Sunless Tanning Tips

How Does Self-Tan (DHA) work?

DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is used as a self-tanning agent. It does not produce a “real tan” by increasing skin melanin levels, but it can create the tan appearance by developing a brown skin coloring. The action of DHA is limited to the upper layer of the skin and involves a reaction between DHA and skin proteins. DHA reacts with the amino acids and amino groups of the skin’s keratin-forming brown-colored compounds. The process takes place in the outer layers of the epidermis. There is much evidence to suggest that the process is similar to Maillard reaction, also known as “non-enzymatic browning”. In this reaction, reducing sugars combine with amino acids, proteins and peptides to form various amino carbonyl compounds via a complex chain of reactions, which is not yet completely understood. According to the Maillard reaction, pyruvic acid and other hydroxycarbonyl compounds are probably formed from dihydroxyacetone, which, after further reaction steps, form brown compounds. The development of color takes anywhere from 2 - 4 hours and the intensity is dependent on the formulation concentration of the DHA in the product.

Preparation Tips

Proper skincare before and after your sunless application will help you maximize the life of your beautiful tan so you can enjoy it day after day!

Prepare your skin before your sunless application for even, natural-looking results.

• Exfoliate skin with California Tan Sunless Primer

• Shave at least one day before your spray tanning treatment.

• Do not moisturize at least two hours prior to your sunless tanning treatment.

• Remove your makeup and jewelry.

Application Tips

DEVELOP

...beautiful, natural-looking results with California Tan Sunless tanning products.

For Sunless Application by a Professional Spray Technician:

• Wear your bathing suit, your undergarments, or disposable underwear (provided).
• Do not wear wool, nylon, or silk fabrics during the treatment.
• Apply California Tan Sunless Barrier Cream (provided) generously and evenly to tops and bottoms of hands and feet, including nails and cuticles.
• Follow the instructions of your spray tanning technician.

For At Home Sunless Application and Touch-Ups:

• Do not wear wool, nylon, or silk fabrics during the application.
• Apply California Tan Sunless Self Tanner evenly to your skin, using circular motions. Avoid bottoms of feet. Apply only a thin layer to knees and elbows.
• Wash hands immediately afterwards.

Extending & Enhancing Tips

EXTEND

...your sunless tanning results after your application for long-lasting color.

• Wear dark, loose fitting clothes.
• Do not wear wool, nylon or silk fabrics until after your first shower.
• Wait at least six hours before you shower, moisturize, swim or exercise.
• Don't worry if you see color washing off from your first shower - this is the immediate cosmetic bronzer. What is left behind is a beautiful, sunless tan.
• Cleanse your skin daily with California Tan Sunless Moisture Wash, starting after your first shower.
• Moisturize daily with California Tan Sunless Extenders and Perfectors, starting after your first shower.
• Even out and intensify results with California Tan Sunless Self Tanner Lotions (refer to 'Develop' care)• Correct potential stains with California Tan Sunless Corrector Kit if needed.
• Apply California Tan Sunless Neutralizer if you experience unpleasant after-sunless odor.
• Use California Tan Sunless Bronzing Powder, After Glow™ Shimmer Spray and Lip Shine™ to enhance your sunkissed glow and show-off results.
• Remember to wear a sunscreen as most sunless solutions do not contain a sunscreen.