FAQs
SPRAY TAN & DHA
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Spray tanning involves applying an active ingredient, DHA or dihydroxyacetone, to your skin using a specialist low pressure spray tan machine.
DHA is a sunless tanning agent and is the most popular way of achieving a natural looking tan without being exposed to the harmful UV rays of the Sun and is approved by the FDA for sunless tanning. DHA is a simple carbohydrate which is often derived from plant sources such as sugar cane, also known as fructose, which is then taken through a series of untraceable synthetic processing. It causes a non-toxic chemical reaction with the amino acid groups, which are part of the keratin protein present in the outer most layers of the skin.
Various amino acids react differently to DHA, producing different tones of coloration from yellow to brown. The resulting pigments are called melanoids. These are similar in coloration to melanin, the natural brown substance found in the deeper skin layers after UV exposure, which leads to a delayed development of a natural tan.
The depth of the tan will depend on the % strength of the DHA contained within the product. Overall depth and intensity of tan achieved will also depend on the consumers own natural melanin content and thickness of the skins stratum corneum. Where the stratum corneum is thicker, elbows, knees for example the reaction and tan is more intense, where the layer is thin, the face for example the tan is less intense. In order to achieve a uniform result you must remove loose scales from the skin before applying DHA.
The artificial tan immediately appears on the skin surface and will continue to darken over 24 hours depending on the formulation. Once the darkening effect has occurred, the tan becomes waterproof and will not wash away with soap or water. It will fade gradually over 5 to 10 days, in conjunction with the skins normal exfoliation process. Exfoliation, prolonged water submersion, or heavy perspiration can lighten the tan, as these all contribute to rapid dead skin cell exfoliation.
Another important factor in achieving a fake tan is the pH levels of the skin and formulation. An alkaline pH causes the tan to look orange, whereas a slightly acidic pH reduces this color problem. A surplus of water in any formulation can hinder the tanning reaction; there is optimum water content for each of the formulation and skin required to achieve best results. A balanced formulation understands the importance of maintaining moisture in the skin, the correct pH balance and the odor reaction of protein and DHA.
SKIN STRUCTURE
The skin consists of 3 layers
The epidermis forms the outermost protective covering of the body.
The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and contains all the main material which supports, all the other structures.
The subcutis (subcutaneous) layer lies beneath the dermis and is made up of fatty tissue which cushions the internal organs against shocks and acts as an insulator and source of energy when required. This fatty layer separates the skin from underlying muscle
EPIDERMIS STRUCTURE
The epidermis consists of 5 layers
1. STRATUM CORNEUM
Also known as surface/horny layer. Outer most layer consisting of flattened dead skin cells. It is this layer that is affected by self-tanning products.
2. STRATUM LUCIDUM
Also known as translucent layer. Lies directly underneath the corneum, but not present all the time. Tends to be a translucent layer found in areas that require more thickness or suffer more friction.
3. STRATUM GRANULOSUM
Also known as granular layer. Lies underneath the Lucidum. Skin cells breakdown in this layer and keratin is impregnated into the cells. There is a process known as keratinisation whereby cells begin to lose their structure and eventually die.
4. STRATUM SPINOSUM
Also known as prickle cell layer. Lies under the Granulosum and is a living layer of the epidermis which is made up of nucleated cells from the stratum germinativum. This layer rapidly divides as keratin is pushed into them making their cells tough and waterproof.
5. STRATUM GERMINATIVUM
Also known as the basal layer. This is a living layer that receives its blood supply from the dermis.
WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS
The Epidermis
The epidermis is the upper layer of the skin; the most superficial layer. The epidermis is made up of layered scales. An organised rotational production line converts living cells at the base of the epidermis into dead, hardened, compacted layers of protein (keratin) on the outer surface, taking approximately 200 days for a cell to mature in the epidermis. The life time of a mature cell is between 7-20 days and the replacement time for the stratum corneum (top layer) between 32-36 days.
Every day millions of dead skin cells are sloughed off or worn away from the surface of the skin. This is why tans from self-tanning lotions will gradually fade; as the dead cells are worn away, so is your tan. For this reason, most of these products suggest that you reapply the tanning product approximately every three days to maintain your tan.
Q: CAN PREGNANT WOMEN USE OUR SOLUTIONS?
Though our tans use organic, natural and hypo allergenic ingredients we still adopt the point of referring to your GP before the the use of any spray tan during pregnancy.
Q: DO I STILL NEED TO APPLY A SUNSCREEN?
Yes you do. Our tan solutions do not provide any useful protection against harmful uv rays. We recommend the use of an approved SPF 30+ sunscreen 20 minutes prior to any sun exposure.
Q: HOW DO I EXTEND THE LIFE OF MY TAN?
Your spray tan can be extended through the use of our retail range including our pH body wash and tan extending lotion available from stockists.
Please Note: You should avoid excessive exposure to water and any form of exfoliation during the life of your spray tan.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER MY TAN IS APPLIED?
Your tan will start to develop immediately upon application.
For the best possible results you should avoid the following within the first 24 hrs after your tan has been rinsed off.
- WATER
- SAUNAS/SPAS
- PHYSICAL EXERCISE/SWEATING
- TIGHT FITTING CLOTHING
Q: WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY APPOINTMENT?
It is recommended that you wear loose and comfortable dark clothing to and from your spray tan appointment. Tan Solution in most cases will not stain clothing and any slight rub off should come out in the wash, however some staining may occur on some light coloured leather, acrylic or other sensitive fabrics.
Q: HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY TAN?
We recommend you cleanse & exfoliate your body 24 hours prior to your tan application. This will ensure the best possible result from your spray tan by eliminating the top layers of dry and dead skin. It is also best to avoid the use of deodorants and moisturisers and any other products that may inhibit the effectiveness of the tanning solution.
Q: HOW LONG WILL MY TAN LAST?
Most people can expect their tan to last 5- 7 days depending on your skin type and preparation.
Some may even keep their tan for up to 10 days. Regular moisturising and using our Tan HQ Tan Extending lotion will extend your tans life greatly.
Q: IS OUR TAN SAFE TO USE?
Our combination of organic, natural and hypo allergenic ingredients along with highly purified water (aqua) and the natural sugar derived cosmetic tanning agent DHA produce a truly remarkable tanning result.
Q: ARE YOUR PRODUCTS ORGANIC?
No tanning product can be 100% organic due to the active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone. However our products are paraben-free, gluten-free, 100% vegan, cruelty-free, safe to be used by pregnant or nursing mothers, and organic-based.