Why does fake tan turn green?

We all love a beautiful, natural-looking glow. So when we squeeze out the contents of our favourite fake tan and find it’s turned green, alarm bells start ringing.

Knowing why your fake tan has turned green is the first step to ensuring you never develop that ‘radioactive look’. So here are a couple of reasons why fake tan turns green:

1. Storage

If you don’t store your fake tan properly it can oxidise. Oxidation is the inclusion of oxygen into the product, and it’s this which will turn your fake tan green as it breaks down the DHA.

To avoid this you should store your product in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

2. Sell by date

Like a lot of consumer goods, your fake tan will have a natural sell by date. Once this date has gone by, there’s an increased risk that it will turn green. Higher quality tans will have a longer sell by date.

3. Preparation

Are you noticing just your armpits or certain parts of your body turning green once tanning? If so, this is more likely to be down to how you’ve prepped for your tan rather than the fake tan itself.

Deodorants, perfumes, moisturisers and even certain makeups can react with your fake tan. Although this can look alarming it will wash off and won’t affect the final colour.

Before fake tanning you should exfoliate the night before and thoroughly cleanse your skin on the day of the tan so it’s free of anything that might act as a barrier or react with your tan.

Avoiding a green fake tan

If you notice your fake tan has a green hue to it, then do not apply it. If you do accidentally apply it, wash it off immediately and then use a gradual fake tan, which has a lighter colour, to use as your tan afterwards.