We talk a lot about how to prep your skin and make your self tan last longer — but what about when your tan is ready to come off?
First, it helps to understand what you’re actually removing. Self tanner does not stain deep into your skin. DHA, the active tanning ingredient in all sunless tans, reacts with amino acids in the outermost dead skin cells. So when you “remove” self tanner, you’re really just loosening and exfoliate those tanned surface cells.
The goal is to start gentle, then level up only if your old tan needs more help coming off. Harsher scrubbing can lead to barrier disruption that may impact your next tan.
Level 1: Bathtub Soak + Scrubbing
Start here if your tan is already fading and just needs help coming off evenly.
Let warm water soften your skin for at least 5 minutes, then use an exfoliating mitt to gently buff in circular motions. Pay extra attention to dry areas like knees, elbows, hands, feet, and ankles, where self tanner usually holds on the longest.
This is the best first step for normal weekly tan removal.
Level 2: Body Oil + Exfoliating Mitt
If your tan is more stubborn, level up with body oil.
Apply body oil or baby oil to dry skin and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before showering. Oil helps soften the top layer of skin and loosen old DHA color so it buffs off more easily.
Then shower with warm water and use an exfoliating mitt to gently remove the fading tan.
Level 3: Spot Treat Dark Patches
If only a few areas are holding onto tan, spot treat with these methods as they're too aggressive for your whole body.
If you absolutely need to remove a stubborn patch fast and oil isn't cutting it, old school tanning tricks like baking soda + lemon juice paste or AHA/BHA facial acids will usually do the trick— but they come with a tradeoff. These methods can dry out the skin, disrupt your barrier, and make your next tan more unpredictable.
After Removing Your Self Tan
Once your old tan is removed, moisturize well. You just exfoliated away the tanned surface cells, so your skin needs hydration before your next application.
Healthy, hydrated skin helps your GlowPro formula apply more evenly, develop more smoothly, and fade better throughout the week.
GlowPro Tans was created to bring professional spray tan science into your at-home routine — from clearly disclosed DHA percentages to application education that helps you understand your tan like a pro.
For best results, pair your GlowPro self tannerwith our exfoliating mitt and tan-safe prep and maintenance products so every tan starts smooth and fades evenly.
