The Dermatologist-Approved Way To Get Self-Tanner Off Your Hands

Skip navigation!ADVERTISEMENTStory from BeautyADVERTISEMENTThe Dermatologist-Approved Way To Get Self-Tanner Off Your HandsKarina HoshikawaLast Updated April 29, 2020, 11:07 PM Photographed by Poppy Thorpe.There's absolutely no shame in trying to bring some sunshine into your self-isolation reality with the help of self-tanner — especially as the weather gets warmer outside. One upside of faking your summer glow this year is that your skin will be better off, but if your faux tan sesh has resulted in orange-tinged, very bronzed palms, don't freak out.Instead of trying to scrub layers of skin off with an old pumice stone (don't do this), we've enlisted an expert to give us a step-by-step guide of how to gently — yet effectively — return your hands to your normal skin tone. Follow these expert tips, and fixing a tan mishap on your hands will be done in no time.AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

1. Soak your hands

According to Morgan Rabach, MD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical NYC, the first thing to do is soak your hands for at least 15 minutes in warm water. Then, instead of adding soap or body wash, add a couple drops of bath oil (olive oil works, too) to create a hydrating soak for a few additional minutes. "The oil will help loosen extra tanner," she explains.

2. Buff with a towel

"After the soak, use a washcloth on those areas," Dr. Rabach says. No need to scrub vigorously — if it's a little damp, circular motions should help gently soften the color.PipetteBaby OilBUY$10.00SkinStoreSpaSilk10-pack Washcloths In Solid BluesBUY$6.99Bed Bath & BeyondThrive MarketOrganic Extra Virgin Olive OilBUY$14.99Thrive Market

3. Opt for a self-tan remover

Brands make them for a reason, so after your soak, give one a go. Many self-tan erasers are infused with exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid to help slough off skin cells, making them an easy-peasy way to remove too much tanner anywhere on your body.Fake BakeTan Corrector & EraserBUY$17.30Look FantasticIsle Of ParadiseOver It Magic Self-tan EraserBUY$27.00SephoraSt. TropezTan Remover Prep And Maintain MousseBUY$19.00Ulta Beauty

4. Get unconventional (if needed)

If the previous steps didn't get the job done, then it might be time to try something stronger. "Depilatory creams that remove hair can also take away self tanner," Dr. Rabach says. You might not have touched the stuff since your teen years, but on the off chance that you don't have a remover, but do happen to have a bottle of Nair lying around, it's worth a shot. (Just be sure to follow the directions.) Another idea: "Lemon juice works well, or any toner with AHAs or BHAs," advises New York City-based dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. As for next time, don't forget an applicator mitt.St. TropezDouble Sided Luxe Tan Applicator MittBUY$7.50SephoraNairHair Remover Lotion With Softening Baby OilBUY$7.99Ulta BeautyGlossierSolutionBUY$24.00GlossierAt Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. The product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT BeautyEverything You Ever Wanted To Know About LED Skin Wands — & The B...All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. If, like me, your skincareby Jacqueline KilikitaBeautyThe Little-Known Side Effect Of Masseter Botox I Didn’t ExpectI can pinpoint the exact moment I knew I had to do something about my jaw pain. It was my birthday, and a friend cracked a joke so good that half the by Jacqueline KilikitaMercadoThe Milk & Rose Bath Collection We’re Buying Ourselves This Valen...Whether you’re in a relationship, single, or figuring out wth to do with that situationship, Valentine’s Day invites us to reflect on how we’ve been by Raquel ReichardAdvertisementADVERTISEMENTBeautyThe Ordinary’s New Milky Moisturizer Is For Everyone, But My Dry ...All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Having combination skiby Jacqueline KilikitaSkin CareThe Best Moisturizers To Quench Thirsty Dry Skinby Rachel KrauseBeauty StudioEvery Dermatologist I Know Swears By La Roche-Posay, Namely These...All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. I’m very lucky to have acby Venus WongBeautyWhy Your Skin Looks Dull — & What Will Actually Help, According T...All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. One thing that comes with tby Jacqueline KilikitaSkin CareI Tried 8 Peptide Lip Treatments — & The Cheapest Was The WinnerAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Take a closer look at some by Venus WongBeautyThe Lesser-Known Acid Skincare Experts Love For A Year-Round GlowAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. If I were to rifle through by Jacqueline KilikitaBeautyThe Inkey List’s $15 Retinal Serum Is The Only Thing Saving My Du...All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Until a few weeks ago, I waby Jacqueline KilikitaBeauty5 New Skincare Trends That’ll Be Everywhere In 2026All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. 2025 was a standout year foby Jacqueline KilikitaBeautyI’ve Been Using Shark’s LED Mask For Months — & It...All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. LED face masks are everywheby Karina HoshikawaAdvertisementADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT