Baking soda is a great option when you need to remove a full-body tan quickly. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with some water or coconut oil. This will form a paste. Rub the paste over the area and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes.
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.
``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.
To remove sun tans and lighten skin, use exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), apply topical antioxidants like vitamin C, and use hydrating masks. Sunscreen is crucial to prevent further tanning. Natural remedies like aloe vera and cucumber can also help soothe and lighten tanned skin.
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. Expired self tanning products, sensitive skin, and skin types are a few.
Exfoliate for an even fade
It might seem counter-intuitive, but using an exfoliator can help your spray tan last longer. By gently exfoliating away dead skin cells, it prevents your tan from looking patchy and helps it to fade evenly. We recommend using our Tan Enhancing Body Polish and Exfoliator every 3 days.
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.
Combining baking soda with just enough water to make a paste is a very effective way to remove excess tan buildup or streaking from the skin. Gently scrub in a circular motion to reduce the streaking appearance without irritating the skin.
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.
Shaving Before or After Spray Tan FAQ
Spray tan may fade slightly when shaving, especially if done immediately after the session. Waiting 8-12 hours before shaving and using gentle strokes can minimise the impact on the 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.
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.
It's best to use baby oil on larger areas such as arms or legs. You can also apply baby oil with a damp cloth and rub it gently, but ensure you wash it off immediately after use. Rubbing Alcohol can remove spray tans and self-tanners from your skin. Apply to rub Alcohol to a cotton ball, then rub it onto your skin.
Most Spray Tan solutions contain bronzer, so this instantly gives the skin a tanned, bronze color before the actual Spray Tan ingredients develop on the skin. During your first shower, this bronze tone will wash off, so don't panic if your skin lightens, it is just the bronzer washing away.
To make the solution, mix lemon juice, a little baking soda and a small amount of baby oil together and let it sit on your skin for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse off the solution with a washcloth or loofah and check out the results.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is well-known for its therapeutic qualities and ability to lighten tans. Before bed, apply the plant's fresh aloe vera gel to your skin. Apply it overnight, then remove it with a morning wash. Regular use can reduce tan significantly.
Jump in a warm bath and fill it with baby oil! Oils help break down the tanning agent DHA – making it one of the best methods if you're wondering how to remove fake tan. To supercharge your soak, rub baby oil into your skin and let it sit for 30-60 minutes before bathing and exfoliating.
Yes, there are over-the-counter treatments that are meant to erase sun tan. Creams, lotions, serums, and masks containing liquorice extract, vitamin C, kojic acid, glycolic acid, or vitamin C to help lighten and reduce pigmentation.
A natural tan will usually last for around 7-10 days, although this can vary for each different skin type and colour. However, any exposure to sun during that 7-10 day period could mean that your tan will hang around for longer, so the length of time it lasts really does depend on the individual.
Baking Soda:
Baking soda is a natural exfoliator to help remove sun tan. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply it to the affected areas and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.
Raw oils like coconut (which boasts tons of skin benefits) or sunflower will do, but Evans says baby oil is your best bet. Slather your skin in the stuff, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse it off in the shower with a loofah or nubby washcloth.
Mix Baby Oil and Baking Soda
The oil will soften your skin and break down the DHA in the spray tan. Scrub the mixture over your body and watch the color begin to fade.
For quick sun tan removal, exfoliate with a scrub or alpha hydroxy acid to shed pigmented surface cells and apply natural lightening agents. For more immediate results, consider professional treatments that can remove the top layers of tanned skin.