How to Prevent Dark Patches on Hands, Feet & AnklesUpdated 2 hours ago
Hands, feet, and ankles are the trickiest spots to get right with any self tanner, no matter your skin tone or which Luna Bronze product you're using. Here's why it happens, and how to get an even glow every time.
Why these areas go darker
Skin on the hands, feet, ankles, knees, and elbows is naturally drier and more absorbent than the rest of the body. Self tanners develop based on how much moisture is in the skin, so these drier areas soak up more product and develop a deeper colour, faster.
Before you apply
- Exfoliate. Focus on knees, ankles, feet, and hands to remove dry, flaky skin. This gives you a smoother, more even base.
- Moisturise dry patches. If you have particularly dry spots (elbows, knuckles, ankle bones), apply a light layer of your regular moisturiser here first. It creates a barrier that stops product building up too much.
While you apply
- Use less product on smaller areas. Toes, ankles, and knuckles need a fraction of what your arms and legs need. Apply thin layers rather than one heavy coat.
- Finish with our Blending Brush. Our vegan Contour Blending Brush is designed to buff and blend tricky spots like knees, hands, ankles, and hairlines, giving you a smooth, streak-free finish exactly where it's needed. It's a great final step no matter which Luna Bronze tanner you're using.
- Work in downward strokes over feet and ankles. This helps distribute product evenly rather than letting it pool around the ankle bone.
After you apply
- Wash your hands thoroughly. Clean between fingers, around nails, and the backs of the hands. This is where product builds up fastest and is easy to miss.
- Wipe over ankles and feet with a damp cloth. A light wipe-down a few minutes after application can lift any excess product before it fully develops.
If it's already gone a bit dark
- Buff the area gently with a damp cloth, exfoliating mitt, or the Blending Brush to lift some colour before it fully sets.
- For deeper development, exfoliating in the shower will gradually fade it over the following days.