5 Easy Steps to Remove Spray Tan from Your Hands and Feet

Have you ever noticed patchy color on your hands and feet post-spray tan? Even when washed thoroughly, this discoloration could persist and become an actual problem when you are preparing for your next spray tan appointment.

Spray tan solutions are formulated with dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which serves to darken the surface of your skin. The drier areas of our skin tend to absorb DHA quicker than the others, thus the difficulty in removing spray tan. 

Proper removal is an integral part of spray tan care and maintenance, and should never be disregarded. Here are five foolproof tips on how to get spray tan off hands and feet!

Step 1 – Soak Yourself in the Tub

Not only is a warm soak or shower both relaxing and pampering, but it is also a smart way to soften your skin’s surface in order to prep them for exfoliation and the removal of spray tan. It helps to cleanse the skin, which is crucial if you are preparing for a spray tan appointment.

Soaking is effective in removing spray tan from all parts of the body. We highly recommend applying a layer of soothing body oil prior to your bath to gently loosen stubborn color patches, just make sure to rinse it off properly afterward and pat dry your skin before heading out for your appointment.

Step 2 – Gently Exfoliate Your Skin

The principle of a spray tan is that it settles into the surface layer of your skin, hence a gentle exfoliation being most effective to remove excess color and deeply cleanses before your next spray tan session. There are multiple ways to exfoliate, but regardless of that, always make sure you are not rubbing your skin overly harsh otherwise it can cause abrasions.

Here is how to get spray tan off hands and feet with exfoliation: 

A. Exfoliating Mitt

A mitt is the simplest way to eliminate dead skin cells, imparting that dewy glow to your skin. It helps remove any color residue, ingrown hairs, and gunks from your pores—all great things to do before you go in with your next spray tan session.

B.  Washcloth

If you are aiming for a gentler touch, look no further than a washcloth. It makes removing color and cleansing the skin more relaxing.

C. Sugar Scrub

Sugar is a natural occuring exfoliant you can easily prepare at home using granulated sugar and water, or coconut oil. You can even add a few drops of essential oils (optional) such as lavender to really stimulate that salon experience.

D. Oats

Oats are another natural exfoliant that can help soothe the skin while removing dead skin cells. To prepare, simply mix in two tablespoons of oats to three or four tablespoons of buttermilk, this makes for a luscious combination that you can massage into your skin and gently exfoliate all the grim after a few minutes.

Step 3 – Add Lemon Juice to Your Exfoliant

Lemon juice is enriched with citric acid and Vitamin C, which helps in lightening your skin and removing excess spray tan color. You can apply it directly to your hands or feet or combine it with baking soda to create a mild exfoliant.

Step 4 – Go to a Steam Room

Steam makes for an effective method for the removal of spray tan. The heat and sweat that occur during the process aid in softening your skin and color residue, making it easier to wipe off afterward. Use a warm, wet washcloth to gently rub your skin in circular motions following your time in the steam room. Rinse your skin with warm water and be sure to dry completely before proceeding with your spray tan.

Step 5 – Go for a Swim

Take a dip in the pool! The chlorine in pools acts as a gentle bleaching agent that will help remove spray tan that is left on your skin, especially pesky areas like surrounding and between your toes. Of course, make sure to shower after swimming to remove the chlorine. Opt for an exfoliating mitt or warm washcloth to gently remove dead skin cells and spend extra time on areas with patchy tan color.

How to Prep Your Skin Before a Spray Tan

Achieving that beautiful, bronze glow starts before you pick up the spray tan machine or step in the studio. Prepping your skin before a spray tan is a brilliant way to ensure long-lasting, flawless tan. Part of the preparation process is to learn how to get spray tan off your hands and feet effectively. To make sure you prep well, here are few spray tan tips to follow before your next appointment:

1. Exfoliate At Least 4 Hours Before A Spray Tan

As stressed multiple times, exfoliation is an integral part of spray tan removal and prepping for your next appointment. Exfoliating with a gentle, oil-free scrub will help remove discoloration, grease and anything lingering on your skin which may affect your spray tan. Because it opens up your pores, it is important that you give your skin a few hours of rest after exfoliation to allow pores to close up naturally before jumping into your spray tan application. 

2. Take a Shower Several Hours Before A Spray Tan

If you do plan to shower before your appointment, do so with ample time before to allow your skin to dry completely, and your pores shrink. Spray tan formula doesn’t adhere to damp skin well and may cause discoloration. Here is a tip: taking a quick dip in cold water right before you finish your shower can help close up your pores more efficiently.

3. Avoid Applying any Products On Your Skin Before A Spray Tan

As much as we are obsessed with moisturizers, you want to steer clear of any skincare products right before a spray tan. They can hinder your spray tanning process by preventing the formula from sticking to your skin.

4. Get Skin Care Services Done A Day Before Your Spray Tan Appointment

If you are looking forward to getting skin care services prior to your spray tan, we suggest doing it at least a day before your appointment. These include waxings, facials, massages, shaving, mani/pedi, or any other process that could potentially wipe off spray tan.

Wrapping Things Up

If you are concerned about removing a spray tan from your hands and feet, don’t be. Welcome to try our tips that start off with exfoliation, a warm bath, or a relaxing steam to help rejuvenate your skin to achieve that optimal spray tan results. Bear in mind that you want to gently shed the topmost layer of your skin where the spray tan solution sits, imparting a fresh, gorgeous, and natural-looking tan.