Applying a streak-free tan is one thing, as for how to remove your fake tan once it’s on its last legs? That’s a whole new struggle.

Now that the weather is warm enough to ditch the layers, lots of us are turning to self-tan for a fresh, sun-kissed glow. But unless you possess ultra-steady hands or an immaculate eye for detail, fake-tanners will be all too familiar with the patchiness that plagues every decent tan at one point or another.

Even those who stick to a pro glow (and leave their tans in the hands of the experts) will likely have noticed some areas fading faster than others, leaving a streaky trail behind.

The trick? If you know how to take care of your skin before and after tanning, you can keep your faux glow looking fresh from start to finish. “It also means we ensure a nice even fade and – hopefully – no tell-tale signs of ever having had a ‘fake tan’ in the first place,” says Kimberley Nkosi, tanning pro. “Instead, you can maintain a slight summer glow that disappears gradually, leaving your skin looking super glossy and healthy.”

So, now that you’ve achieved the perfectly even all-over tan, what do you need to know when it comes time to remove it? Here’s how to remove your fake tan, according to experts.

How to quickly remove fake tan

If proper pre-tan advice is followed – exfoliating and moisturising the day before your tan – the removal should be effortless and easy. But above all, the golden rule is to be gentle.

“You don’t want to irritate the skin and cause patchiness, so always take your time and gradually remove tan every two to three days,” says Kim, rather than going in all-guns-blazing and scrubbing your skin raw.

The DIY hacks

Before you hit the shops, Kim has a couple of homemade remedies she swears by to gently remove tan.

“A firm favourite of mine that works well is brown sugar or Epsom salts combined with lime juice (a natural form or citric acid), almond oil, a few drops of vitamin E and one of my favourite scents, like rose oil, lavender or vanilla,” says Kim. In fact, lime juice on its own can work magic. “It’s very effective but it can be drying, so use sparingly,” advises Kim.

Another at-home hack for self-tan emergencies? “Baking soda and lemon mixed into a paste and massaged into the area for a few minutes (then leave for another few minutes) to break down the self-tan colour,” shares Michaella Bolder, St.Tropez Tanning & Skincare Expert.

How to remove fake tan from arms and legs

Use body oil to remove tan gently (and leave skin silky soft). “I love the Dr Hauschka Lemon & Lemongrass Vitalising Body Oil, Kiehls’ Crème De Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil and a pure micellar water like Garnier’s for anything that might be patchy and need a quick fix removal,” says Kim. “These will help to lift dead skin cells, meaning your tan will fade more evenly while your skin stays hydrated and supple,” she adds.

Kim also recommends using a body brush or light exfoliator every 2-3 days. “These are gentle on skin and designed for dead skin removal,” she says. “We don’t want to dry skin out. We want to maintain and hydrate it.”