One of the questions we hear most often is: “What’s the best way to remove a spray tan?”

We understand why. Removing an old tan can feel like the least enjoyable part of the process—especially when the colour starts to fade unevenly around your hands, ankles, knees, and elbows.

The good news is that you don’t need to spend hours scrubbing your skin until it feels sore. With warm water, a suitable spray tan remover and gentle exfoliation, you can fade your tan evenly while keeping your skin soft and comfortable.

How Does a Spray Tan Work?

Most professional spray tan solutions contain DHA, short for dihydroxyacetone. DHA reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin, creating the temporary bronzed colour you see after your appointment.

A spray tan does not permanently change your skin colour or penetrate deeply into your skin. Instead, it gradually fades as the dead skin cells on the surface naturally shed.

A professional spray tan usually lasts around five to seven days, although some people enjoy their results for up to 10 days. How long your tan lasts can depend on several factors, including:

• Your skin type and condition
• How well you prepared before your appointment
• How regularly you moisturise
• How often you shower, swim or exercise
• The skincare and body products you use

Once your tan becomes noticeably patchy, it is usually time to remove the remaining colour and prepare your skin for a fresh application.

The Best Way to Remove a Spray Tan

Follow these steps to remove your spray tan without harsh or excessive scrubbing.

1. Soften Your Skin with Warm Water

Start by soaking in a warm bath or taking a warm shower. Around 10 to 20 minutes should be enough to soften the outer layer of your skin and make the remaining tan easier to lift.

Avoid using uncomfortably hot water. Very hot water can dry or irritate your skin, particularly when combined with exfoliation.

2. Apply a Spray Tan Remover

A specially formulated spray tan remover can help loosen old colour and make removal easier. Apply it as directed, paying particular attention to stubborn areas such as your hands, feet, elbows, and knees.

Tan removers are generally a better choice than harsh homemade treatments because they are designed specifically for use on tanned skin.

3. Exfoliate Gently

Once your skin has softened, use a clean exfoliating mitt and gentle circular movements to lift the remaining colour.

Do not scrub aggressively. Pressing harder will not necessarily remove the tan more effectively, but it can leave your skin red, uncomfortable and unevenly exfoliated. If some colour remains, repeat the process during your next bath or shower rather than trying to remove everything at once.

4. Moisturise Afterwards

After rinsing and drying your skin, apply a gentle moisturiser. Exfoliation can leave the skin feeling slightly dry, so restoring moisture will help keep it smooth and comfortable.

If you’re preparing for another spray tan, follow the aftercare and preparation guidance provided by your tanning professional. Avoid applying moisturiser immediately before your next appointment unless advised, as certain products can create a barrier between the solution and your skin.

How to Remove Spray Tan from Stubborn Areas

Certain parts of the body tend to hold colour for longer or become patchy more quickly.

For your hands and feet, soak them briefly in warm water, then gently use an exfoliating mitt. Take extra care around the knuckles, fingers, toes and sides of the feet.

For your knees and elbows, leave your tan remover on for the recommended time, then exfoliate lightly.

For smaller patches, use controlled circular movements rather than scrubbing the whole area. This helps the remaining colour blend more evenly as it fades.

When Will a Spray Tan Fade Naturally?

Most professional spray tans begin to fade noticeably after approximately five to seven days. Your tan may fade more quickly if you:

• Take long or frequent hot showers
• Swim regularly
• Exercise and sweat frequently
• Use exfoliating skincare products
• Shave often
• Allow your skin to become dry

If the colour is still even, you can simply let it fade naturally. If it has become patchy or you have another appointment coming up, gentle removal can help create a smoother base for your next tan.

Spray Tan Removal Mistakes to Avoid

When you want to remove a tan quickly, it can be tempting to try almost anything. However, some methods can do more harm than good.

Avoid:

• Scrubbing your skin until it becomes red or sore
• Using rough brushes or overly abrasive exfoliators
• Applying household bleach or cleaning products
• Using undiluted lemon juice or other strong acids
• Applying baking soda repeatedly to sensitive skin
• Exfoliating broken, irritated or recently shaved skin
• Trying to remove the entire tan in one aggressive session

Your pores do not need to be “opened” to remove a spray tan. The goal is simply to soften and gently exfoliate the tanned surface cells without damaging the healthy skin underneath.

Prepare Your Skin for Your Next Spray Tan

Removing an old spray tan doesn’t need to be stressful or painful. The safest approach is to soften your skin with warm water, use an appropriate tan-removal product and exfoliate gently.

Once you remove the old colour, your skin will provide a smoother, more even base for your next appointment—helping you achieve another flawless, natural-looking glow.