Fake tan is a great way of getting a healthy-looking glow, but sometimes the wrong application or a simple beauty mishap can leave you with unwanted patches - and with summer fast-approaching, you probably want to look as gorgeous and glowing as possible! Luckily, there are some very easy ways to remove fake tan – from home methods to the products that remove fake tan quickly and efficiently... and we've rounded up the best ones just in time for the sunnier seasons.
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The best fake tan removers:
The easiest and quickest way to remove fake tan? With a product dedicated to getting rid of your tan safely and effortlessly. These are the very best:
Bondi Sands self tan eraser, £11.99, Lookfantastic
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TAN-LUXE Glyco Water Tan Remover & Primer, £22, Feelunique
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St. Tropez tan build-up remover mitt, £6, Cult Beauty
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Top tips for removing fake tan:
1. Don't vigorously scrub
If you try to scrub it off, you'll end up with even more patches, or risk even damaging your skin. Instead, use a body polish or massage oil, and apply all over – it's better to have the tan fading evenly and have to repeat the process as it will make for a subtler look.
Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish, £33, Cult Beauty
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Spa of the World Brazilian Cupuaçu Scrub-in-Oil, £22, The Body Shop
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2. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate
Whether you're using a mitt or a damp towel, make sure to gently exfoliate your skin in circular motions. This will help to get your skin cells working and renewing themselves, breaking down the tan and eventually causing it to fade.
So Eco Exfoliating Gloves, £4, Look Fantastic
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3. Hit the steam room
Sit in a steam for 30 minutes – the heat and humidity will work to soften the tan. When you get out, rub your skin with a wet towel in circular motions to deeply exfoliate – this will loosen the remaining tan and help to get rid of it.
4. Get lemon or lime juice
The citric acid in these fruits helps to remove even the most stubborn of tans. Apply the juice to a damp flannel, and pop it in the microwave for no more than two minutes. Leave it to cool for a few seconds – make sure to check it's not too hot as you don't want to burn your skin - and then rub the flannel over the patchy areas – the tan should come off almost immediately.
KTC Lemon Juice, £3.58, Amazon
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5. Use bath oils
Soak in the tub with bath oils, as these break down the composition of the tan. When you feel your skin has softened, use a mitt and gently make circular motions on the skin – this will encourage your cells to renew, and make it easier for the tan to fade and eventually disappear.
Lime Basil & Mandarin Bath Oil, £48, Jo Malone
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Aromatherapy Associates Ultimate Bath and Shower Oil Collection, £65, Look Fantastic
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