Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the sunless solution work?

A: The principle tanning agent used in all self-tanning formulas is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This ingredient does not produce a “real tan” by increasing the skin’s melanin levels, rather it creates a tanned appearance by developing a brown color on the surface of the skin.The action of DHA is limited to the upper layer of the skin and involves a reaction between DHA and skin proteins and oxygen that produces brown compounds.  The development of color takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours and the intensity of color is dependent upon the DHA concentration in the product as well as each tanner’s individual skin characteristics. The color developed by the DHA usually lasts 5 to 7 days and begins to fade as the top layer of the skin naturally exfoliates.

Q: What type of bronzers are used in sunless systems?

A. Three different types of bronzers are used in our sunless solutions. First, there is the instantly visible cosmetic bronzer. Cosmetic bronzer gives the “just off the beach” look, but will wash away. (For best results, cosmetic bronzers should remain on the skin at least 8 hours). The VersaSpa and custom airbrush solutions contain cosmetic bronzers for immediate results. Our California Tan Autobronzer systems use a clear formulation that does NOT contain cosmetic bronzers.

Bronzer type two is DHA. The DHA bronzer initially has no visible effect, but begins to react with the skin in 2-4 hours and eventually replaces the cosmetic bronzer as it washes away with bathing. DHA is an acronym for Dihydroxyacetone which is an ingredient derived from sugar cane and beets. DHA reacts with the amino acids in the skin to create the darkening reaction or tan.

Finally, Eyrthulose is used as a slow-reacting bronzer, very similar to DHA. Eyrthulose enhances the clients color and extends the life of the spray tan.

Q: How long can I expect my sunless tan to last?

A: The “life span” of a sunless tan depends on your skin’s natural exfoliation. The faster your skin turns over, the faster the sunless tan will fade. The tan created by the DHA affects only the top layer of the skin and will begin to fade after 4 to 5 days as the skin naturally begins to exfoliate. Following a good skin care regimen before and after sunless tanning will help a sunless tan last longer. Exfoliating prior to a sunless tanning application and keeping skin moisturized afterwards are essential. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer, like Norvell® Pro-long™ tan extending lotion, help hydrate skin and maintain even, natural-looking color longer.

Q: How long should I wait after my session before showering or swimming?

A: DHA solutions take up to 16-hours to fully develop. You will receive the best results if they can avoid bathing until the day after their sunless session. If you must bathe, they should wait a minimum of 6-hours after the application. If showering prior to the 16-hour post application recommendation, a simple rinse with water only, is best. Soap destroys DHA. Delayed bathing allows the DHA bronzer sufficient time to complete its reaction with the amino acids (proteins) within the skin.  We recommend waiting at least 48 hours after your session before swimming. Chlorinated pools & spas can increase the rate in which the skin exfoliates causing the tan to wear and fade.

NOTE: Airbrush and VersaSpa solutions contain a cosmetic bronzer that will wash off after your session. This does not affect the results you will see from the DHA contained in the solution.

Q: Will the spray from a spray tanning application come off on my clothes?

A: If you are using a spray solution with a cosmetic bronzer (airbrush and VersaSpa) , some of the bronze color may rub off on clothing or bed sheets. This is most likely to happen when you get dressed immediately after tanning. To minimize the chance of the tint transferring to clothing, we recommend that you wear loose-fitting, darker clothes after your spray session. Try to refrain from physical exertion that could result in you sweating until you shower and wash off the cosmetic bronzer. The cosmetic tint is water-soluble. Therefore, in most cases, the color will come out of clothing in the wash.

Q. Why is keeping skin moisturized essential to maintain great sunless results?

A: It is important to keep skin moisturized after sunless tanning as dry, flaky skin will slough off faster and color will fade sooner. You basically want to slow down your body’s natural exfoliation process. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer, like Norvell® Amber Sun™ Pro-long™, help hydrate skin and maintain even, natural-looking color longer by providing subtle bronzers.