Does Body Scrub Remove Tan And Make Skin Lighter?

Body scrubs are becoming one of the top-selling skincare products for a reason: they work wonders on the skin! But is your body scrub removing your beautiful tan? We have researched this very question and have the answer for you. Let's discuss.

Yes, to a certain degree, a body scrub can actually remove your tan. Body scrubs are meant to be used a few times a week to exfoliate any dull or dry skin off your body, so the skin may look a little lighter after doing so. Those of you with false tans might also observe skin to be shades lighter after a scrub, and that is entirely normal. A body scrub will not ruin the sun-kissed skin you have worked so hard to get. 

As you continue reading this post, we will discuss various body scrubs and how to use them to your best advantage. Everyone's skin is different, so this is not a one size fits all situation. Without further ado, let's get into this topic!

What Is A Body Scrub?

A body scrub is a physical exfoliant used to achieve smoother and brighter skin on your face and body. Body scrubs come in various scents and are usually made from sugar or salt with an oil base. These are used in spas and even at home while you are in the shower. These scrubs can vary from deep exfoliation pastes to softer and more moisturizing ointments.

Does Scrubbing Hard Make Your Skin Lighter?

Trying to exfoliate your skin by scrubbing hard will irritate your skin, so we do not suggest it. If you have a spray tan or false tan, scrubbing very hard will remove it entirely but damage your actual skin in the process. Moderation and being gentle with your skin are always the best options when it comes to tanning and at-home exfoliants. Look into a loofa or exfoliating glove if you want a deeper exfoliant without damaging your skin.

Which Body Scrub Is Best For Tan Removal?

When looking for a scrub that will remove false tans and dead skin in general, you should look into deeply exfoliating types. These coarser scrubs make it easy to exfoliate while still scrubbing your skin gently. A salt-based scrub might be the better option for those wanting to take off a darker or thicker tan or product. There are also many great body scrubs made just for people with spray tans and at-home tans that we will share below.

First Botany Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub

Here is a deep exfoliating body scrub from First Botany made with coffee beans, coconut, and shea butter. These are great ingredients to look for when purchasing a body scrub because of their natural and moisturizing effects. View this scrub on Amazon here.

OGX Hydration + Sea Kelp And Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Body Scrub

Another product for removing a tan is this deep exfoliating scrub from OGX. This scrub is ultra-moisturizing, containing Hyaluronic acid and sea kelp. Follow this link to Amazon to check it out.

Cocoa Brown Tough Stuff 3-In-1 Pre Tan Body Wash

This next exfoliating scrub comes from the Cocoa Brown shop and is a great option for anyone spray tanning or using at-home tanning products. This body scrub promises to be one of the strongest and most effective on the market and has excellent customer feedback. View it on Amazon here.

Brooklyn Botany Lavender Oil Body Scrub And Face Scrub

This last recommended body scrub is from the Brooklyn Botany store and is for both your face and body. The lavender oil is great for clearing acne and getting your skin looking extra smooth and rejuvenated. Click here to check it out on Amazon.

Can You Use Body Scrub Every Day?

When it comes to using a body scrub every day, we recommend making it a bi-weekly occurrence. You do not want to over-exfoliate your skin because it will become more sensitive and potentially break out in a rash. Keeping a tan in mind, overdoing it with the exfoliating will strip away your beautiful tan and make your skin feel worse, not better. Moderation is vital when it comes to your skin on your body and especially your face.

M3 Naturals Himalayan Salt Body Scrub

Here is a soothing and moisturizing body scrub from the M3 Store that is great for sensitive skin. This scrub is made with a mix of collagen, Himalayan salt, and soothing essential oils, great for acne and irritation-prone skin. View it on Amazon here.

Body Scrub Alternatives

You still have some options to choose from for those of you who may not like the texture or feeling of a body scrub. One of the more popular and older methods of exfoliation is a loofah or shower brush. Some great exfoliating gloves can be paired with your favorite body wash during a shower as well. These products often come with how-to-use-steps and recommended uses per week for best skin results.

myHomeBody Large Loofah Body Scrubbers

Here are some exfoliating loofahs we found from the myHomeBody Store that is a great alternative to using a body scrub. This is a pack of three and promises a soft but effective exfoliating result. Click here to be redirected to Amazon to see them.

Almooni Premium Exfoliating Loofah Pad Body Scrubs

Here is another excellent body scrub alternative from the Almooni Store that works to exfoliate and remove tan and dead skin from your body. This is a pack of two scrubbers that are natural and intensely exfoliating with great reviews. Follow this link to see them on Amazon.

EXCLAIM BEAUTY Exfoliating Body Scrub Gloves

We found some exfoliating gloves from the EXCLAIM BEAUTY Store that will get the job done and have your skin glowing in no time. This is a pack of two gloves that are made from nylon material for extra exfoliating. View them on Amazon here.

Metene Store Exfoliating Scrub Brush

Our last body scrub alternative comes from the Metene Store and is an exfoliating scrub brush for the shower. This is suitable for wet or dry use and has both stiff and soft-bristled sides for your preference. Follow this link to Amazon to check out this scrub brush.

Wrapping Up

Whether you are looking to remove your tan or freshen up your skin, a body scrub is a great option. You can choose to have a less harsh scrub if you are worried about fading your tan, but as long as it is natural, there won't be a dramatic lightening of the skin.

A body scrub is best used a couple of times a week on normal skin and about once a week for those with sensitivity. Moderation is the best form of self-care for skincare and body products, so be mindful of your skin. There are also many alternatives to body scrubs that will get the job done just as right, so you may want to check those out.

Want to read up on some more skincare advice? Check out these great related reads!

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