Struggling to get rid of fake tan from your hands? Don’t worry; you’re definitely not alone. Most of us have experienced the streaky, patchy mess left behind after putting on our favourite tanning mousse, or the stained hands that can come with a messy application. Luckily for us, there’s a few reliable ways to remove fake tan from our hands, and you might have some of the ingredients you need stashed at the back of the kitchen cupboard!
Why Are You Getting “Fake Tan Hands”?
Before we dive into removal methods, it’s essential to understand why we get fake tan on our hands that looks messy and feels impossible to remove.
Applying Too Much
One of the most common explanations for fake tan hands is over-application. When we use too much product, it can build up on our hands and create a scaly finish that is harder to remove since our skin only absorbs a single layer of tan. It’s always best to stick to one evenly applied layer.
Applying Too Quick
Applying the product too quickly can cause you to miss important spots and end up with a streaky mess. Remember; your hands and feet are the most difficult places to apply fake tan – take your time!
Applying With No Equipment
This is the cause of the dreaded orange stained palm. Using your hands to apply fake tan is a sure-fire way to make sure you end up with a stubborn tangerine stain on the palms of your hands. When you don’t use gloves or a mitt to apply fake tan to your body, you’re building up product on your palms that will leave a stain that is sure to ruin your desired look. Use a tanning mitt or gloves! We promise it’s worth it.
How To Remove Fake Tan From Hands
Now that you understand why you’re getting fake tan hands, let’s focus on how to fix it. Here are the most effective techniques:
Exfoliate
Exfoliating is one of the best ways to remove dead skin from the outer layer of your skin, so it’s highly effective at removing fake tan from hands. Use an exfoliating scrub or gloves to gently rub the affected area. This process removes the dead skin cells and fake tan build-up on your skin.
Bath Oils / Baby Oil
Bath and baby oils can be extremely effective at removing fake tan from your hands, as well as the rest of your body! Add some bath or baby oil to your bath and soak your hands in the water for at least 20 minutes. The oil will soften the fake tan making it easier to remove. If you want, you can also exfoliate alongside this method to make sure those tan hands are gone.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that works as an exfoliating ingredient. Remove patchy tan from your hands by applying a small amount of glycolic acid on to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help remove fake tan from your hands. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on to a cotton pad and gently rub it onto the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Alternatively, you can mix lemon juice with some brown sugar to make a homemade lemon juice scrub. Work into your hands and rinse with warm water.
Toothpaste
It sounds strange, but toothpaste is surprisingly effective at removing fake tan from those hard to reach cracks and crevices in your hands. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a specific spot on your hands and rub it in gently. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another natural exfoliant that can help in your fake tan removal journey. Mix some baking soda with water to form a paste, and then gently rub it on to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Nail Polish Remover
We wouldn’t recommend using this method to remove fake tan from anywhere other than your fingertips and nails as it’s harsh on your skin, but patches of fake tan on your fingertips and stains on your nails can be removed with nail polish remover.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can aid in removing fake tan from your hands. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply to a cotton pad and gently dab onto the affected areas of your hands. When you’re done, rinse your hands with warm water.
How to Prevent Fake Tan Hands
When you’re applying fake tan, using a tanning mitt is the best way to prevent streaks and blotches on your hands. here’s how to use it:
Apply your favourite tan to the mitt, (amount as per individual instructions) and begin applying the tan from the legs and working your way up. To apply, make sure you gently glide the mitt over your skin in circular motions to blend the product as evenly as possible. Pay extra attention to your elbows, knees, and ankles and use lighter strokes in these areas, as they are more prone to streaks and unevenness. Exfoliating a day or so before tanning will help with this too. Afterward, rinse the mitt with warm water and mild soap to clean it for your next use.
