Why Does My Fake Tan Look Green?

Why Does My Fake Tan Look Green?

We all strive for a beautiful, natural-looking tan, but it can be quite alarming when your fake tan turns green. This unexpected colour change can leave you wondering what went wrong and how to avoid it in the future.

Firstly, ohh my glo products contain only natural and organic ingredients, the shelf life is shorter than products that contain parabens. Our tanning products do expire, like many other products. Although they are non-toxic, when they reach their expiration date, they are not as effective and so expired self-tanners will not give you the kind of tan you want. 

If you discover that your fake tan has turned green, don't worry, it's not an isolated incident and it's not your eyes playing tricks on you. This can happen when the fake tan has expired or hasn't been stored correctly. The bronzer in fake tans (the colour that you see when you tan) is a guide colour and composed of three colours: Red, Yellow, and Blue. When the red pigment oxidises, it leaves a combination of blue and yellow, resulting in a green hue.

1. Storage: Improper storage of fake tan products can lead to oxidation, causing the tan to turn green. Oxygen inclusion breaks down the DHA (dihydroxyacetone) in the product, resulting in the change of colour. To avoid this, store your fake tan in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures should also be avoided to prevent premature oxidation.

2. Use By Date: Just like many consumer goods, fake tan products have a natural shelf life or sell by date. Once this date has passed, there is an increased risk of the product turning green. Higher quality tans typically have a longer sell by date, so it's important to check the product label for information on shelf life. Using an expired self-tanner may not give you the desired results and could lead to blemishes or uneven application.

3. Preparation: If you notice certain parts of your body, such as your armpits, turning green after applying fake tan, it is likely due to your preparation rather than the product itself. Products like deodorants, body washes, perfumes, moisturisers, or certain makeups can react with your fake tan and cause discolouration. To avoid this, exfoliate the night before and thoroughly cleanse your skin on the day of the tan to ensure it is free from any potential barriers or reactive substances.

Avoiding a Green Fake Tan: If you notice that your fake tan has turned green, it is best not to apply it. Instead, wash it off immediately to avoid an unpleasant  and potentially ineffective results. 

A Green fake tan can be a disappointing and unexpected result. However, understanding the reasons behind it can help you prevent it from happening in the future. Proper storage, checking the use by date, and careful preparation can significantly reduce the chances of your fake tan turning green.

Remember, it's essential to follow the instructions provided by the brand and take care of your tan to achieve a beautiful, natural-looking glow.

Unless green is the look you're going for, the best thing to do is bin the bottle and replace with a fresh one. To prevent your fake tan from going green in future, keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Lesson learnt!