Using expired self-tanner can lead to undesirable results. The active ingredient, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), breaks down over time. Expired DHA may not produce the color you expect or can cause uneven, streaky color. Using old self-tanner also increases the risk of skin irritation. However, with careful inspection and patch testing, expired self-tanner may still be usable if stored properly.
How long does self-tanner last?
Unopened, self-tanner typically lasts 12-18 months past the printed expiration date. Once opened, shelf life decreases to 6-12 months. Factors like temperature, humidity, and exposure to air impact how quickly the product degrades. Heat, moisture, and oxygen accelerate the breakdown of DHA. Storing self-tanner in a cool, dry place maximizes shelf life. Refrigeration after opening can help extend the lifespan by a few extra months.
Signs your self-tanner is expired
Watch for changes in color, texture, and scent. Expired self-tanner may look darker, separated, lumpy, or have an odd smell. The product may also seem dry or apply unevenly. Testing a small patch first can reveal issues before applying to a larger area.
What happens when you use expired self-tanner?
Using old self-tanner can produce a variety of poor results:
- Uneven, streaky color
- Splotchy spots or uneven fading
- Unnatural or orange tone
- Weak, minimal color
- Fast fading results
- Skin irritation
The biggest risk is uneven, splotchy color. As DHA degrades, it loses effectiveness. Expired self-tanner may not react evenly across the skin, creating a blotchy, streaky appearance. The color result may also end up weaker or more unnatural than desired.
Why expired DHA causes issues
DHA reacts with amino acids in the top layer of skin to produce color. Over time, DHA starts to break down. Degraded DHA molecules may react differently with skin, leading to uneven color development. Weakened DHA results in less color. Using expired product also increases the risk of skin irritation due to instability of old ingredients.
Can you fix bad results from expired self-tanner?
It can be difficult to fix or cover up bad color from expired self-tanner. But there are a few remedies you can try:
Exfoliate
Gently exfoliating with a scrub, loofah, or brush helps slough off the damaged top layer of tanned skin. Be careful not to scrub too hard or irritate the skin. Gradually even out tone with careful exfoliation over several days.
Fading products
Look for exfoliating body washes, masks, and scrubs designed to fade self-tanner quickly. Products with glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid boost cell turnover to help remove color.
Color correcting makeup
Use color theory to neutralize unwanted tones. Green concealer can cover up splotchy orange areas. Purple or blue tones counteract yellowish patches. Apply sparingly just to problem spots.
Wait it out
Like a bad spray tan, botched self-tanner eventually fades. Focus on moisturizing and gently exfoliating skin while waiting for the color to disappear. Avoid additional self-tanning until the color fully fades.
Can you use expired self-tanner safely?
Sometimes expired self-tanner still works fine, but proceed with caution. If the product was properly stored and the color, scent and texture seem normal, doing a patch test can determine if the self-tanner is still usable. Here are some tips for safely using old self-tanner:
Inspect carefully
Check for changes in color, consistency, and smell. Make sure the product is not separated, clumpy, or dried out. Discard if any drastic changes.
Do a patch test
Apply a small amount to a hidden area like the inside of your wrist. If the color develops normally after several hours without irritation, the product is likely still ok.
Mix with moisturizer
Cutting expired self-tanner with an equal amount of plain, unscented body lotion can help combat dryness or streakiness. The moisturizer essentially dilutes the self-tanner, making it spread better.
Exfoliate diligently
Make sure skin is gently but thoroughly exfoliated before applying old self-tanner. Sloughing off any dryness or dead skin helps the product absorb evenly.
Use a tanning mitt
Applying with a tanning mitt, glove, or brush distributes product more smoothly and prevents streakiness. The barrier of the glove also minimizes absorption differences across your hands.
How to store self-tanner correctly
Proper storage maximizes the shelf life of your self-tanner. Follow these tips:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity.
- Keep away from direct sunlight, which degrades DHA.
- Refrigerate after opening to prolong life.
- Seal the container tightly after each use.
- Don’t transfer to a plastic container, which absorbs DHA.
- Keep in original packaging.
- Discard if color, smell, or texture changes.
Does self-tanner expire if never opened?
Unopened self-tanner lasts longer – around 12-18 months past the printed date. Exposure to air can interact with DHA and cause it to degrade faster. An unopened bottle protects the product from elements that accelerate spoilage.
How to identify if your self-tanner is expired
Watch for these signs that indicate your self-tanner is past its prime:
Color change
Self-tanner may oxidize and become darker or unnaturally colored. Separation can also cause darkening at the top of the container.
Scent change
An unusually strong smell, or a sour, chemical odor likely means the self-tanner has turned.
Texture change
Clumping, thickening, and drying out point to degradation. The product may not apply smoothly.
Weak color
If the self-tanner doesn’t produce much color, even after multiple coats, the DHA has probably weakened with age.
Irritation
If your skin stings, tingles, or burns when applying, that’s a sign the expired product contains irritants.
Patchy, uneven color
Botched results when testing a small area indicate the DHA is no longer effective.
What are the dangers of using expired self-tanner?
While using old self-tanner likely won’t make you sick, it can harm your skin and appearance. Potential risks include:
- Uneven, streaky color
- Blotchiness and discoloration
- Skin irritation, stinging, redness
- Dryness or flaking
- Unintended skin staining
- Waste of money on ineffective product
Testing first on a small patch can help identify any issues before applying all over. If you experience significant irritation, rinse immediately and discontinue use.
Why does expired DHA cause skin issues?
Over time, DHA can degrade into irritating byproducts like formaldehyde, especially in hot conditions. Breakdown of the product also creates free radicals that damage and sensitize skin. Using old containers can breed bacteria. Any separation or clumping signals instability that makes the ingredients more reactive.
How long does it take for self-tanner to expire?
Most self-tanning products last:
- Unopened: 12-18 months past printed expiration date
- Opened: 6-12 months
Exact shelf life depends on the formulation and storage conditions. Heat and humidity severely shorten shelf life. Store self-tanner in a cool, dry place and refrigerate after opening to get the longest duration of use.
Tips to extend the life of your self-tanner
- Store in a cool, dark place
- Refrigerate after opening
- Keep container tightly sealed
- Don’t transfer to a plastic container
- Buy smaller sizes if you won’t use it quickly
- Never add water or mix with other products
What happens if you use self-tanner too many times?
Using self-tanner repeatedly without giving skin a break can cause a number of issues:
Intensified color
Frequent self-tanning layers color quickly, often resulting in an unnaturally dark, orange tone.
Blotchiness
Applying self-tanner on top of still-present color often leads to uneven buildup and a blotchy appearance.
Dryness
Excessive use dries skin since self-tanner provides no moisture. Flakiness makes the product cling unevenly.
Premature aging
The combination of constant self-tanning and scrubbing accelerates wrinkles and thickening of the outer skin layer.
Acne
Clogged pores can result from layers of product and infrequent exfoliation. Breakouts may develop under the tanned skin.
Allowing self-tan to fully fade every 2-3 weeks avoids these issues. Always moisturize diligently when self-tanning regularly.
How long should you wait between self-tanner applications?
Most experts recommend waiting at least 1 week between full-body self-tanning sessions. Here are general guidelines:
- Full body: 5-7 days
- Legs: 3-4 days
- Arms: 4-5 days
- Face: 4-5 days
Let the self-tan fully fade every 2-3 weeks to avoid uneven buildup and over-intensified color. Exfoliate thoroughly and use a good moisturizer to maximize results.
Tips for repeated self-tanning
- Exfoliate thoroughly before reapplying
- Use a tanning mitt for an even coat
- Rinse after the development time
- Moisturize daily
- Allow to fully fade every 2-3 weeks
Conclusion
While using expired self-tanner isn’t necessarily dangerous, it greatly raises your risk of skin irritation, streakiness, uneven fading, and poor color results. Always do a patch test first to see if old self-tanner is still effective. Store your self-tanning products properly to maximize shelf life. Letting self-tan fully fade every 2-3 weeks ensures the best results with repeated use. With cautious inspection and testing, an expired self-tanner may still be usable for achieving your sun-kissed glow.