Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Tanning

• Should I moisturize before a sunless tan?

  You should use a moisturizer regularly to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, which will contribute to a more even, natural-looking tan. However, it is recommended not to apply moisturizers two hours prior to self tanning and four to six hours afterwards. A moisturizer applied immediately prior to custom tanning could interfere with the reaction of the DHA (the active self tanning ingredient) with your skin. Any moisturizer applied immediately after self tanning could cause streaking and also interfere with the reaction of DHA.

• 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.

• How do 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 that produces brown compounds. The development of color takes anywhere from two to four 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 five to seven days and begins to fade as the top layer of the skin naturally exfoliates.

• How long does it take to see results?

  If the product or solution contains a cosmetic tint, you will see an immediate bronze appearance on the skin. However, the cosmetic bronzers provide only temporary color and will wash off in the first shower. The sunless tanning color that develops from the dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in the formula takes two to four hours to appear. Therefore, we recommend to wait at least six hours after application before showering or exercising to allow DHA to fully react with the skin.

• How long should I wait after a bronzing session before I shower?

  It is best to wait about six hours after using a self tanner before you bathe or shower to give the DHA time to fully react with skin proteins.

• Can I work out after?

  It is best to wait about six hours after using a self tanner before partaking in any strenuous activities that may cause perspiration. This will give the DHA time to fully react with skin proteins as well as prevent streaking that could result from excessive perspiration.

• How many days will a 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 four to seven 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. Professional application Custom Bronzing should last five to seven 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 four to five 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.

• How frequently do you recommend I use a self tanner? Can I do it several days in a row?

  The frequency of sunless tanning application depends on your skin cell turn over and preference of color intensity. People with quick cell turn-overs may want to apply a self tanner every three to four days to keep color fresh, while others may need to apply only once a week. In addition, you can control the intensity of a sunless tan by repeating an application for darker results. It is best to wait at least two to three hours between applications to allow the DHA to react and set on the skin before applying a “second coat.”

• When is the best time to receive a self tanning application?

  It is best to apply a self tanner to skin that is free of dirt, oils, and moisturizers, and that is exfoliated and shaved. Therefore, an ideal time to apply a self tanner is after showering. It is important when using an exfoliating scrub that it is an oil-free product as oils can create a barrier on the skin.

• Will the spray tan from a spray tanning application come off on my clothes?

  If you are using a spray solution with a cosmetic tint, 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. The cosmetic tint is water-soluble. Therefore, in most cases, the color will come out of clothing in the wash.

• Will a sunless spray tan affect the color of my nails or nail polish?

  The solution will not discolor nail polish. However, the solution can cause unnatural coloration of cuticles and nails. Therefore, we recommend you apply Barrier Cream to nails and cuticles prior to a sunless spray application to avoid any discoloration.

• Will a sunless spray tan discolor my hair?

  DHA reacts with proteins. As hair is a protein, it can discolor some hair types if it penetrates the hair follicles. Those with light hair, such as blonde, white, or grey hair should take extra precautions. It is recommended you wear a protective hair cap, provided by most salons, to ensure protection from discoloration. Make sure the forehead, ears, and hairline are exposed. Those with light hair (blonde, grey, or white) or men with facial hair can also apply a thin layer of Barrier Cream on to the temples, hairline and moustaches/beards to avoid discoloration.

• How does Barrier Cream work?

  Barrier Cream provides a protective barrier layer to prevent the penetration of DHA into the upper layers of the skin, thus preventing staining. Certain areas of the body, like the palms of the hands, bottom of the feet, cuticles, and nails are more porous and stain easily. Therefore, these areas should be covered with an even layer of Barrier Cream to prevent unwanted discoloration.

• How is Barrier Cream applied?

  A generous amount of Barrier Cream is applied onto your hands and an even coating is spread to the palms of the hands, in-between the fingers, tips of fingers, covering nails and around the cuticles. Also a generous layer of Barrier Cream is also applied to the bottom of feet, in-between the toes, covering toenails and cuticles.

• Why do I need to wear sunscreen even if I have a sunless tan?

  Although you may feel and look like you have a real tan, a sunless tan is only the temporary appearance of a tan and therefore provides your skin with no real sunburn protection. It is absolutely necessary you wear a sunscreen when outdoors to protect your skin from burning.

• Why do some self tanners make me turn orange?

  It can be a combination of the type of self tanner used and the level of DHA (the active self tanning ingredient). Self Tanners have come a long way since their introduction. Traditional self tanners relied solely on DHA to create a temporary ‘tan.’ Recently, many self tanners started including erythrulose, a similar type ingredient that delivers a more golden color to the skin, whereas DHA tends to be more red/orange. The use of these two self tanning ingredients together and with the right balance allows for a more golden-brown hue and a more natural-looking ‘tan.’ In addition, erythrulose takes longer to react than DHA, therefore allowing for longer-lasting sunless color. California Tan (the tanning solution we use) has been using erythrulose since 1997 with the introduction of the BronzeExtend® Complex — the proprietary self tanning blend used in our professional and at-home self tanning products and tan-extenders.