How do you make gradual tan lighter?

Author: Maximo Mosciski  |  Last update: Friday, March 28, 2025

Even though hydrating your skin is the key to prolonging a fake tan, applying oil to the skin can also lift a tan— given it's done right. Cover your body in coconut oil or olive oil and let it soak in for around 15 minutes. Then take a hot shower.

How do you tone down gradual tan?

Use baking soda

Baking soda is an excellent exfoliator that won't leave your skin sore (patch test first!), is cheap to buy and is non-abrasive. Run a warm bath and add half a cup full of baking soda to the water. Hop in and soak for 15-20 minutes before gently exfoliating the skin with a loofah or exfoliating sponge.

What to do if your fake tan is too dark?

If your tan feels too dark the following day, try having three hot showers to help bring it down to a more natural colour.”

How can I make my fake tan lighter?

If you're trying to lighten your whole body, you can take a couple of hotter than normal showers as the steam helps to lift the tan. Try to exfoliate with a bath mitt while you're in there-that will also help. You can even draw a warm bath and put Epsom salt in there and soak for awhile.

How long does it take for gradual tan to fade?

Generally, a gradual tan lasts about a week, but with the right preparation, your sunless glow can stick around for up to ten days. The key is to knuckle down on preparing your skin in the weeks and days leading up to your gradual tan, and keeping your skin moisturised once you've applied.

DIY Tanning/ Bronzing oil

How can I speed up my gradual tan?

How To Tan Faster: A Step By Step Guide
  1. Step 1: The prep. For the ultimate glow, use a Body Exfoliator 24 hours before applying self tanner to create the perfect smooth base for your tan. ...
  2. Step 2: Use your express self tanner to tan quickly. Grab your Mitt and your chosen mousse, gel, or mist and apply. ...
  3. Step 3: rinse.

Does gradual tan still develop after shower?

The initial development of your gradual tan will take place over the first 2–4 hours after application, so you should avoid showering during this initial period to allow your tan to develop properly. After this, showering every day should not make your tan slower to develop.

What lightens fake tan?

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  • Baby Oil.
  • Baking Soda and Lemon Juice.
  • Whitening Toothpaste.
  • Self-Tanner Removal Products.
  • A Pool, Hot Tub, or Sauna.
  • Sugar Scrub.
  • Hair Removal Cream.
  • Exfoliating Mitt.

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.

What makes fake tan fade faster?

Although steaming your face and body is excellent for cleansing your skin, opening up your pores and removing blackheads, it can also make your tan fade a little quicker. This is because treating yourself to a steam actually encourages your older skin layers to flake away to reveal fresh, smooth skin.

How do you fix too much fake tan?

It may be difficult to instantly remove all of your fake tan, especially if you have applied it recently. However, you can try applying a hydrating body oil or baby oil onto the tanned areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a damp cloth or exfoliating mitt to gently wipe away the tan.

How do you dilute fake tan?

If you're worried about self tanning your face, you could try mixing a little of your self tanner with your favourite moisturiser to dilute it slightly for a lighter application.

How to fix streaky gradual 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.

What to do if self tanner is too dark?

Cover your body in coconut oil or olive oil and let it soak in for around 15 minutes. Then take a hot shower. If you have a bath, even better! During your soak, use a gentle but effective exfoliating mitt or product to scrub away those unwanted layers of tan.

How long does gradual tan take to soak in?

Step 4: Enjoy the glow!

After 4-8 hours, your gradual tan will be fully developed into a natural, sunkissed glow. To achieve a deeper bronzed look, reapply St. Tropez gradual tan daily to build your tan.

How can I lighten my fake tan fast?

Soak in oil and buff with an exfoliating mitt

Oils, on the other hand, break down DHA and can fade fake tan faster. It does, so lather up or soak yourself in oil. You can also use coconut or olive oil, which should be left on the skin for 10 minutes before washing off.

How can I make my tan look lighter?

Take a long hot bath and allow the warmth of the water to lighten your fake tan. In fact, you can speed up this process by applying olive oil to your skin 15 minutes beforehand and then soaking in the tub.

How can I make my tan fade faster?

Exfoliation is the best way to remove tan at home. It removes pigmented dead skin cells and promotes new ones, reducing the appearance of the tan.

How can I lighten my tan?

Here are some home cures you should consider:
  1. Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help to remove tan from the skin. ...
  2. Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a natural moisturiser that can help to soothe and lighten the skin. ...
  3. Tomato: Tomato is a natural bleaching agent that can help to remove tan from the skin.

How long does it take for self-tanner to fade?

Understanding Self-Tanner Durability

Before we dive into tips on how to extend your sunless tan, you're probably wondering, “Just how long does a fake tan last?” On average, your skin retains self tanner for 5-7 days, but this period of longevity can vary based on many factors.

Does Vaseline help fake tan?

Prep school

Don't moisturise immediately before applying fake tan as it can stop the colour ingredients working. Instead, smooth Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Lotion, over your elbows, wrists, knees, ankles and toes (the dry areas that 'grab' tan, creating that orange, wrinkly effect).

How quickly does gradual tan fade?

How Long Does a Gradual Tan Last? A gradual tan typically lasts around 3-5 days.

How to remove gradual tan?

Body Oils. Oils are great to break down the tan. Run a hot bath with some body or bath oil in it and soak in for as long as possible. If you're a shower person, apply oil all over your body, let it sink into your skin completely and take a hot steamy shower to wash it off.

Is gradual tan better than fake tan?

You should choose a gradual self tanner if you prefer a more natural, buildable tan and want to control the intensity of your color over time. Gradual tanners are perfect for people who enjoy daily skincare routines and want a more subtle glow that doesn't appear all at once.

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