Lemon juice has long been used as a kind-to-skin bleaching agent to remove dark pigmentation and brighten. Make your own lemon exfoliator with a cup of sugar and 3/4 cup of lemon juice before applying it to the skin in the bath or shower. Repeat the process but make sure to be gentle with your skin.
``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.
Add a small amount of baking soda to a moistened washcloth, and rub across self tanning splotches. Not only will the baking soda bring a bleaching effect, but it also exfoliates the skin.
Add a small amount of baking soda to a moistened washcloth, and rub across self tanning splotches. Not only will the baking soda bring a bleaching effect, but it also exfoliates the skin.
``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 (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.
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.
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.
Baby oil helps to break down the DHA (the active ingredient in fake tanner) and makes the removal process easier, especially when paired with exfoliation. Let the oil sit on your skin for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off in a warm bath.
Dry patches are a magnet to fake tan which can leave muddy streaks instead of a smooth skin kissed glow. When your fake tan goes wrong in this way, an easy fix is to soak in a bath with a generous glug of bath oil for at least 15 minutes. The warm water and oil will help to soften and loosen the dry patches.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Post-tan, skip bar soaps, exfoliating scrubs, and alcohol-based lotions as they can strip your colour and leave it patchy. Limit long, hot showers or excessive washing, which can speed up fading. Instead, stick to quick, lukewarm showers and use gentle, sulfate-free body washes.
Is it possible to get rid of a tan? Sorry, but no. 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.
Why won't my tan go away? When the cells become damaged with pigment, discoloration that doesn't fade occurs, leading to a tan that doesn't fade. In fact, it tends to stay dark unless you choose to have this hyperpigmentation treated professionally.