Can you lighten a spray tan?

Author: Miss Lily Rolfson II  |  Last update: Sunday, June 29, 2025

Yes, it's possible to lighten a too-dark tan. “What you always tell people not to do is take hot showers or be in any kind of jacuzzi because that will take your tan off faster,” Burdge added. “So if it's too dark, you're going to tell them to do the opposite you'd normally do.”

How do you lighten a spray tan too dark?

``If you do get too dark, slather on coconut oil or baby oil and sit for 10 minutes then jump in the shower and exfoliate,'' Hilliard tells me. ``Oil lifts the top layer of color and makes skin easier to exfoliate so it will lighten your tan. You can also soak in a baking soda bath.

How to lighten fake tan quickly?

``If you do get too dark, slather on coconut oil or baby oil and sit for 10 minutes then jump in the shower and exfoliate,'' Hilliard tells me. ``Oil lifts the top layer of color and makes skin easier to exfoliate so it will lighten your tan. You can also soak in a baking soda bath.

How do you fade a spray tan fast?

If you want to expedite the process of removing your tan, try the following recipe:
  1. Mix lemon juice and baking soda until it forms a coarse paste.
  2. In the shower, scrub this paste onto your skin.
  3. Rinse off immediately and continue to shower as normal.

How to make a spray tan look lighter?

``If you do get too dark, slather on coconut oil or baby oil and sit for 10 minutes then jump in the shower and exfoliate,'' Hilliard tells me. ``Oil lifts the top layer of color and makes skin easier to exfoliate so it will lighten your tan. You can also soak in a baking soda bath.

Vacation Spray Tan Tips

What if my fake tan is too dark?

If your fake tan colour is too dark (or too light)

If you want a subtle glowing fake tan, try using a gradual tan a couple of days a week. If you prefer a deeper colour, layer it on over a few days until you get the glow you want. Gradual tanners also deliver a moisturising hit that traditional self-tans don't.

How to even out a bad spray tan?

BAKING SODA AND LEMON

If you're wondering what to do when a fake tan goes patchy, one natural remedy to evening out tan lines can be found right in your kitchen. This simple trick involves combining lemon juice and baking soda until it makes a paste. Then, rub the paste on your tan, and let it sit for a few minutes.

Will my spray tan fade in 2 days?

How Long Does It Last? Because your skin is constantly creating new skin cells on the epidermis level, any skin treatment will fade over time. Spray tans generally last for 7-10 days, depending on the coverage you requested; if you wanted a lighter color, your tan could fade more quickly.

Will Nair remove fake tan?

Depilatory Cream

One of Evan's go-to tan removing methods is a hair-removing cream like Nair or Veet. “It removes the color completely,” she insists.

Can you make a tan fade faster?

How do you make a tan fade faster? There are skin-lightening products you can use to make a tan go away quicker. Look for creams with glycolic acid, a chemical that breaks down the color of a tan. Lemon juice can be used as a natural removal treatment as well.

Is there a way to lighten a tan?

Consistent use of exfoliants, skin lightening products with vitamin C or Kojic acid, and professional treatments such as chemical peels or laser therapy can significantly fade tan over time for brighter, more even skin.

How to wash off spray tan the next day?

Your tan will continue to develop to up to till 8 hours, which you can then wash off with water only (no soaps or sponges etc.) 24 hours after your appointment, you can start using body products, but you need to make sure that you are selecting the correct products for your skin.

Does Windex remove self tanner?

Keep in mind NEVER USE WINDEX OR A MAGIC ERASER to remove a fake tan, it can leave you with a chemical burn. To remove self tanner from your face: Use a liquid exfoliator, I like Paula's Choice. A retinol, this is also an exfoliator and will help your fake tan come off.

Will my spray tan get lighter after I shower?

If you showered after just a few hours, you might notice your skin is not as tanned as you'd expected. Don't fret! Your colour will continue to develop and darken for a few hours (and a spray tan takes up to 24 hours to develop fully). That brown water disappearing down the drain?

How to fix a bad fake tan?

How to fix patchy fake tan
  1. Gently buff away excess tan. Excess product often settles onto dry areas, like the elbows, knees, ankles, hands, and feet, causing an uneven, patchy tan. ...
  2. Exfoliate the skin. ...
  3. Fill in the gaps. ...
  4. Always use a tanning mitt. ...
  5. Opt for a gradual tan moisturiser.

Why do I look so dark after a spray tan?

Most often, looking like you have too dark of a tan on your face is a result of literally using too much solution (remember: two ounces for the entire body, not just the neck up!) or being sprayed with a percentage that is too high for your skin type.

What is the quickest way to remove fake tan?

Raw oils like coconut, olive, or sunflower will work in a pinch, but be sure to pick up baby oil if you want the best results. When it's time to remove your self-tanner, simply slather your skin with the baby oil and leave it on for a few minutes. Then rinse it off in the shower using a loofah or washcloth.

How to lighten a sunless tanner?

7 Ways to Remove Self-Tanner
  1. Exfoliate with baby oil. ...
  2. Apply a sugar scrub. ...
  3. Try hair removal cream. ...
  4. Try lemon juice and baking soda. ...
  5. Use self-tan removal products. ...
  6. Use vinegar sparingly. ...
  7. Use whitening toothpaste for small areas.

Is there a way to remove permanent tan?

Common methods for sun tan removal include topical treatments like skin lightening creams, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Each method works differently to target and reduce the appearance of sun tan.

How can I make my spray tan fade faster?

Getting rid of an old spray tan If you're trying to get rid of an old spray tan, the best tip is to sit in a hot bath with coconut oil added to it. Ensure this is at least a day prior to a fresh spray tan as the oil will disagree with your new tan. After about twenty minutes of soaking, rub off with an abrasive cloth.

Will a pedicure take off a spray tan?

Ideally enjoy a pedicure PRIOR to your spray tan…just be sure they do not use lotion on your legs (feet are okay). You can get a pedicure after your spray tan has set in (so wait a day) just be sure they do NOT use exfoliating scrub or hot towels on your legs.

What products strip spray tan?

Sodium Laureth Sulfate: Also known as SLS, this is the most common ingredient in body washes and bar soaps.It is a strong detergent that allows the product to lather well. It will strip your spray tan quickly. Be on the lookout for quite a few sulfate free body washes that can be found at Walmart, target and CVS.

How to lighten a spray tan that's too dark?

Hop in the shower and use an exfoliating mitt to help lighten those too-dark patches. While regular exfoliating (like with a scrub) can also help fade your tan, Evans recommends using a mitt in small, circular motions for added precision.

Can you reverse a spray tan?

To get rid of fake tan quickly, try soaking in a warm bath with baby oil, followed by exfoliating with an exfoliating mitt. You can also use DIY methods such as applying a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice to tough areas.

What does a bad spray tan look like?

A strange and unnatural color: The point of a spray tan is to look like you've been kissed gently by the sun, and if your skin has taken on a dark or orange color all over, something has gone horribly wrong.

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