Self-tanning is an excellent way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV rays. However, it is not uncommon for self-tanner to leave your hands looking darker than the rest of your body. If you’ve ever experienced self-tan staining on your hands, you know how frustrating it can be. The good news is that there are ways to remove self-tan from your hands effectively. Here’s everything you need to know.

Why Do Hands Stain Easily with Self-Tanner?

Hands and feet are the most common areas where self-tan stains occur. There are several reasons for this. First, the skin on our hands and feet is thicker than other parts of the body, and it also contains more dead skin cells. This means that the self-tanner can cling to the rough and uneven surface of the skin and develop into dark patches.

Additionally, our hands come in contact with many things during the day, such as water, soap, and other chemicals, which can accelerate the fading process of self-tanner. As a result, the color can become patchy and uneven, making it look like you have dirty hands.

Ways to Get Self-Tan off Your Hands

Now that you understand why self-tanner stains occur on the hands let’s look at how to remove self-tan from your hands.

1. Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliating your skin is an essential step in removing self-tan from your hands. It helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells that have absorbed the self-tanner, making it easier to remove. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub to avoid irritating your skin.

2. Use Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help to lighten the color of the self-tanner on your hands. Simply squeeze some fresh lemon juice onto your hands, rub it in, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and repeat if necessary.

3. Try Baking Soda

Baking soda is another natural ingredient that can help to remove self-tanner from your hands. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste. Rub the paste onto your hands and leave it for 5-10 minutes before washing it off with warm water.

4. Use Self-Tanner Remover

Self-tanner remover is a specially formulated product that is designed to remove self-tanner from the skin. You can find it at most drugstores and beauty supply stores. Apply the self-tanner remover to your hands and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before washing it off with warm water.

Preventing Self-Tan Stains on Your Hands

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent self-tan stains on your hands:

1. Use a Mitt

Use a self-tanning mitt to apply the self-tanner to your skin. This will help to ensure that the self-tanner is evenly distributed and reduce the risk of staining your hands.

2. Wash Your Hands

After applying self-tanner, wash your hands immediately with soap and water. This will help to remove any self-tanner that may have come into contact with your hands, preventing stains from developing.

3. Use Gloves

If you don’t have a self-tanning mitt, you can use gloves to apply self-tanner to your skin. This will help to protect your hands from coming into contact with the self-tanner.

4. Apply Barrier Cream

Before applying self-tanner, you can apply a barrier cream to your hands to prevent the self-tanner from clinging to your skin. Simply apply a thin layer of moisturizer or petroleum jelly to your hands, and then apply the self-tanner to the rest of your body.