How to Remove Fake Tan (Without Losing Your Mind)

I’ve religiously ‘fake tanned’ every week, sometimes twice, since I was 15. That’s 25 years of streaks, patches, and the very occasional oompa-loompa moment!

Fake tan has been my ride-or-die through dodgy weather, nights out, and was even applied the night before my son was born. But while putting it on is easy enough, getting it off can sometimes feel like an Olympic sport.

Here are my go-to tips for when your tan is clinging on for dear life:

• Exfoliating gloves Are your BFF

My Thursday night ritual. Start with a long, hot soak in a bath. The heat softens the top layer of skin (and that stubborn tan) so it’s ready to shift. Once you’re good and pruney, go in with exfoliating gloves and a lather of shower gel. Tan should come right off! This is best for tan that has been on for a few days.

• The old lemon trick

Orange wrists, elbows, or ankles? Grab a slice of lemon and rub it over the area a few times and this takes some of the colour off.

• Fake tan erasers (Yes, they exist!)

If you want to cheat, there are “fake tan removers.” I have had mixed results, and still prefer the bath and scrub method, but if this doesn’t work for you, I recommend the tan removers by Bondi Sands, St Moritz and Rose + Caramel.