How do I Remove a Fake Tan?

Fake tanning should appear natural.

Sunless or "fake" tans are the healthier alternative to sitting out in the sun or under UV light unprotected. However, fake tanning colors may be too orange, unnatural or blotchy. Rest assured, they are easy to remove.

Exfoliating

Fake tans usually leave the skin within two to five days. They "stain" the top layer of your skin, so exfoliating will help to slough off the loose, top particles. Using a natural exfoliate, like baking soda mixed with water, will massage through the outer skin and remove most of the blotchy, orange color of the fake tan.

Soaking

The Sunless website claims that skin cells with a fake tan "soak up water like a sponge, and get tremendously huge, up to 30 times their original size. The bigger the skin cell gets, the lighter the 'tan' gets." Toners and rubbing alcohol also will penetrate the skin and will remove the tan.

Removers

Fake tans can be removed with products made for the act. St. Tropez sells a tanning remover, a tan detox with lavender, lemon and hazelnut oils, and tan correcting cleansing wipes. Lemons are said to be natural cleansers, so rubbing them on tanning build up can help with the removal as well.

References

• Sunless: How to Get Your Sunless Tan Off Safely and Quickly

Resources

• St. Tropez: US Online Store