Your Questions- Answered!

 

How do sunless 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 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.

 

Will a spray tan stain my clothing?

If you are using a spray solution with a cosmetic bronzer (water-soluble make-up), 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 bronzers transferring to clothing, we recommend you wear loose-fitting, darker clothes after your spray session. Try to refrain from physical exertion that could result in your sweating until you shower and wash off the cosmetic bronzers.

All cosmetic bronzers used within Norvell® products are water-soluble. Therefore, in most cases, the color will come out of clothing in the wash.

It is however important to note bronzers may stain light hair, wool, spandex, lycra, silks or other fine fabrics.  If product comes into contact with hands or clothing rinse immediately.

 

Will a spray tan give me sun protection?  

Our spray tan formulas do not contain any levels of sunscreen or sunblock.  You will need to apply an appropriate level of sunscreen before spending the day in the sun.  Your tan will NOT protect you from sunburn. 

 

Can I swim after receiving a spray tan?

We recommend waiting at least 48 hours before you swim in the pool or the ocean.  For best results, do not swim immediately after getting your tan.  Chlorine from the pool can cause your color to slightly fade.

 

How long will my color 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.

On average, self-tanners last 4-7 days. A professionally application, I.e. a sunless tan received at a salon or spa, will last longer than an at-home application as there is usually a greater percentage of DHA used.

• At-home application (lotions, sprays, mousse, etc.) = 3 to 5 days

• Professional application (stand-up spray units, airbrush, Custom Bronzing) = 5 to 7 days

The “life span” of a sunless tan also 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® Color Extender Pro-long™ Moisturizer, help hydrate skin and maintain even, natural-looking color longer.

 

Will my tan wash off?

Your beautiful tan will gradually fade just as any suntan does, which is why a weekly application is recommended to maintain your tan. The color that washes off in your initial shower is just excess bronzer and it is expected to happen.  We do recommend, however, that you wait at least 4 hours before showering or working out. 

 

Are the tanning formula ingredients safe?

A spray tan is much safer for your skin that exposure to the sun for long hours.   The active ingredient in our tanning solution is  dihydroxyacetone (DHA).   DHA is an ingredient derived from sugar cane and beets, which reacts with the amino acids in the skin to create the darkening reaction or tan.    DHA does not produce a "real tan" by increasing the skin's melanin levels; it creates a bronzing effect by changing the color of the surface of the skin.

Our tanning solution is an organically based product that ensures a safe tan and promotes healthy skin.  

 

How long does a spray tan take to dry?

Norvell® Solution should dry enough to re-dress in 8-12 minutes. Your spray technician can reduce this time by removing the spray gun from the quick disconnect air hose and “blow drying” the skin.

 

 

**Information gathered from Norvell* training institute