Sunless Frequently Asked Questions
Will I turn 'Orange'?
When used as recommended, Norvell’s professional and retail sunless tanning products are formulated to give a natural, just off the beach™ color. High pH levels in the skin can sometimes give individuals an undesirable, ‘fake’ non-natural looking sunless color. Sunless application on skin that is out of balance due to high pH levels sometimes results in what many people refer to as an ‘orange’ coloring.
To prevent this from happening, there are a few things you can do:
How do sunless/self-tanners work?
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. This process is similar to what occurs when you slice open an apple and the surface of the apple browns when it’s exposed to the oxygen in the air. 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.
What is DHA (Dihydroxyacetone)?
DHA is an acronym for Dihydroxyacetone. DHA is the active ingredient found in all sunless tanning products. It is a simple carbohydrate that is primarily used as an ingredient in sunless tanning products. It is often derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane, and by the fermentation of glycerin. DHA does not make your skin cells darker in pigmentation, but rather reacts with the proteins and amino acids found in the top layer of your skin to create a darkening effect or ‘sunless tan’.
How long will my sunless tan last?
The longevity of a sunless tan depends on the type of self-tanning application, the skin’s natural exfoliation process, and on the skincare regimen followed before and after application.
Why is keeping skin moisturized essential to maintain great sunless results?
It is important to keep skin moisturized after sunless tanning as dry, flaky skin will slough off faster and color will fade sooner. Your goal is to slow down your body’s natural exfoliation process. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer help hydrate skin and maintain even, natural-looking color longer.
Should I allow the skin to rest between spray sessions?
It is strongly recommended that individuals do not spray tan more than once a week. It is important to avoid build-up of tanning solution that will contribute to uneven wear-off. This allows a complete cycle of natural exfoliation and eliminates patchiness or uneven areas of wear, such as around the waist, inside the arms where the elbow bends, underarms, and backs of knees. These are natural areas of the body where friction from clothing and daily activities may cause premature exfoliation. In addition, spraying too frequently may also cause the skin to exfoliate more rapidly (decreasing the longevity of your sunless tan), as over-application can alter the skin’s pH levels.
How long after tanning should I wait to enjoy a pool/spa/ocean?
We recommend avoiding these situations for the first 48 hours following your spray tan. Chlorinated pools & spas can increase the rate in which the skin exfoliates, causing the tan to wear and fade rapidly.
Will a sunless tan protect me from exposure to UV sun rays?
No. It is common to get a false sense of security when you have been spray tanned. Your skin will still burn when overexposed!
It is still necessary to apply SPF lotions or sprays when in the sun. Norvell® solutions do NOT contain any SPF.
Can pregnant women be safely sprayed?
Norvell® Sunless Spray Solutions are non-toxic, and utilize only the best DHA which has been vigorously tested before entering any Norvell formulation.
Each Norvell® solution is:
I have very sensitive skin, should I be concerned with a possible reaction to Norvell® solutions?
If you are concerned with a possible allergic or skin reaction to the solution we recommend you first patch test a small area of the skin prior to a full body session. We will be happy to arrange a pre-session patch test before scheduling a full body session.
When used as recommended, Norvell’s professional and retail sunless tanning products are formulated to give a natural, just off the beach™ color. High pH levels in the skin can sometimes give individuals an undesirable, ‘fake’ non-natural looking sunless color. Sunless application on skin that is out of balance due to high pH levels sometimes results in what many people refer to as an ‘orange’ coloring.
To prevent this from happening, there are a few things you can do:
- Do not use bar soaps before your sunless session. A properly pH balanced skin cleanser will not elevate pH levels on the skin, and result in more ‘golden brown’ sunless tanning results.
- Norvell® recommends spraying the body with Pre Sunless xLaTan pH Balancing Spray prior to any sunless application. This product is formulated to lower the pH levels of the skin, giving a more golden brown color, and maximizing your sunless results.
How do sunless/self-tanners work?
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. This process is similar to what occurs when you slice open an apple and the surface of the apple browns when it’s exposed to the oxygen in the air. 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.
What is DHA (Dihydroxyacetone)?
DHA is an acronym for Dihydroxyacetone. DHA is the active ingredient found in all sunless tanning products. It is a simple carbohydrate that is primarily used as an ingredient in sunless tanning products. It is often derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane, and by the fermentation of glycerin. DHA does not make your skin cells darker in pigmentation, but rather reacts with the proteins and amino acids found in the top layer of your skin to create a darkening effect or ‘sunless tan’.
How long will my sunless tan last?
The longevity of a sunless tan depends on the type of self-tanning application, the skin’s natural exfoliation process, and on the skincare regimen followed before and after application.
- At-home applications (lotions, sprays, mousses) & Pura Spray Tan Booth= 3 to 5 days
- Professional application (customized airbrush spray tan) = 5 to 7 days
Why is keeping skin moisturized essential to maintain great sunless results?
It is important to keep skin moisturized after sunless tanning as dry, flaky skin will slough off faster and color will fade sooner. Your goal is to slow down your body’s natural exfoliation process. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer help hydrate skin and maintain even, natural-looking color longer.
Should I allow the skin to rest between spray sessions?
It is strongly recommended that individuals do not spray tan more than once a week. It is important to avoid build-up of tanning solution that will contribute to uneven wear-off. This allows a complete cycle of natural exfoliation and eliminates patchiness or uneven areas of wear, such as around the waist, inside the arms where the elbow bends, underarms, and backs of knees. These are natural areas of the body where friction from clothing and daily activities may cause premature exfoliation. In addition, spraying too frequently may also cause the skin to exfoliate more rapidly (decreasing the longevity of your sunless tan), as over-application can alter the skin’s pH levels.
How long after tanning should I wait to enjoy a pool/spa/ocean?
We recommend avoiding these situations for the first 48 hours following your spray tan. Chlorinated pools & spas can increase the rate in which the skin exfoliates, causing the tan to wear and fade rapidly.
Will a sunless tan protect me from exposure to UV sun rays?
No. It is common to get a false sense of security when you have been spray tanned. Your skin will still burn when overexposed!
It is still necessary to apply SPF lotions or sprays when in the sun. Norvell® solutions do NOT contain any SPF.
Can pregnant women be safely sprayed?
Norvell® Sunless Spray Solutions are non-toxic, and utilize only the best DHA which has been vigorously tested before entering any Norvell formulation.
Each Norvell® solution is:
- Paraben Free
- Gluten Free
- Sulfate Free
- Nut-Allergen Free
- Propylene Glycol Free
- Phthalates Free
- Synthetic Fragrance Free
- With all of the above being said, Tan de Soleil does NOT staff licensed physicians, therefore as you would before using ANY product on an expectant mother, we recommend each client consult with their personal physician before receiving a DHA sunless spray tan application.
I have very sensitive skin, should I be concerned with a possible reaction to Norvell® solutions?
If you are concerned with a possible allergic or skin reaction to the solution we recommend you first patch test a small area of the skin prior to a full body session. We will be happy to arrange a pre-session patch test before scheduling a full body session.
