We know summer makes it easy to achieve a natural, bronzed glow but if you want an intentional glow, the best way to achieve it is to grab a self-tanner and embrace a UV-free option. Of course, if you’re new to the world of self-tanner, we understand there are likely some concerns you may have — stained clothes, stained sheets and orange hands are probably top of that list. So below, we’re sharing how to get self-tanner off hands — during and post-application — and how to avoid getting self-tanner on your palms in the first place. You’re welcome!
How to Get Self-Tanner Off Your Hands Before They Stain
You’ve followed all the instructions on your self-tanner bottle but still managed to get self-tanner on your palms. Don’t panic — self-tanner is easiest to remove when it’s fresh so keep reading to see our tips for cleaning up your hands after applying self-tanner.
- Wipe Your Palms with Makeup Remover
The best way to thoroughly wash your hands post-fake tan is to use a wipe. If you go straight to the sink and give your hands a thorough washing, you’ll end up removing all the self-tanner from your hands — leaving you with the unnatural transition of tan arms to pale hands.
So, after you finish self-tanning, use a wipe or washcloth to carefully clean your palms and the undersides of your fingers. It’s good practice to do this every time because sometimes you can miss a few spots and this is the best way to catch them.
- Get in the Grooves
You’ll notice when you get a natural tan that the area between your fingers doesn’t usually pick up much color. On the contrary, if you leave self-tanner to sit in this area, it’ll likely end up extra dark as the skin there tends to be drier than in other spots.
You can easily avoid this by taking your wipe or washcloth and carefully guiding it along the crevices between your fingers. Skipping this step is sure to be a learning experience because self-tan does not hide once it develops.
Editor’s tip: Make sure to wipe down your nails too — sometimes self-tanner can adhere to nail polish, cuticles and under your fingernails.
How to Get Self Tanner Off Your Hands After They Stain
So, you forgot to wipe your palms post self-tan session and the color has already developed. Now you have no choice but to rock the dreaded, unnatural tan tint on the underside of your hands and between your fingers — here’s how you’re going to fix it.
- Wash Your Hands
If you forgot to thoroughly clean your palms before your tan developed, washing your hands now can help naturally fade the tan that’s been left behind. If you can, try to focus your washing solely on your palms and between your fingers — but don’t expect your tan to wash away overnight. If the self-tan is really deep — reach for something more abrasive like dish soap to help break it down as you wash.
- Exfoliate
You can always choose to exfoliate your palms to get rid of unwanted self-tanner. That being said, make sure to use a gentle exfoliant, as your hands tend to be softer and more fragile than the skin on your body — and don’t overdo it. For a gentle scrub, grab something that you use on your face.
Massage it into your palms in circular motions and between your fingers. Remember to give your hands a break in-between exfoliating session rather than attempting to remove your tanning mistake in one night
Another way to exfoliate is to grab your night serum and apply it to your hands. It’s not uncommon to find self-tan removers in the self-tanner section at the store and all of those removers contain AHAs and BHAs. We reach for these acids to remove dead skin cells, fade dark spots and improve skin tone so it’s not farfetched to say that they could help fade self-tanner, too.
Grab a serum with acids. Apply four to five drops to dry, clean hands and rub it all over the areas with self-tanner. Save this hack for once a day and no need to use a scrub if you’re choosing this method. It may take a few nights to achieve your desired look but the glycolic acid will definitely work to quickly fade your tan.
Via: Lorealparisusa.com
