Self tan was always going to come off. The question is how — and how fast. Below is the ranking, from fastest to gentlest, of every method we’ve tested at the Sydney studio. Pick by urgency: tan eraser for under ten minutes, kitchen scrub for under an hour, swim-and-exfoliate over a day.
- Step 1
Tan eraser — 5–10 minutes
Apply a dedicated tan-removing foam or gel to dry skin. Wait the labelled time. Step into the shower and buff off in circular motions with a damp exfoliating mitt.
- Step 2
Damp exfoliating mitt + body wash
In the shower, work a gentle body wash into a lather and buff with the mitt for 2 minutes per zone. Doubles the speed of natural fade.
- Step 3
Sugar + coconut oil + lemon scrub
Mix a tablespoon of sugar, a teaspoon of coconut oil, half a squeeze of lemon. Scrub for 60 seconds, rinse. Best for hands and concentrated zones.
- Step 4
Oil bath — 30 minutes
Soak in a warm bath with two tablespoons of body oil for 30 minutes. The oil loosens DHA; rinse with a mitt afterward.
- Step 5
Swim, then exfoliate
Chlorine pre-loosens DHA. Swim for 30 minutes, shower at home with a mitt for the cleanest finish.
Real results · from the library
Real Australian Glow studio results. Unretouched, dated, with shade + develop time.
frequently asked.
Yes — with a dedicated tan eraser. Apply, wait, buff off in the shower.
Next in the Glow Guide
How To Fix Streaky, Patchy Or Orange Fake Tan (Tested Methods)
Don’t panic. Whatever the disaster looks like at 7am, there’s a tested fix that takes under ten minutes.
How To Prep Your Skin Before Self Tanning (The 72-Hour Plan)
Exfoliate, shave, moisturise — but when? The 72-hour prep beauty editors use before a self tan that lasts.
