunless tanner.

3. Under Tone

Bottled and spray tanners contain different ingredients that appear in different tones. It depends on the color they create. In addition, all skin has different undertones.

So, for example, some tanning products have green tones added. This will stop the skin from turning orange like an Oompah Loompa.

But if you already have olive-toned skin, then the same product will make you look like the Jolly Green Giant instead.

If you already have olive-toned skin, then the same product will make you look like the Jolly Green Giant instead.

4. Dried Up

It’s also possible that green skin will be the result if you have patches of dry skin. This dry skin may have not been exfoliated properly before your tanning application.

5. Fade Degrade

If you’ve used the same self-tanner before and suddenly it’s making your skin turn green, then check the expiration date. Self-tanner and spray tan ingredients contain preservatives, but these deteriorate over time.

This means there’s no way to predict how the pigment will eventually look on your skin. As the ingredients degrade, this can result in the product turning green eventually.

If your product is past its sell-by date, throw it in the trash.

If you had a spray tan done at a salon, that means the store isn’t storing the product properly. Spray tan solution has to be stored in a cool dark place. It must be used within six months, due to oxidation, which will result in a greenish spray.

Call the spray tan place back and tell them you need a fix-up immediately!


How to Fix Green Fake Tan Color

If your Green Goblin appearance has let you down, you’ll be pleased to know there are a couple of things you can try to fix it.

Unfortunately, you will have to wait a day before attempting them.

This is because the product takes that much time to develop.

1. Brush it Off

Before your next shower, you can use the EcoTools Dry Brush  to dry brush your skin. Use in circular motions, starting from your feet. This will help slough away any dead skin cells and remove the top layer of skin holding on to the green color.

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2. Scrub it Off

When in the shower, use White Naturals’ Activated Charcoal Body Scrub . It helps restore your skin’s natural glow while washing away the green tinge.

Activated charcoal is mixed with Dead Sea salt scrub. This is to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also removes unwanted toxins from the skin.

3. Erase it Off

Body Drench Micellar Tan Eraser  is formulated to remove streaks and uneven marks. Fortunately, it can also be used to help get rid of green-tinged tanning mistakes.

Micelle molecules work to eliminate tan residue by acting as dirt magnets to lift dead skin cells. It draws out impurities, oils, and other debris. This moisturizing foam cleanser doesn’t contain alcohol. This is paraben and sulfate-free, as well as vegan-friendly.

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What to Do Next Time to Avoid The Green!

To prevent your skin from turning green the next time you use a self tanner, the following tips will should help you:

The Right Tone

Besides choosing a light, medium, or dark tint, you want to make sure that the tan you use also has the right undertones for your skin.

That’s because fake tans have different base colors like blue, red, caramel, and green. Most are red and green-based, and red is the first color that degrades.

So when the red goes, only the green tint is left.

Most fake tans have red and green base colors, and red is the first color that degrades. So when the red goes, only the green tint is left.

Powder Puff Girl

If you sweat a lot, or think there’s a chance that you might do so as your tan develops, then apply some baby powder to the areas that are more prone to moisture.

Scent Prevent

Using deodorants or perfumes before applying a sunless tanner is a no-no. So have to shower beforehand to remove any of these products. Also, make sure that you use a more natural and fragrance-free shower gel.


Conclusion

You now have the knowledge of how to fix green tan color on your skin. And if you follow uYou can be assured that the next time you apply a self tanner, you’ll be able to enjoy the bronzed glow you dreamed of.

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).