This Is The Secret To Removing A Fake Tan At Home

Faux tans allow you to get a golden glow safely, and if used correctly, they will make you look as if you're freshly back from vacation year-round. But self-tanner users constantly complain about how finicky they are. They smell, stain, streak, and make it difficult to even apply and get the color right. Then, once you have a bronzed look, you have to go through the pain of properly removing it several days later — and that's a challenge in its own right.

The key to removing it isn't excessive showers or expensive tan removal products, but rather with the help of a pair of exfoliating gloves or a body brush, body oil, and a scrub (via Marie Claire UK). These items will help get the layers of color off in one session rather than you having to sit through the awkward patching and streaking that happens when you let it come off naturally.

Aside from extra tools, PopSugar suggests using things you probably already have at home like lemon juice and even your razor, "If you're looking to remove your tan quickly, every little bit of exfoliation helps, so shaving can be a good option." But how do you go about actually using these tools to get an old (or accident-ridden) tan off? It's fairly simple.

Now that you have the right products, you can begin with the utmost confidence. Hop in the shower and start by applying a body oil or exfoliating sugar scrub. This will help loosen up the tan and start the process for your gloves or body brush. Once you've lathered up, begin gently brushing your skin with your exfoliating tool. It's important not to get carried away with this part though. Jules Von Hep, founder of Isle of Paradise, tells Marie Claire UK, "You'll end up taking the tan off in patches and it'll become a snowballing effect."

After you've gently removed the tan, you can follow up with a body wash to rinse off any leftover residue. Post-shower, it's important to moisturize with an emollient body lotion, as this will rehydrate your skin and provide a protective barrier after all that scrubbing. Plus, it'll have you prepped and ready to do a round of faux tanning all over again!