The correct application and maintenance of a fake tan is common knowledge these days. But can you remove it just as well? Or does your tan end up looking like a lacklustre, alligator-y mess after the first four or five days?
Whether you’ve gone for a professional application of bronze for an event, or you’re a dab hand at the at-home golden glow, fake tan is always tricky to remove. Thoroughly removing the product pigment from your skin is essential before reapplying, but even this in itself can be a mission!
Luckily, there are methods out that there to remove your fake tan that use ingredients you likely already have in your cupboard. And yes, they REALLY work (they even offer some fringe benefits along the way!) There’s also a host of ready-made products you can use, which will whip your skin into even shape at a moment’s notice, with extra benefits to boot. We’ll get to those in the second part of this article.
Here are four of the best ways to remove your fake tan (DIY):
Method #1: Baby Oil
Baby oil, or even just a regular body oil is a most effective weapon in your fake tan removal arsenal.
Process – Simply coat the area from which you wish to remove the tan, making sure you work the oil into your skin thoroughly, and leave for half an hour to forty minutes.
Afterwards, run a bath and use an exfoliator and/or exfoliating mitt to scrub away excess. Because fake tan removal is centered around the removal of skin cells rather than the tan itself, baby oil is perfect as it softens the cells and renders them easier to slough off.
As an added bonus, the oil will make your skin feel and smell lovely. However, beware of coming into contact with fabrics/carpets etc whilst waiting for the oil to take effect, as it will permanently stain.
42 Comments
Just tried the baby oil… was horrible. It actually made the tan more difficult to remove. Spent exactly 2 hours in the shower which is insane and really bad for your skin and nearly scrubbed my skin off. Don’t try this unless you have nothing to do for an entire day
Said to hop in the bath to soak, not shower.
great tips
Good to know…
Thanks!
I struggle with tan removal!! Thanks for these helpful tips 🙂
Wow, awesome tips, thanks
That tan remover looks good.
Great tips!
Good tips!
Good to know! 🙂
great tips
thanks
But which one works BEST?
Thanks for the great advice, i had no idea!
Great tips! I wish I had known this the first time I had a major fake tan disaster!
Awesome tips!
thaaank you!
fantastic!
Useful if I got fake tans, haha
Great tips.
Great tips!
caution: j&j’s baby oil has mineral oil in it.
Love the lemon idea!
Thanks for the tips
Thanks 🙂
great
I do Spray tanning! Bi carb is a great trick you can also put a few spoonfuls in a hot bath and soak for half an hour or so and using exfoliating gloves it works like a charm 🙂
thanks for the tips 🙂
great tips… I had a shocking spray tan on my feet. this would have helped!
Great tips…. Thanks again…. 😉
great tips, thanks
great tips
thank you for the tips!
Great advice! I love baby oil 😀
Good tips!
Thanks for that! I am definately going to try the baby oil 🙂
thanks 🙂
seconded!
great ideas
great tips that i never knew about!
..Thanks for the hints..I now have another use for all the lemons off my tree 🙂