How to Get Rid of a Tan Quickly

Exfoliate to get rid of a tan.

Most tans, whether they came from a sunless tanning lotion or exposure to the sun itself, eventually fade with time. However, for some people, this process can take several weeks or even months. While letting a tan fade by itself is the easiest method of getting rid of it, there are a few tricks to get rid of a tan quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Facial toner or makeup remover
• Cotton pad(s)
• 1 lemon
• 2 to 3 tbsp. baking soda
• Body loofah or washcloth
• Shower gel
• Body bleaching kit

Instructions

1. Apply an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) facial toner or makeup remover to clean cotton pads and wipe in circular motions on the face, avoiding the eyes. AHA is a natural exfoliant and will help get rid of a tan on the face.

2. Cut a lemon in two and rub it over the affected areas in circular motions. Let the lemon juice remain on the skin for approximately five minutes, and then rinse with cool water. The citric acid in the lemon juice will help break down the top skin cells.

3. Mix together 2 to 3 tbsp. of baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to damp skin and massage in with your fingertips, a washcloth or a bath loofah. Rinse with cool water. The baking soda will exfoliate the top layer of the skin and will help speed the removal of the tan.

4. Use a shower gel or body scrub with glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to gently exfoliate the entire body and help remove the tan skin cells. For additional scrubbing, use a body loofah or scrubbing brush. Do not scrub so hard that the skin becomes red or irritated.

5. Apply body hair bleach to rough areas of the body that are tanned, such as the bottoms of the feet or palms of the hands. Mix the bleach solution from the bleaching kit, apply to the affected areas, and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with soap and water. Note that bleaching skin can damage or irritate the skin, so only use this method for rough areas of the skin that are not readily visible.

Tips & Warnings

• If the skin gets red, irritated, and raw or a rash appears, discontinue your efforts and consult a physician.

References

• Sunless.com: How to Get Your Sunless Tan Off Safely and Quickly
• Get Rid of Things: How to Get Rid of a Tan