With the warm weather arriving, many of us are giving our winter-worn skin a warm wash of colour. Yet, despite our best efforts, we don't always get it right. That is why, along with your best fake tan, you also need to know how to remove a fake tan from hands.
Knowing how to remove fake tan from hands fast is an important beauty lesson. You might have had a fully-fledged tanning disaster (we’re talking patchy wrists, fluorescent elbows and fingers so multi-tonal that gloves are in order). Or, you might simply want to get rid of a four-day-old glow that’s looking a little stripy. We’ve all been there and we’ll all be there again. So, the art to remove fake tan from hands is something that everyone should be up to speed on.
Fake Tan Basics
We all face some problems with self-tanning, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started. With time and experience, all of these things can be overcome, but you should watch out for certain things that may go wrong. Let's take a look at what could have gone wrong and how do you remove fake tan properly.
Fake tan on your hands: What have you done wrong?
It’s a fake tanning disaster of Herculean proportions. Let's think back to what might have led us to this mess. There is a knack to perfecting a streak-free tanned hand at home and applying mousse straight on the skin with a tanning mitt is definitely not it. Hence, before we learn how to remove fake tan from hands instantly, let’s dive into what could have possibly gone wrong.
1. Excessive product
If you use a pump per hand, your hands will look darker than they are supposed to. So, make sure that you get the quantity correct.
2. Applying the tan in a hurry
People usually fake-tan their hands in a hurry at the end of their tanning routine. Don't forget to dedicate a few minutes to your hands at the end of your application. Slow and steady is the key to getting it right.
3. Choosing the wrong tools
Getting perfect fake-tanned hands at home is difficult because we use tanning mitts. You will never have to remove a fake tan off your palms again with the tanning brush! It's time to toss the mitt and embrace the tanning brush instead!
How to remove the fake tan from your hands
Even if you’ve gone wrong with your fake tan, there are remedies you can use to remove any patchy bits while keeping the rest of it looking fantastic. Here is how to remove fake tan at home easily.
1. Lemon juice
Lemons look great rimmed in cocktail glasses, but they also are a powerful natural bleach, making them a great beauty ingredient.
You can remove fake tan from feet and hands by using lemon juice. While this won't completely remove the tan, it will help tone it down. Alternatively, you can take a washcloth and soak it in lemon juice and then microwave it for 30 seconds. Gently wipe this over the problem areas to lighten the colour and help break down the product.
2. Bath oil
Put a few drops of bath oil in a vessel filled with warm water. After soaking your hands in it for about 10 minutes, gently scrub them with a loofah to see your tan disappear almost instantly!
3. Glycolic acid
When glycolic acid is applied to the skin, it naturally causes dihydroxyacetone (or DHA, the active ingredient in fake tans) to separate from the skin. Use a face pad infused with glycolic acid to lighten the tan. If you are wondering how to remove fake tan from face immediately, this is the best remedy.
4. Toothpaste
You’d be surprised to know that whitening toothpaste actually helps remove small stains from fake tans due to its bleaching properties. The best way to remove small fake tan stains, such as those between your toes or fingers, is with whitening toothpaste. Apply a bit on a toothbrush and scrub. Needless to say, you should not be using the same brush on your teeth!
5. Baking soda
Baking soda is a magical little DIY ingredient to be found in your kitchen cabinet. It also works like a dream to remove fake tans. Make a paste out of two tablespoons of baking soda and a bit of water. Rub this on streaks or orange spots on your hands for 10 minutes before washing them off. It's also a great DIY scrub for removing the tan from larger areas, like your legs or arms.
How to stop fake tan hands from striking again
You now know how to avoid fake tan stains on your hands that disrupt that head-to-toe glow. Take note of these tips when you fake tan next time to ensure that the job is well-done.
1. Apply a barrier cream
By using a barrier cream, you will keep your hands hydrated. We all know that a fake tan sticks to dry skin, so by using a cream, your fake tan will appear natural.
2. Apply with a brush
The tanning brush makes it easy to achieve a perfectly fake tanned hand. When you buff the tan into the skin, you will avoid streaking or patchy knuckles and look like you've just spent two weeks on an exotic beach as opposed to achieving a fake glow at home!
3. Use product sparingly
The most important tip for tanning your hands is to never apply excessive product directly on the skin. Build it up little by little. Even make the most of the leftover fake tan from your gloves or brushes.
Just got on the fake tanning bandwagon? It might take a few tries to master it. Since now you know how to remove fake tan from hands, there's no need to worry about tanning catastrophes. Using the remedies discussed in this article, you can get rid of uneven streaks without damaging your skin.
FAQs about Tips on how to easily remove fake tan
Does toothpaste remove fake tan?
Whitening toothpaste can help you get rid of small patches of fake tan. It is recommended that you apply toothpaste directly to the skin, concentrating on small areas, such as between fingers and palms, to remove the self-tanner. Rinse it off with a washcloth after it has been on for around 10 minutes.
Does coconut oil remove fake tan?
Yes, coconut oil can help you remove fake tan. Massage the oil on your skin and leave it on for a few minutes. Scrape away the colour gently with a loofah or washcloth.
Does hair removal cream remove fake tan?
You can use a hair removal cream to remove your self-tan since it is the best thing to remove fake tan all at once. However, you should only leave it on for half the time that the product recommends for hair removal. If you want to make sure that your skin remains gentle, choose one that contains aloe.
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Written by Kinnari Ashar on 6th Sep 2022