No, Dove soap does not directly remove a tan, but it can affect how a sunless tan looks and how long it lasts.
How Dove Soap Impacts Sunless Tanning
Many drugstore soaps, including Dove, leave a film on the skin. This film interferes with sunless tanning products, leading to uneven color and streaks. The reference states that this film prevents proper penetration of the self-tanner. Furthermore, Dove soap can accelerate the fading of a sunless tan and may cause it to appear brassy. This is attributed to the soap's effect on the skin's pH balance.
- Uneven Tan: The soap's film prevents even absorption of the self-tanner.
- Faster Fading: Dove soap can speed up the process of tan removal.
- Bassy Tone: The alteration of skin pH can result in an undesirable brassy color to the tan.
Therefore, while Dove soap doesn't actively remove a pre-existing tan, it negatively impacts the application and longevity of sunless tans. For best results with self-tanner, it is recommended to use a soap that doesn't leave a residue on the skin.