Understanding Fake Tan Removal
To maintain healthy, fresh-looking skin, it is essential to know how to remove fake tan once it gets old. Leaving old fake tan on for too long can lead to the skin looking patchy and uneven. Old fake tan can also cause the skin to appear and feel dry and flaky, with a streaky final result.
Ensuring proper removal of fake tan helps prevent any mistakes and will help you achieve a perfect tan for every application.
Why is it Important to Remove Fake Tan?
Knowing how to remove fake tan is important to maintaining the skin's health and hydration. Removing the tan will keep the skin looking healthy and clean. Removing old self-tan will prevent any buildup of dead skin cells, which will promote an even skin tone and ensure a smooth, even application of new tan.
Preparing Your Skin for Removal
Prepare the skin for self-tan removal by using a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and the fake tan from the skin. Use a shower mitt combined with a tan remover product and a body wash to gently buff away the dead cells in the shower or bath.
The removal of dead skin cells will promote cell turnover. Gently exfoliating using an exfoliating scrub will remove fake tan and even out your skin tone. Removing dead skin cells will also give the skin a clean canvas to apply a fresh layer of tan.
Exfoliate at least 1-2 times weekly to maintain healthy, fresh-looking skin.
Methods for Removing Fake Tan
There are several methods to remove your fake tan; below are some examples:
Oils - Using oil all over the body, such as baby oil, will break down the DHA in the tan, eventually causing it to fade. You can use oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or baby oil to help break down your tan and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
We recommend mixing baby oil and fresh lemon juice, applying it to the skin, and leaving it on for up to 10 minutes for the oil to fully break down the DHA. Apply the oil to the areas of the skin and gently rub it in using your hands or an exfoliant mitt. Leave the chosen oil for 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Repeat this step if needed until the tan fades evenly.
Steam - If you enjoy swimming, we recommend visiting your local pool and hitting the steam room. The chlorine from the pool will lighten the colour of the tan while the steam will soften the self-tan ready for removal. Spend time in a sauna or steam room, which is safely suggested.
Heat - Relax in a warm bath or shower, as the heat will open the pores and loosen the tan. Use an exfoliating mitt or gloves with your preferred shower gel to gently buff away the fake tan.
Exfoliate - Use an exfoliating mitt or an exfoliating product such as a scrub to gently remove old self-tan and dead cells. Rub the scrub gently in circular motions, focusing on areas such as the knuckles, knees, and elbows.
Choose a method that suits your skin type, taking into consideration your skin's needs. If you are more prone to dry skin, we recommend using the oils method to loosen up the tan but also keep your skin soft and hydrated.
Removing Fake Tan from Specific Areas
Specific areas, such as the face, hands, and feet, require extra care when you want to remove fake tan. Consider your skin type and how it reacts to certain products, and choose gentle and targeted methods to avoid any irritation to the skin.
Removing Fake Tan from Your Face
A gentle exfoliating scrub should be applied to the face using a cotton pad or a soft cloth. Choose chemical exfoliating products that contain Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) or Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs).
Select a fake tan remover or try your natural DIY remedy to loosen up the affected areas. Lemon Juice and Sugar are two natural ingredients that will loosen the self-tanner.
Removing Fake Tan from Your Hands and Feet
A common tanning mistake when using self-tanners is not protecting the hands with a tanning mitt. Using your hands to apply fake tan without a mitt causes the hands to go patchy, resulting in an unevenly tanned result.
For the feet, use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a pumice stone to remove dead cells and the tan. Use an exfoliating scrub and scrub in a circular motion, especially on stubborn spots like the wrists, ankles, and knuckles.
Use a DIY remedy by soaking your hands and feet in lemon juice and warm water to loosen up the tan. Then, exfoliate with an exfoliating mitt or gloves, gently scrubbing and rubbing the area.
Using Products to Remove Fake Tan
Various products are now available to help remove fake tan quickly and effectively. You can also choose DIY remedies to remove the tan at home, using ingredients you may already have, such as sugar or natural lemon juice.
Choose a product or DIY remedy that will suit your skin type and needs the best.
Fake Tan Removers
- Choose a dedicated self-tan remover product, as they are specifically designed to remove fake tan quickly and effectively.
- Look for products containing ingredients like Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, or Citric Acid.
- Follow the product instructions and take necessary precautions to avoid skin irritation.
- Repeat application if necessary until the tan fades.
DIY Remedies
DIY remedies are a great way to remove self-tan if you do not wish to spend money on self-tan remover products. Ingredients like Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Sugar, and Baking Soda can all help to loosen and remove fake tan.
One of our top tips for DIY remedies is to mix equal parts Lemon Juice and Sugar to create a paste-like texture. Apply the paste using a cotton ball or cloth to the affected area/areas where the tan will not budge and gently rub in a circular motion using an exfoliating mitt or gloves.
Aftercare and Maintenance
When removing self-tan products, it is essential to look after your skin by maintaining hydration and health.
DHA in self-tanners is known to naturally dry out the skin, so it is important to ensure the skin is replenished using gentle and nourishing products. Moisturisers and oils will help the skin stay soft, hydrated, and protected.
How to Look After Your Skin After Removing Fake Tan
- Use a gentle moisturiser to hydrate and nourish your skin.
- Apply a Broad-Spectrum sun cream with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from the sun.
- Exfoliate regularly at least 1-2 times weekly to maintain healthy, fresh-looking skin.
Preparing Your Skin for Your Next Fake Tan
Here are a few of our MEGATAN tips to prepare your skin for your next tan:
- Exfoliate your skin 1-2 days before applying fake tan to remove dead cells and even out your skin tone, creating a clean, smooth canvas for the next application
- Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a chemical exfoliant containing AHAs or BHAs.
- Apply a fake tan primer or a moisturiser to help the fake tan adhere evenly.
Tips for Effective Fake Tan Removal
Here are our MEGATAN top tips for removing fake tan, keeping your skin hydrated, and achieving a sun-kissed glow all year round!
- Exfoliate in circular motions, regularly at least 1-2 times a week, to remove dead cells and even your skin tone.
- Use gentle and targeted methods to remove tan from specific areas.
- Choose products that suit your skin type and needs.
- Follow product instructions and take necessary precautions to avoid skin irritation.
- Look after your skin after removing fake tan to maintain health and hydration.
Key Takeaways for Effective Fake Tan Removal
Do:
- Use oils or steam to loosen tan before exfoliating.
- Exfoliate gently in circular motions.
- Follow up with hydration to maintain healthy skin.
Don’t:
- Scrub too hard, as this can irritate your skin.
- Skip aftercare; always moisturise to replenish hydration.
This guide provides everything readers need to quickly and effectively remove fake tan while keeping their skin healthy and prepped for the next application!
Conclusion
Overall, removing fake tan requires patience, gentle care, and the right products for your skin type. Following these top tips will help you understand how to remove fake tan quickly and effectively while maintaining healthy, fresh-looking skin.
