Making use of a streak-free tan is one factor, as for find out how to take away your faux tan as soon as it is on its final legs? That is a complete new wrestle.
Now that the climate is heat sufficient to ditch the layers, plenty of us are turning to self tan for a contemporary, sun-kissed glow. However except you possess ultra-steady fingers or an immaculate eye for element, fake-tanners shall be all too acquainted with the patchiness that plagues each first rate tan at one level or one other.
Even those that stick to a professional glow (and depart their tans within the fingers of the consultants) will possible have seen some areas fading quicker than others, leaving a streaky path behind.
The trick? If you understand how to handle your pores and skin earlier than and after tanning, you may maintain your fake glow wanting contemporary from begin to end. “It also means we ensure a nice even fade and – hopefully – no tell-tale signs of ever having had a ‘fake tan’ in the first place,” says Kimberley Nkosi, tanning professional. “Instead you can maintain a slight summer glow that disappears gradually, leaving your skin looking super glossy and healthy.”
Here’s how to remove fake tan
If proper pre-tan advice is followed – exfoliating and moisturising the day before your tan – the removal should be effortless and easy. But above all, the golden rule is to be gentle.
“You don’t want to irritate the skin and cause patchiness, so always take your time and gradually remove tan every two-to-three days,” says Kim, rather than going in all-guns-blazing and scrubbing your skin raw.
The DIY hacks
Before you hit the shops, Kim has a couple of homemade remedies she swears by to gently remove tan.
“A agency favorite of mine that works properly is brown sugar or Epsom salts mixed with lime juice (a pure type or citric acid), almond oil, a couple of drops of vitamin E and one among my favorite scents, like rose oil, lavender or vanilla,” says Kim. In fact, lime juice on its own can work magic. “It’s extremely efficient however it may be drying, so use sparingly,” advises Kim.
Another at-home hack for self tan emergencies? “Baking soda and lemon mixed into a paste and massaged into the area for a few minutes (then leave for another few minutes) to break down the self-tan colour,” shares Michaella Bolder, St.Tropez Tanning & Skincare Expert.
How to remove fake tan from arms and legs
Use body oil to remove tan gently (and leave skin silky soft). “I love the Dr Hauschka Lemon & Lemongrass Vitalising Body Oil, Kiehls’ Crème De Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil and a pure micellar water like Garnier’s for anything that might be patchy and need a quick fix removal,” says Kim.
“These will help to lift dead skin cells meaning your tan will fade more evenly while your skin stays hydrated and supple,” she adds.
Kim recommends using a body brush or light exfoliator every 2-3 days. “These are mild on pores and skin and designed for useless pores and skin removing,” she says. “We don’t want to dry skin out. We want to maintain and hydrate it.”
