How To Remove Fake Tan Easily At Home

Self-tanning products provide a convenient way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without harmful UV exposure. But we’ve all experienced tanning mistakes – streaky results, unnaturally dark color, or graying, uneven fading. When it’s time to start fresh, removing old fake tan doesn’t have to be hard. With the right products and techniques, you can safely lift color right at home.

Why You Might Want to Remove Your Fake Tan

There are several reasons you may want to remove your old self-tanner:

• It came out uneven or streaky. No matter how careful your application, sometimes self-tanners dry unevenly or leave embarrassing streaks. This can happen if you miss spots when applying, don’t blend or layer evenly, or apply too thickly in some areas. Taking the color off lets you start over with an even blank slate.
• The color is too dark or unnatural looking. Choosing a self-tanner shade that’s too intense for your skin tone is a common mistake. Olive or ash-based tones may work better for paler complexions, while darker skin benefits from brown sugar or cocoa-based shades. Removing overly-dark color lets you go lighter and more natural next time.
• You have an event coming up and want a fresh tan. For special occasions like weddings, parties, or vacations where photos will be taken, starting with clean exfoliated skin helps your new self-tan application look its absolute best. Removing old tan ensures an even, flawless new result.
• The old tan is fading and looks patchy. As self-tanner starts to wear off over the course of several days, it can fade splotchily. Dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles lose color first while oilier spots like the chest and back retain it longer. Exfoliating away the whole tan evens out your skin for a uniform blank canvas.
• You simply want to start fresh. After returning from vacation or a long period of heavy tanning, removing it entirely provides a clean slate. Some people enjoy the process of fully stripping the color away and then building back up with fresh applications.

How Does Fake Tanning Work?

To understand how to remove self-tanner, it helps to know how it works in the first place. All sunless tanning products contain an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. This colorless sugar derived from plant sources interacts with the amino acids on the upper layer of the skin to create a tan color change.

When DHA is applied – either through spraying, lotions, gels, or other carriers – it stains the dead surface skin cells a brownish hue through a chemical reaction called the Maillard reaction. This reaction causes browning in foods when they cook – for example, on the crust of bread or the surface of roasted marshmallows. The same process tints the proteins in the skin’s stratum corneum layer.

The coloring effect develops fully over 4-8 hours as the DHA oxidizes and completes the reaction with skin proteins. After this point, the tan color remains until the stained dead skin cells naturally exfoliate off over the next 3-10 days. This explains why the tan gradually fades and needs to be reapplied. The coloring itself only penetrates the very top cells of the epidermis and does not interact with or alter living skin in any way.

Preparation Tips Before Removing Fake Tan

To make the removal process go smoothly with minimal skin irritation, follow these preparation tips:

• Wait at least 8 hours after tanning before trying to remove it. It takes this long for the DHA pigments to fully develop and oxidize through the Maillard reaction. Attempting to remove self-tanner too soon could lead to uneven results since not all DHA will have reacted, making it harder to fully eliminate.
• Take a warm shower first. The steam will open pores and the heat will soften skin, allowing dead cells to shed more easily during exfoliation. Don’t scrub yet, just let the warmth prepare your skin.
• Exfoliate very gently before full removal. Using a soft washcloth, loofah, or exfoliating gloves, give your entire body a gentle sloughing-off before tackling full removal. This gets rid of the most superficial layer of dead cells containing the heaviest tint concentration. Subsequent removal steps will then work better after this top staining has been lifted.
• Have all removal tools and products ready. Gather any loofahs, exfoliating gloves, cleansing oils, sugar/salt scrubs, razors, and any other products you’ll use. Line them up in the order you’ll use them to keep the process smooth and organized.

• Protect surfaces, wear old clothes. Self-tanner can stain tile, counters, and fabrics as it comes off skin. Lay down towels and wear old clothes and gloves during the removal process to avoid discoloration. Covering your hair with a shower cap also prevents staining.
• Work in sections. Rather than trying to remove self-tanner from your whole body at once, tackle one section at a time. Start with your legs, then do arms, torso, back, etc – washing and thoroughly rinsing between each area. This organized approach prevents missing any spots.
• Have a timer on hand. For methods like oil or scrub applications that need to soak for a certain period before rinsing, setting a timer helps ensure you leave it on for the optimal duration. under-soaking won’t lift as much tint, while over-soaking can dry out skin.

Effective DIY Fake Tan Removal Methods

There are several safe, effective at-home methods for successfully lifting self-tanner off your skin:

Sugar Scrub

Mix 1 cup of white granulated sugar with 1/4 cup of a moisturizing oil like almond, coconut or olive oil. If needed, stir in a spoonful of water to reach a wet-sand consistency that’s spreadable but still gritty. Apply the mixture all over dry skin and gently scrub using circular motions. The sugar grains provide physical abrasion to slough off stained dead cells, while the oil helps break down and dissolve the DHA pigments.

Rinse skin thoroughly before reapplying more scrub to tackle stubborn spots. Use caution to avoid any harsh scrubbing or friction that could cause irritation. Rinse again once all visible color has lifted. Pat dry and follow up by deeply moisturizing.

Cleansing Oil Massage

Oils help dissolve and break down self-tanner pigments so they more easily rinse away. For an all-over treatment, apply a cleansing oil like grapeseed, sunflower, or avocado oil and massage it deeply into skin. Focus extra attention on the driest areas like elbows, knees, hands and feet where pigment often lingers.

Let the oil soak for 5-10 minutes before stepping into the shower. The water pressure combined with the oil should efficiently lift excess tint away. Repeat the massage and soak process as needed for maximum color removal. Finish by patting dry, never rubbing, to avoid irritation.

Exfoliating Scrub Mitt or Glove

Using an exfoliating mitt, glove, or loofah gives you scrubbing power to slough away stained dead skin cells. Look for natural fiber loofahs, or synthetic options with texture for gentle physical exfoliation. Soak your exfoliator then wring out excess water so it’s damp but not dripping. Apply a rich, creamy body wash.

Vigorously scrub your skin in gentle circular motions, focusing on elbows, knees, ankles, hands, and feet where self-tanner often lingers. The friction lifts the stained cells away, allowing the soapy water to whisk pigment down the drain. Rinse and repeat until tan is removed. Finish by patting dry and applying moisturizer.

Baking Soda Scrub

For chemical and physical exfoliation, try a baking soda scrub. Mix about 1/2 cup of baking soda with just enough water to form a gritty, spreadable paste. Apply the mixture all over and let sit 2-3 minutes – you may feel slight fizzing as the baking soda reacts. Then gently scrub in circles. The baking soda’s abrasiveness lifts dead cells while the alkaline pH helps break down pigment.

Focus on dry elbows, knees and ankles which absorb more DHA. Rinse fully and repeat the application if needed, avoiding irritation from scrubbing too hard. Finish with a soothing moisturizer. For added softening, make a paste with olive oil instead of water.

Baby Oil Soak

Massaging skin with fragrance-free baby oil can help gently break down and dissolve lingering self-tanner, especially on dry hands and feet. Apply liberally and massage in with emphasis on thick calluses and cracked heels where tint collects. Let the oil soak for 5-10 minutes before wiping away excess with a damp cloth.

For broader coverage, apply all over the body and let sit 10 minutes before stepping into a warm shower to rinse. The oil will lift and carry away pigment as it emulsifies. Apply moisturizer after to avoid dehydration. Repeat daily as needed to fade tan.

Lemon or Lime Juice

Citrus juices contain acids that work to break down DHA pigments and fade a self-tan quickly. After a warm shower, rub a halved lemon or lime directly onto skin, squeezing to release the juice as you rub. Focus on elbows, knees, ankles, hands and feet – allowing the juice to soak 3-5 minutes before rinsing. The acidic pH interacts with the self-tanner molecules, helping dissolve and lift the staining.

Follow with a gentle moisturizer. For broader application, mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Spritz skin then gently scrub with a loofah and rinse. Work in sections and repeat applications as needed until tan fades to your desired level.

Tomato Juice or Paste

Like citrus, tomatoes contain acids that breakdown self-tanner pigments. Grate one large tomato then rub the grated pulp and juices directly onto dry skin. Let sit 5 minutes before rising off in the shower – longer if using thicker paste. The enzymes in tomatoes will help dissolve DHA staining, especially on dry elbows and knees.

For a broader DIY spray tan remover, blend 1-2 cups of tomato juice with 2 tsps. olive oil and apply to skin using a cotton pad. Let soak 5-10 minutes then gently scrub with a wet washcloth using light, circular motions to lift stain away. Rinse clean and pat dry.

Alcohol-Based Toner

Using an alcohol-based toner can help dissolve and lift away self-tanner, especially on the face or areas prone to breakouts. Common choices are witch hazel or glycolic acid toners. Soak a cotton pad, then sweep over skin using long strokes in one direction to avoid spreading around pigment. Change pads frequently so they don’t get stained.

Make sure to avoid irritation by not scrubbing roughly, only patting. Follow up toner application by washing with a gentle cleanser and moisturizing well. Use toners daily as needed to lift facial pigment but avoid over-drying.

Dual Action Brush Exfoliation

Some store-bought tan removal products use dual action to both physically and chemically exfoliate. These feature a rough brush on one side and a pad with chemical exfoliants on the other. Brush the skin first to slough off dead cells, then flip to swipe the pad soaked in acids like glycolic, salicylic or lactic over tan areas.

Rinse after each use and avoid applying too much pressure when brushing to prevent irritation. Work in sections all over the body. Using these tools according to package directions can quickly and effectively lighten a self-tan 2-3 shades while evening skin tone.

Tan Removal Mitts

Specialized tan removal mitts are pre-soaked pads with an exfoliating side and a smooth hydrating side. After washing skin, buff the exfoliant side in gentle circles to slough off stained dead skin. Then smooth the hydrating side over to wipe away pigment and condition.

Rinse mitt thoroughly between uses to prevent spreading leftover tint. Work systematically section by section all over the body, rinsing and reapplying as needed until tan fades to the desired level. Using a mitt helps simplify the process compared to DIY homemade mixes.

Steps for Full-Body Self-Tanner Removal

To combine methods into an effective full-body self-tanner removal regimen:

1. Prep skin by showering with warm water only to open pores and hydrate skin.
2. Use an exfoliating glove/mitt to gently slough away the top stained layer first. Apply body wash just with hands to avoid irritation.
3. Lather an exfoliating scrub all over and let sit 2-3 minutes before gently rubbing in circles. Focus on elbows, knees, etc.
4. Rinse thoroughly then apply a massage oil like grapeseed or coconut oil. Sit 5-10 minutes before showering off.
5. Mist leftover tan areas with toner applied using a cotton pad after showering, avoid rubbing.
6. Pat skin dry gently then apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp.
7. Spot treat any remaining tan using lemon juice or baking soda scrubs just on elbows, knees, etc.
8. Moisturize generously again, especially dry areas. Exfoliate daily in the shower between full removal sessions.

Post-Removal Tips For Maintaining Results

Once you’ve completed the self-tanner removal process, follow these maintenance tips:

• Moisturize daily. Scrubbing and stripping color away can dehydrate skin. Nourish with gentle, creamy moisturizers concentrate on dry areas.
• Use gradual tanners to avoid stark regrowth. Light daily self-tanners that build color slowly won’t leave obvious tan lines as they fade. Or use them to maintain color between heavier applications.
• Exfoliate regularly. Gently sloughing away dead skin prevents self-tanner residue from oxidizing into stubborn patches later on. But avoid abrasive scrubs that could cause irritation after tan removal.
• Apply lighter self-tan layers. Add thinner coats, building gradually to allow for easier removal. Dark thick applications stain deeper into skin.

• Try ash-based or lighter shades. Ash tones look more natural on paler skin. Or opt for lighter sunless tanning lotions rather than dark bronzers.
• Perform a patch test first. When using a new self-tanner brand or formula, do a patch test on a small area before full body application to test results.
• Apply lotion more sparingly over knees/elbows. The drier skin on joints absorbs more DHA pigment. Use sparser application and blend well.
• Consider shaving instead of hair removal creams. Depilatories can react with self-tanner pigments, while shaving allows even application.
• Wear gloves for hands and feet. The palms and soles soak up and retain the most color. Applying tanner sparingly then wearing gloved prevents over-staining.

When To Seek Professional Help

While DIY methods can effectively remove self-tanner at home, there are certain situations where seeking professional help may provide better results:

• If you’ve built up very deep, dark tanning intensity over many months that resists at-home fading.
• For a major upcoming event on a short deadline where you need fast, foolproof tan removal.
• If you have sensitive skin prone to irritation that makes aggressive scrubbing and acids risky.
• To avoid the mess and hassle of DIY trial-and-error tinkering for guaranteed success.

• If you need expert advice tailored to your exact skin tone and type for customized fading.
• For access to professional-grade removal products not available over-the-counter.
• If you’ve developed an allergic reaction or sensitivity to a self-tanning ingredient or formula.

In these cases, visiting an esthetician or dermatologist can provide clinical-level treatment to swiftly strip away stubborn fake tan while caring for your skin. More dramatic options like chemical peels or laser treatments may be warranted for severe staining.

The Takeaway

Botched self-tan removal doesn’t have to mean living with streaks or enduring endless fading and flaking. With the right combination of physical and chemical exfoliation, you can safely lift away unwanted color at home without damage. Be patient, work in sections, and avoid harsh rubbing. Maintain your fresh blank canvas by exfoliating regularly and building back sunless color gradually. Soon you’ll be rocking a flawless, even glow – tan lines and mistakes nowhere in sight!