Whether your spray tan has gone patchy, turned orange, or you're simply ready for a fresh start, getting rid of an old spray tan doesn't have to be a struggle. With the right approach, you can fade it quickly, evenly, and without irritating your skin.
This guide walks you through exactly what works and what definitely doesn't
Why Does a Spray Tan Fade Unevenly?
Spray tans work by binding DHA (dihydroxyacetone) to the outermost layer of dead skin cells. As those cells naturally shed, your tan fades. The problem is that shedding isn't uniform drier areas like elbows, knees, and ankles hold more dead skin and tend to look patchy or darker longer than the rest of your body.
That's why the most effective spray tan removal strategy targets the dead skin layer directly. For a full breakdown of how to care for your skin before and after tanning, visit our Spray Tan Care page.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove a Spray Tan at Home
Step 1: Soak in a Warm Bath for 10–15 Minutes
Don't skip this. Warm water softens and loosens the outermost skin cells, making exfoliation dramatically more effective. Add a cup of baking soda or a few drops of baby oil to the bath to start breaking down the DHA.
Step 2: Exfoliate with a Mitt or Sugar Scrub
Use circular motions and light-to-medium pressure — you don't need to scrub hard. Our exfoliating mitt is specifically designed for this and is available at the studio. A DIY sugar scrub (mix sugar with olive oil or coconut oil) also works well. Focus extra time on notoriously patchy zones: ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with warm water and pat dry, never rub. Rubbing can spread the fading tan unevenly across your skin.
Step 4: Moisturize Immediately
Apply a generous layer of hydrating body lotion while skin is still slightly damp. This is non-negotiable. Dry skin sheds unevenly, which is exactly what causes patchiness. A hydrating lotion with aloe or glycerin works perfectly. For more tips on the best products to use on your skin, check out our Spray Tan Care guide.
Step 5: Repeat Daily
For best results, repeat this routine for 2–3 consecutive days. Most tans fade fully and evenly within 3–5 days.
The Best Products for Removing a Spray Tan Fast
If you're in a rush or dealing with a particularly stubborn tan, these targeted options can speed things up significantly.
Dedicated tan removal mousses are the fastest option on the market. Apply to damp skin, wait five minutes, then buff away in the shower. Our At Home Glow collection at Be Bronze Professional includes products designed to prep your skin perfectly between tans.
Baby oil is a brilliant drugstore hack. Apply generously to dry skin, leave it on for 10 minutes, then exfoliate in the shower. The oil breaks down the DHA-skin bond and makes removal much easier.
Baking soda paste mixed with your regular body wash creates a gentle buffing cleanser. Just avoid using it on sensitive skin or near your face.
Lemon juice contains natural citric acid that can lighten and lift tan color. Apply directly to patchy areas for a few minutes before rinsing but skip this one if you have sensitive or broken skin.
Spray Tan Removal: Myths vs. Facts
A lot of bad advice circulates online about removing fake tan. Here's what you actually need to know.
Scrubbing as hard as possible sounds logical, but it's counterproductive. Harsh scrubbing spreads the color around rather than lifting it, and can irritate your skin. Soaking first and exfoliating gently is always more effective.
Toothpaste is sometimes suggested as a quick fix, but it's far too abrasive and drying. It causes redness and irritation without reliably removing the tan.
Bleach, nail polish remover, and other harsh chemicals are never appropriate for use on skin. They cause chemical burns and serious irritation and don't effectively remove DHA.
Moisturizing does not make your tan last longer when you're trying to remove it. In fact, dry skin sheds less evenly, making patchiness worse. Keep your skin hydrated throughout the removal process for the most even fade.
How to Target Specific Problem Areas
Hands and fingers: Wash frequently with a gentle exfoliating hand wash and use a cotton pad with micellar water to swipe away color from knuckles and between fingers.
Elbows and knees: Soak a cotton pad in baby oil and press it against the area for a few minutes before scrubbing. The extended contact time gives the oil more time to break down the color.
Face: Be much gentler here. Use a soft face cloth with warm water, a gentle enzyme exfoliant, or micellar water on a cotton pad. Never use body scrubs or harsh acids on your face.
Ankles and feet: These tend to be the most stubborn. A dedicated tan removal product works best — apply, wait, then use an exfoliating mitt or foot buff. Our exfoliating mitt is perfect for this.
How Long Does It Take to Remove a Spray Tan?
With consistent daily effort soak, exfoliate, moisturize most spray tans will fade significantly within 3–5 days. A dedicated tan eraser product can cut that down to 1–2 days. Very dark or professional tans may take slightly longer, especially on thicker-skinned areas.
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The fastest method is applying baby oil or a dedicated tan eraser mousse to dry skin before bed, covering with loose clothing, then exfoliating in the shower in the morning. You likely won't remove it completely overnight, but you'll see a dramatic difference by morning.
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Yes baking soda is a mild natural exfoliant that helps lift the DHA from your skin. Mix it with your body wash or baby oil for best results. It works particularly well on stubborn patches.
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Hot water does speed up fading, but it tends to cause uneven patchy fading rather than a clean, even removal. Warm water is always better, long and hot is how streaks happen.
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Once your skin looks even and all visible tan has faded, wait 24 hours before applying a new spray tan. This gives your skin time to recover and ensures the new application absorbs evenly. For full prep instructions, visit our Spray Tan Care page or check out our FAQ.
Ready for a Fresh Glow?
Now that your skin is clean, even, and prepped — it's the perfect time to book your next custom airbrush spray tan at Be Bronze Studio. Or if you prefer to glow from home, shop our At Home Glow self-tanning collection at Be Bronze Professional.
