How to remove fake tan like an expert
Applying a streak-free tan is one thing, as for how to remove your fake tan once it's on its last legs? That's a whole new struggle.
It's officially bare-legs season. And with it may come the desire for a fresh, sun-kissed glow. But unless you possess ultra-steady hands or an immaculate eye for detail, fake-tanners will be all too familiar with the patchiness that plagues every decent tan at one point or another. Even those who stick to a pro glow (and leave their tans in the hands of the experts) will likely have noticed some areas fading faster than others, leaving a streaky trail behind.
The trick? If you know how to take care of your skin before and after tanning, you can keep your faux glow looking fresh all the way through.
We asked sunless tanning and skin finishing expert, Kimberley Nkosi, tanning pro and founder of Isle of Paradise, Jules Von Hep, and Michaella Bolder, St.Tropez Tanning & Skincare Expert, the tricks of the trade.
Here's how to remove fake tan
“When it comes to removing sunless tan I always say that gradual is better,” says Nkosi. “Not only does it mean that we treat skin kindly, it also means we ensure a nice even fade and – hopefully – no tell-tale signs of ever having had a ‘fake tan’ in the first place. Instead you can maintain a slight summer glow that disappears gradually, leaving your skin looking super glossy and healthy.”
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Jules Von Hep agrees: “The best way to remove a tan is to slowly but surely tease it off the skin over the course of 3 days following with the last day being a deep tan removal."
He recommends using the Over It Glycolic Tan Remover on the final day. “To tease off the tan simply mix a spoon full of sugar in with your body wash, each time you wash a light layer of tan will come off giving a slow, gradual but even fade,” he adds.
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The dos
First up, follow the instructions. “Always follow the guidelines and seek professional help where needed,” says Kim. If proper pre-tan advice is followed, your tan removal should be effortless and easy.
Second, keep it gentle. “You don’t want to irritate the skin and cause patchiness, so always take your time and gradually remove tan every two-to-three days,” says Kim, rather than going in all-guns-blazing and scrubbing your skin raw.
Third, oils will remove tan gently (and leave skin silky soft). “I love the Dr Hauschka Lemon & Lemongrass Vitalising Body Oil, Kiehls’ Crème De Corps Smoothing Oil and a pure micellar water like Garnier’s for anything that might be patchy and need a quick fix removal,” says Kim. “These will help to lift dead skin cells meaning your tan will fade more evenly whilst your skin stays hydrated and supple,” she adds.
The don’ts
“Don’t use a brillo pad to exfoliate skin,” warns Kim. “Yes, it has been done – and I’m sure I don’t need to tell you why this is not a good way to remove your tan quickly and efficiently,” she adds. “Instead use a body brush or light exfoliator. These are much more gentle on skin and designed for dead skin removal.” Again, limit use to every two to three days. “We don’t want to dry skin out. We want to maintain and hydrate it,” explains Kim.
The hacks
Before you hit the shops, Kim has a couple of homemade remedies she swears by to gently remove tan. "A firm favourite of mine that works well is brown sugar or Epsom salts combined with lime juice (a natural form or citric acid), almond oil, a few drops of vitamin E and one of my favourite scents, like rose oil, lavender or vanilla," says Kim. In fact, lime juice on its own can work magic. "It's very effective but it can be drying, so use sparingly," advises Kim.
Another at-home hack for faux tan emergencies? “Another at-home option is baking soda and lemon mixed into a paste and massaged into the area for a few minutes (then leave for another few minutes) to break down the self-tan colour,” shares Bolder.
How to remove fake tan from your face
Removing fake tan from your face can be tricky, and it's not something you want to get wrong. What you don't want to do is reach for an abrasive scrub which may disrupt the skin barrier and cause breakouts.
Instead, use a chemical exfoliant like glycolic or salicylic acid. First, start by cleansing your skin and ensure all makeup is removed, then use your exfoliator to slough away dead skin cells and help remove the fake tan with ease. Don't forget to add serum and moisturiser after to help restore hydration levels.
How to remove fake tan off hands
For areas such as hands or feet, Jules recommends using an exfoliant like lactic acid. "If time is of the essence and you need results fast, use Sunday Riley's Good Genes Lactic Acid on the surface of your hands followed by a Boots Exfoliating Make Up Wipe - it won’t completely strip it off but it’ll fade the tan rapidly."
How to remove fake tan for arms and legs
A tricky feat, we know, as self-tan can be extra stubborn here. First up, prep is key. "Make sure you exfoliate and moisturise these areas prior to tanning," says Bolder. “Focus on the hands and feet last and use any residual tan on the mitt to lightly glide over your hands and feet, then use a clean mitt to buff over the areas.”
She recommends using the St.Tropez Tan Enhancing Body Polish every 2-3 days to lightly exfoliate and buff away and dead skin cells “as tan will cling to this and cause the tan to look patchy and be stubborn to remove.” And if the tan is persistent? Follow up with a tan removal product.
Can you remove fake tan instantly?
“The quickest and easiest way to get rid of old tan is to use a tan-removing product such as St.Tropez Tan Remover & Primer Mousse,” says Bolder. “Apply a generous amount to dry skin and wait 5 minutes before jumping in the shower. Then use an exfoliating mitt to buff over the body alongside an oil-free shower gel to effectively remove any old tan, leaving your skin refreshed and ready for the new tan. Sometimes if my skin is feeling dry and clinging more than usual, I repeat this process twice in a row to ensure all traces of tan have gone.”
Looking for a quick fix? Below are Kim’s top recommendations for how to remove your fake tan seamlessly...
Love a golden glow but looking for something different? We also have reviews on the best gradual tans, best tan for pale skin, bronzers, fake tans for your face and in-salon spray tans. Plus (we're spoiling you), our top tanning tips to make sure your fake tan looks the best it can be.
Isle Of Paradise Over It Magic Self-Tan Eraser, WAS £17.95 NOW £15.95, Boots
"This is 100% natural and vegan. It combines naturally derived glycolic acid with micellar water, which leaves skin feeling fresh," says Kim. "It’s formulated with Oxy-Glow Complex, avocado, chia seed and coconut oils to nourish and brighten the skin. Apply product to skin, leave for five minutes, then gently remove with an exfoliating mitt. Skin should feel smooth and tan free."
Save when you shop for fake tan removers with these Boots discount codes at checkout.
The Body Shop Almond & Honey Gentle Exfoliating Cream Scrub, £16, The Body Shop
"For those with more sensitive skin I would recommend using this exfoliating cream at least 24 hours prior to your tan and then every two to three days afterward. Enriched with organic almond milk from Spain and community trade honey from Ethiopia, it may take a little longer for tan removal but there will be zero irritation to your skin with a nice even fade," says Kim.
Tan-Luxe Glyco Water Self-Tan Eraser Exfoliating Tan Remover & Primer, £22, Look Fantastic
"The formulas naturally derived 3% glycolic acid gently exfoliates and breaks down the remnants of self-tan, leaving skin feeling refreshed and toned," says Kim. "And it contains vitamin C to brighten and even-out skin tone, while raspberry seed oil and aloe vera soothe skin beautifully, leaving it more hydrated and supple." Plus, it's a multi-tasker. "As well as a remover, this can be used as a cleanser to prep and prime skin, making it ideal for using before and after, tanning," explains Kim. "It’s made up of purified water and comes in a spray for an easy at home application applied directly to the face and body by spraying or on a cotton pad. As before, once applied, leave for five to ten minutes and remove with an exfoliating mitt."
Save when you shop for fake tan removers with these LOOKFANTASTIC discount codes at checkout.
Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub & Body Butter, £8.95, Boots
"This is a beauty hero I came across by chance and one that my clients love, too. It's made with smashed brown sugar and a fruity lime fragrance and blends almond oil and macadamia grains with glycerine. Used at least three times a week alongside Soap & Glory's Sugar Crush Body Butter, it gives an even fade, is hydrating for the skin and removes those stubborn areas between the breast and around knuckles and ankles quickly and effectively," says Kim.
The Isle Of Paradise Blend It Multipurpose Tan Blender, £12.71, Look Fantastic
This isn't a tan remover, it's a tan blender. It's basically a giant tan crayon packed with oils to help smooth out harsh tanning lines, plus it contains a low-level of gradual tan that you can use to scribble on colour just where you need it. "This is perfect for correcting water stains and patchy spots. Swipe the stick onto the areas that need a little extra work, then remove any excess with a cotton bud or makeup brush to blend it properly. The colour will start to develop over time. If you need a little more depth in colour build on your first application. And you should be spot and streak free," says Kim.
Save when you shop for fake tan removers with these LOOKFANTASTIC discount codes at checkout.
