Best way to remove your show tan post competition
So the show is done. You've stepped off stage, you've celebrated, and now you're standing in the bathroom looking at what can only be described as tiger bread skin. We've all been there.
And the first instinct? Scrub it off as hard and fast as possible.
That's exactly the wrong move. Here's why — and what to do instead.
Why scrubbing hard makes it worse
During prep your skin becomes more sensitive than usual because of hormonal changes. The harder you go at it, the more irritated your skin gets — and irritated skin clings onto tan in some areas and strips it in others. You end up patchier, not cleaner.
Same gentle pressure, all over. That's the key.
What you should actually be using
The 60 Second Tan Remover is what we recommend for post-show tan removal. It's specifically designed to break down competition tan without you having to go at your skin aggressively. Apply it, give it time to work, and let the product do the heavy lifting rather than your scrubbing.
The other thing that makes a massive difference is moisturising. Keep hydration really high in the days after your show — your skin has been through a lot and it needs it. Consistent moisturising also helps any remaining tan fade more evenly rather than going patchy and uneven.
If you compete regularly, you need this in your kit.
Whether you're removing tan before your first coat goes on, stripping everything back after a show before you head back to work, or getting rid of a layer from a photoshoot that happened a little too close to show day — this is the product that actually does it. Apply, wait 60 seconds, jump in the shower with an exfoliating glove, and it's gone.
It's also genuinely useful beyond the bathroom. Spilled DIY tan on a hotel room desk the night before a show? Apply directly to the surface and it lifts straight off. Ask us how we know.
How to use:
Apply generously over all areas where you need tan removed.
Leave to soak into the skin for 60 seconds — no scrubbing needed at this stage.
Jump in the bath or shower and use an exfoliating mitt to gently buff away the old tan — leaving skin soft, smooth, and ready for your next application.
Also need an exfoliating product? Our Get Buffed is what we recommend for day-to-day exfoliation during prep — used regularly in the weeks before your show, it keeps skin smooth and helps your competition tan apply evenly.
Which size is right for you?
100ml — ideal for travel or if you're trying it for the first time.
200ml — a solid mid-season choice if you compete a few times a year.
440ml — the best value if you're competing regularly or using it throughout prep.
Important — please read before use
This is a strong formula designed to remove competition-grade tan. Always patch test on a small area before first use, particularly if you have sensitive skin or are mid-prep. Avoid using on the face, and take care around delicate areas such as the collarbone. Read the full instructions before applying.
Ingredients: Aqua, Urea, Perlite, Cocamide DEA, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, C9-11 Pareth-6, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, DMDM Hydantoin, Parfum, Limonene.
Made in the UK. Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
What if my skin isn't perfect before my next show?
Here's the thing — you don't need to get every last trace of tan off before your next show. Especially if your shows are close together. Trying to strip everything completely often does more damage than leaving a light base and working over it.
If there are areas that are looking a little uneven, tell your tanner. They can adjust their application to work with your skin and apply additional prep around problem areas. A good tanner has seen it all — don't be embarrassed to flag it.
For a full guide on managing your skin between back to back shows, read our back to back show advice here.
The quick version
Don't scrub aggressively — same gentle pressure all over
Use the 60 Second Tan Remover and let it do the work
Moisturise constantly in the days after your show
You don't need to strip everything before your next show — talk to your tanner
If things are patchy, flag it to your tanner early — they can help