If you are like me and want to fake tan without removing all those stains from your hands and feet, then worry no more. Foot staining after a spray tan is common, but it’s easily preventable with a few careful steps.
The key all along was to exfoliate the area gently to remove the excess color. Let’s get into the details of this.
Understanding Why Your Feet Gets Stained After a Spray Tan
First of all, why are the bottoms of your feet getting a spray tan stain on them? There is no relation, right? What if I told you there is a relationship and possible reasons behind this? Here are the most common ones:
Product Residue
- Our self-tanners are designed to adhere to skin cells and develop a tan. But sometimes, the product residue can fall on the floor. If you accidentally step on it, it will transfer to your feet’s skin cells and develop a tan stain there.
Application Overlap
- During a spray tan, the product is applied in a fine mist. If your feet are not completely dry it can soak the product mist. This factor often results in discoloration, too.
Skin Absorption
- The skin on your feet differs from the skin on the rest of your body. It tends to be thicker and may absorb more of the tanner solution, eventually resulting in self-tanner stains.
How To Keep Spray Tan Off Bottom Of Feet? Prevention Tips
Now that you know the possible reasons the spray tan residue gets on your feet, let’s now see how you can prevent this while keeping these very reasons in mind.
Stand on a Towel
Always stand on the towel during the spray tan application procedure.
I say this because the towel acts as a barrier between your feet and the floor. It helps prevent direct contact with the tanning solution residue.
Already Got Spray Tan On your Feet? Quick Tan Removal Methods
Couldn’t it prevent the spray tan from staining the bottom of your feet, nonetheless? The DHA compound of the spray tan can still be removed. So, don’t panic and review all the removal tips I have listed below.
Take a Dip In The Hot Tub
A warm hot tub is a great way to soften the surface of your skin and remove spray tan from your hands and feet. It also leaves your skin pampered and relaxed, so it’s a major ” W ” in my opinion.
Just make sure to apply a layer of soothing body oil before your bath to start loosening stubborn patches of color.
Gentle Exfoliation
Since spray tan settles into the surface layer of your skin, gentle exfoliation is a perfect way to remove excess color and deeply cleanse your skin in prep for your next spray tan session. These are the several ways you can exfoliate:
- Exfoliating Mitt
- Washcloth
- Sugar exfoliating scrub
- Oats
Through Steaming
Steam is an effective way to remove spray tan from hands, feet, and the rest of your body. The heat and sweat help soften your skin and the color, making it easier to wipe off later.
After your time in the steam, use a warm, wet washcloth and gently rub in circular motions on your skin. Then, rinse your skin with warm water and dry completely.
Take a swim
If you have access to a pool, you might consider taking a dip. The chlorine in pools may act as both a gentle bleaching agent and help remove spray tan left on your skin, especially in pesky areas like between the toes, elbows, and other drier areas.
Using DIY Methods To Remove Spray Tan From Your Hands and Feet
Would you rather prefer a quick removal without having to step outside? Well, I have a solution coming directly from your kitchen, too. These are all the DIY homemade removal methods that I have tried personally:
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice’s natural acidity acts as a natural exfoliant. It has the capability to gently remove your spray tan without causing any irritation or reaction.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl.
- Dip a cotton ball or cloth into the juice.
- Gently exfoliate the skin by rubbing the cotton ball or cloth over the affected areas with your hands to remove dead skin cells and prepare it for a fake tan.
- Rinse off with warm water.
Baby Oil or Coconut Oil
Another effective way to remove sunless tanning residue on your feet is by exfoliating with baby or coconut oil. These exfoliating oils work wonders in dissolving the stubborn fake tan formula.
- Apply a generous amount of exfoliating baby oil or coconut oil onto your skin.
- Massage it in circular motions for a few minutes.
- Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
- Wipe off the excess oil with a towel.
Sugar Scrubs
How can I leave the sugar scrubs from this list? It is the perfect gentle exfoliation method that only removes the excess tan from your feet but also removes the dirt and dead skin cells.
Ingredients:
- Lemon
- Baking Soda
- Sugar
- Essential oils.
Recipe:
- Mix equal parts lemon juice and sugar in a bowl
- Then, add a teaspoon of baking soda for extra exfoliation.
- After that, add essential oils to soothe the skin.
Application:
- Wet your feet with warm water.
- Take a small amount of the homemade scrub mixture onto your hands.
- Gently massage it onto the bottom of your feet in circular motions.
- Pay extra attention to areas with stubborn tan stains.
- Rinse off the scrub with warm water.
- Pat dry with a towel.
- Apply lotion or a moisturizer on the area you exfoliate.
Preparing Your Skin For Applying Fake Tan
The prepping part is also crucial in preventing the soles of your feet from looking dark and unnatural due to stains. Here is how to prepare your skin wisely to avoid such an occurrence.
- Exfoliate at least 4 hours before your appointment.
- Take a shower several hours before your spray tan.
- Don’t apply beauty products before spraying.
- Receive skincare before your spray tan appointment.
Get Tan-free Feet After a Spray Tan With Ease
Just follow these simple and convenient instructions and methods and say goodbye to those unwanted tan lines.
Now go ahead, implement these tips, and show off those flawless feet! Oh, and make sure to save this article for future purposes, too.