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 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.

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. On average, self-tanners last 4-7 days. a professional 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. 

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 afterward is essential.

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.

Will the bronzers from a spray tanning application rub off on my clothes?

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 I turn orange?

When used as recommended, our professional and retail sunless tanning products are formulated to give a natural color, starting with our perfectly blended instant cosmetic bronzers that allow you to gently transition into your DHA tan over 24 hours after application. 

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. 

• Do not over-apply sunless products. In general, the darker your natural skin tone, the higher concentration of dha (sunless product) you can apply to the skin and still maintain ‘natural’ color. generally, those will fair/light skin tones should apply less DHA (sunless product) to the skin to ensure natural looking results. 

• Be sure to not only evaluate how much product you apply to the skin, but what the concentration level of DHA in each product is. Sunless products that are designed to give a darker color may not be desirable for fair skin.

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 and spas can increase the rate in which the skin exfoliates causing the tan to wear and fade rapidly.

How dark will my tan appear after one application?

Results will vary based on the individual’s skin type and pH balance. Our solutions have been formulated to provide a color that will be appealing to the majority of sunless tanners, and a variety of shades will allow you to find the perfect solution for your individual needs. The Bronzing Bar all the tools needed to achieve the custom color you so desire!

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. Our solutions do not contain any SPF.

Is a DHA spray tan safe for a diabetic person?

The Bronzing Bar has received no feedback from any medical authority that would indicate a risk to a diabetic person, however, as you would before using any product as a diabetic person, we recommend each customer consult their physician before receiving a DHA spray tan application.

I have Vitiligo, will the solution cause a change in the affected areas?

Yes. Our sunless solution does work on the affected areas, However, it is important to remember the skin that is lighter “tans” and the unaffected skin areas also tan, therefore they will remain different colors. While both areas do achieve a sunless tan, they will appear “two toned” when finished. Our color is a blend of the natural skin color and the sunless color. 

Sunless color is not a “cover-up”, but rather a blend. customers looking to darken only the lighter skin will need to take care and apply solution to these areas only, and may be best served with any of the retail self-tanning applications available at The Bronzing Bar.

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. The Bronzing Bar will be happy to arrange a pre-session patch test before scheduling a full body session.

Will sunless solution cause additional freckling to already freckled skin?

No. However, the spray does not cover freckles either. What is darker will stay darker and what is lighter, stays lighter in contrast.