What to do if your self tanner turned green? In short, If your self tanner has turned green, it may be due to a chemical reaction with your skin or other beauty products. To fix this issue, wash off the self tanner with soap and warm water, exfoliate your skin to remove any remaining product, and avoid using other skin or beauty products that may contain chemicals.
The green color should fade naturally within a few days, but if it persists or if you have concerns, you may want to consult a dermatologist or skin care professional for further guidance. To prevent green self tanner in the future, choose high-quality products, test them on a small patch of skin before applying them all over, and follow the instructions carefully.
In this guide:
Causes of green self tanner
Sure! Here is some additional information on the causes of green self tanner:
- Chemical reactions: Self-tanners can sometimes turn green due to a reaction with chemicals in your skin or other beauty products that you are using. For example, if you are using a self-tanner that contains DHA (dihydroxyacetone), and you have recently applied a product that contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or glycolic acid, this can cause the self-tanner to turn green. This is because AHAs and glycolic acid can alter the pH of your skin, causing the DHA in the self-tanner to react differently than it would normally.
- Old or improperly stored spray tanning solution: If the spray tanning solution is old or has been stored improperly, it may have changed color or become less effective. This could cause the spray tan to turn green after washing it off.
- Medical conditions or allergies: In some cases, the green color of spray tan may be caused by medical conditions or allergies that affect your skin. If you have certain conditions or allergies that affect your skin, this could cause the spray tan to turn green after washing it off.

How to fix green self tanner
Here are more details on each of the steps to fix green self tanner:
- Wash off the self tanner with soap and warm water: The first step to fixing green self tanner is to remove as much of it as possible from your skin. Use a mild soap and warm water to wash your skin, paying particular attention to the areas where the self tanner has turned green. Rinse your skin thoroughly to make sure that all of the self tanner has been washed off.
- Use a gentle exfoliator to remove any remaining self tanner: After washing your skin, you may want to use a gentle exfoliator to help remove any remaining self tanner. Exfoliating your skin can help to slough off dead skin cells and any lingering self tanner, which can help to fade the green color more quickly. Be sure to use a gentle exfoliator, as harsh exfoliators can irritate your skin and make the situation worse.
- Avoid using other skin or beauty products that may contain chemicals: If the green color of your self tanner was caused by a chemical reaction, you will want to avoid using any other skin or beauty products that may contain chemicals that could interact with the self tanner. This will help to prevent the issue from recurring or getting worse.
- Wait for the green color to fade naturally: In most cases, the green color of self tanner will fade naturally within a few days. During this time, you can continue to care for your skin as usual, using a moisturizer and other skincare products as needed.
- Consult a dermatologist or skin care professional if the green color does not fade or if you have concerns: If the green color of your self tanner does not fade after a few days, or if you are concerned about the reaction, you may want to consult a dermatologist or a skin care professional for further guidance. They can help to determine the cause of the issue and recommend the appropriate treatment.

If my fake tan is green can I still use it?
In most cases, it is not recommended to continue using a self tanner that has turned green, as it may not be effective and could potentially cause irritation or other skin problems.
Here are a few reasons why it is generally not a good idea to use a green self tanner:
- Ineffectiveness: If the self tanner has turned green due to a chemical reaction, it is likely that it will not work as intended. The green color may not provide the desired tanning effect and could result in an uneven or unflattering appearance.
- Irritation: If the self tanner has turned green, it could potentially be irritating to your skin. The green color may be caused by chemicals that are not meant to be applied to the skin, and using the self tanner could potentially cause redness, itching, or other skin irritation.
- Allergic reactions: If you have allergies or sensitivities to certain chemicals or ingredients, using a green self tanner could potentially cause an allergic reaction. This could result in symptoms such as redness, itching, or swelling of the skin.
How to fix green armpits after spray tan?
Use mild soap and warm water to clean your armpits, focusing on the areas where the spray tan has turned green. Rinse your armpits thoroughly to remove as much of the tanning solution as possible. After washing your armpits, you can use a gentle exfoliator to help remove any remaining spray tan. If your spray tan does not fade after a few days from your armpits, you can consult a skin specialist.

Prevention tips for green self tanner
Here are some additional details on each of the prevention tips:
- Choose a high-quality self tanner: One of the most effective ways to prevent green self tanner is to choose a high-quality product. Look for self tanners that are made with natural ingredients and are specifically formulated for your skin type. Avoid self tanners that contain synthetic ingredients or are known to be harsh on the skin.
- Test the self tanner on a small patch of skin before applying it all over: Before applying self tanner all over your body, it is a good idea to test it on a small patch of skin first. This will allow you to see how the self tanner looks and how it reacts with your skin before committing to a full application.
- Follow the instructions for application carefully: It is important to follow the instructions for applying self tanner carefully in order to get the best results and avoid any issues. Make sure to apply the self tanner evenly and in thin layers, and avoid applying it too thickly or in an uneven manner.
- Avoid using other skin or beauty products that may contain chemicals that could interact with the self tanner: To prevent green self tanner, it is important to avoid using other skin or beauty products that may contain chemicals that could interact with the self tanner. This includes products such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), glycolic acid, and other skin or beauty products that are known to alter the pH of the skin. If you are not sure whether a product is safe to use with self tanner, it is a good idea to consult the product’s label or the manufacturer for more information.
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Final Thoughts
In conclusion, it is important to understand why self tanners can turn green and how to prevent and fix the issue. Green self-tanners can occur due to a chemical reaction between the product and the skin’s pH level, or due to certain medications and skin conditions. If you do experience a green color from your self tanner, it is important to wash it off immediately and thoroughly with soap and water and to use a gentle exfoliant to remove any remaining color from the skin.
To avoid this issue in the future, it is helpful to use a self tanner that is formulated for your skin type and pH level, to test a small patch of skin before applying the product to the entire body, and to use a moisturizer before applying self tanner to help balance the skin’s pH level. By following these tips, you can achieve a natural-looking, streak-free self tan.