How to Get Rid of Bronzer on Hands From Tanning

Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after applying tanning bronzer.
... David De Lossy/Photodisc/Getty Images

After slathering on bronzer to mimic that day-at-the-beach look, you may find your hands are stained orange. A quick rinse with soap and water likely won’t do the trick, especially if the bronzer has set into your skin. You don’t have to hide your hands under gloves or spend your days holed up in your house until the color fades. Get rid of the bronzer quickly with some simple home remedies. You’ll be flaunting your new fake tan without the embarrassment of discolored hands in no time.

Wash your hands for a full minute with an exfoliating body scrub. Rinse your hands well and dry them thoroughly with a towel.

Soak an exfoliating glove with lemon juice. Scrub your hands, working on one at a time, to lift the bronzer from your skin. Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry with a towel.

Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into a bowl. Stir with a spoon to make a paste. Scrub your bronzer-stained hands for a few minutes with the paste until the orange hue is gone. Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any residue.

Squeeze a dollop of whitening toothpaste onto a dry washcloth. Use the toothpaste to thoroughly scrub your hands to remove the bronzer. Wash your hands well after you’re finished to remove the toothpaste.

Moisten a cotton ball with acetone nail polish remover. Wipe the stained areas of your hands with the cotton ball until the bronzer is gone. Wash your hands well with soap and water to remove all traces of the nail polish remover.

  • Avoid scrubbing your hands too hard or for long periods of time. This can cause irritation to your skin. Be especially careful when scrubbing with an exfoliating product or glove, as these can be harsh on the skin.
  • Acetone nail polish remover may be too harsh for some people's skin. If you find your skin becoming irritated from the nail polish remover, stop using it immediately and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Use a manicure brush to scrub around your fingernails and in between your fingers to effectively remove the bronzer from these areas.
  • Put on surgical gloves before applying tanning bronzer to your skin to help prevent your hands from turning orange.

Kimbry Parker has been writing since 1998 and has published content on various websites. Parker has experience writing on a variety of topics such as health, parenting, home improvement and decorating. She is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Arts in organizational communication.

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