Patchy or Streaky Self-Tanner *Can* Be Removed—Here’s the Quickest Way to Do It

Self-tanning can be extremely hit or miss. As Who What Wear beauty director Erin Jahns once said, fake tan formulas have come a long way, but it’s still possible to overdo it if you’re not careful. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered for when that happens. It’s not the end of the world if your tan turns out patchy or streaky, according to Tan-Luxe global tanning expert Lex DiMarchi. Self-tanner is actually much easier to remove than you think. Even if you’re looking to slough off an older tan to make way for a fresh one, there are ways to do that too!

For all the deets, keep scrolling. We asked DiMarchi for the best ways to remove self-tanner and included a few recommended items to help you do so.

How to Remove Self-Tanner From Your Hands After Applying

After applying self-tanner, there are a few DIY ways to remove it from your hands. One quick way is to use a washcloth to clean your palms and hands right after. The washcloth will provide light exfoliation and, if done fast enough, should keep your hands from appearing stained. If more than a few minutes have passed, DiMarchi recommends using a soap that lightly exfoliates, like Ouai’s Hand Wash.