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. If you have a bath, even better!
``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.
``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.
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.
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.
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.
Use an exfoliator mixed with a touch of olive oil to gently remove the dead skin cells sitting on the surface of your skin and in turn lighten the fake tan. Avoid using a harsh exfoliator because it might take your tan off in patches.
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.
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.
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.
If you notice you've gone overboard in some areas you can lift some of the color with Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Makeup Remover. Just pour micellar water to a cotton pad and rub it on the affected area. It should help remove some of the color.
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.
If a dark tan is what you're looking for, we do recommend waiting a few hours before rinsing it off so that the product has longer to develop with your skin. Note: after rinsing, your skin will continue to deepen over the next 24 hours, so if your skin does not seem that dark, give it time!
Dry skin tends to shed more rapidly, causing the self-tanner to fade faster. By keeping your skin well-hydrated and moisturized, you ensure that your tan will last longer. Many hydrating lotions will alter the PH of your skin turning your tan orange or even stripping it from your skin.
Once you have washed off your fake tan moisturise your skin daily to increase the longevity of your tan. Dry, dehydrated skin will cause your dead skin cells to shed quicker, taking the fake tan you worked so hard for with it. Use an oil-free moisturiser as oil can break down the product [2].
After tanning, you will produce a little bit of sweat, but that's it. There is no reason to shower right away because water does not affect the tan. This is another myth that has been around for ages. The truth is, showering right after getting a tan will not cause staining of your skin.
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.
Exfoliate darker areas
Exfoliating with a mitt and gentle body scrub will help lift away those dead skin cells that have absorbed a touch too much colour. Additionally, ingredients like glycolic acid are fab at naturally fading your colour.
The tan is due to an increase in melanin, which is basically a defensive reaction from your skin being damaged by the sun. It will slowly fade if your skin is exposed to low enough levels of UV rays (e.g., in winter), but there is no way to speed this.
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.