Question 1

What is DHA (Dihydroxyacetone)?

Accepted Answer

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’.

Read The DHA Story for more information about the science behind DHA and how it is used in sunless tanning products.

Question 2

What is Norvell Sunless Tanning Solution?

Accepted Answer

Norvell Sunless Tanning Solution is a formulated solution, that when sprayed on a tanner’s skin, gives the tanner a Just off the Beach golden glow.
 
Norvell also offers a full range of sunless tanning retail products, which incorporates our professional formulations into easy-to-use self-tanning products for home use. These products are found at fine salons, spas, and beauty stores world-wide.
 
Norvell offers sunless solutions that can be used in airbrush units, HVLP tanning units, or sunless spray booths.
 
The following Professional solution shades are available:
Clear: No cosmetic bronzers, perfect for light to medium skin tones.
Venetian™: Dark Violet bronzers, perfect for anyone that wants that Mediterranean look.

Question 3

How should I prep for my sunless spray tan application?

Accepted Answer

Preparation and maintenance of your sunless tan is the KEY to sunless success.
 
Follow these important steps to ensure maximum sunless results:
- GENTLY exfoliate your skin prior to your sunless spray session. A gentle, sulfate-free skin polish can be used prior to your sunless session.
- Any waxing or shaving should be performed 24 hours in advance of applying sunless products.
- Remove any ‘barriers’ that may prevent the sunless product from absorbing into the skin evenly. These include, but are not limited to: make-up, deodorant, perfume, oils, moisturizers, residue from hair conditioners.
- Optimize your skin surface pH levels prior to application. Do not use bar soaps prior to your sunless tan, and using a sunless prep mitt or primer.

Question 4

What should I wear in the booth?

Accepted Answer

Most people wear nothing. Since the room is completely private, going for an all-over treatment is completely up to you. However, if you do wear a bathing suit or underwear, please note that it may become stained. The bronzer additives are water-soluble and should wash out, but the DHA may permanently stain what you wear during the tanning session.

Question 5

Will the sunless solutions stain my hair or clothing?

Accepted Answer

Hair
Most people will not see any affect to the color of their hair; however, those with light blonde, gray or platinum hair may see some temporary discoloration from the cosmetic bronzers. This discoloration will easily wash out during the first after session shower.
For those with lighter hair we recommended spraying onto a cosmetic sponge for facial application, and blending into the hairline carefully.
A hair cap may also be worn during application.
Note: when wearing a hair cap, make sure to pull the cap back to expose the edge of hairline and tuck the cap behind the ears. Otherwise you will create a hard line around the forehead and temples
 
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.

Question 6

Will my skin be wet when I step out?

Accepted Answer

If any excess moisture remains on the skin’s surface after the session, simply use a towel to PAT DRY to remove it. This won’t streak your tan.

Question 7

Will my skin look orange?

Accepted Answer

When used as recommended, Norvell’s professional and retail sunless tanning products are formulated to give a natural color, starting with their 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.
- We recommend using the Norvell Renew Exfoliating Prep Mitt or a sunless prep spray prior to any sunless application. 
- 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.

Question 8

How long should I wait after a session before showering?

Accepted Answer

To give the DHA enough time to fully set, we recommend waiting a minimum of 4 hours but preferably 6-12 hours after a VersaSpa session. Showering sooner may diminish the intensity of the tan. If you tanned using a cosmetic bronzer it will wash off in the shower, but the DHA that creates your longer-lasting tan will remain.

Question 9

Will swimming affect my tan?

Accepted Answer

Swimming in chlorinated water or salt water can fade results, cause possible streaking and will diminish the length of your tan. We recommend avoiding these situations for the first 48 hours following your spray tan. However, normal activities such as bathing, showering or physical activities could affect the longevity but not the quality of the tan.

Question 10

Does Versa-Spa have any smell after contact with my skin?

Accepted Answer

Norvell professional sunless solutions and Norvell retail self-tanning products use advanced DHA odor encapsulation, the newest technology in odor inhibitors, to ‘trap’ odor causing molecules commonly associated with DHA products and virtually eliminate sunless odor.
 
Some people notice a slight starchy smell on their skin a few hours after a tanning session. This is simply the DHA reacting to proteins in your skin and it fades away fairly quickly.

Question 11

Has anyone had an allergic reaction to VersaSpa?

Accepted Answer

Many components used in sunless spray solutions have been successfully used in cosmetics and food products for decades, and have been proven safe for use on the skin. If you’ve had previous allergic reactions to self-tanning lotions or cosmetics, you may want to do a “patch test” first. Put a small amount of solution on a small area of your skin to test for possible reactions.
 
Our sunless spray solutions are non-comedogenic meaning they won't clog your pores and can be used on your face. Nor will they change the color of your tatoos! 
 
GLUTEN FREE, PARABEN FREE, SULFATE FREE, CRUELTY FREE, NON-COMEDOGENIC AND 100% VEGAN

Question 12

What happens if the formulations get in my eyes?

Accepted Answer

VersaSpa formulations have been thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and the results showed no eye or skin irritation. More than 20 million Versa sessions occur each year, with no adverse reactions documented. However, protective eyewear is provided by the salon should you wish to use it.

Question 13

What happens if I inhale any of the tanning mist?

Accepted Answer

While no one should purposely inhale or ingest the tanning Mist, it is known that DHA (the active tanning ingredient) is a non- hazardous compound and causes no adverse reaction in moderate quantities when applied topically or even ingested.
 
DHA has been used as a diet supplement in sports nutrition and is non-carcinogenic. Testing has further shown that DHA is less toxic than aspirin, caffeine and even common table salt.
 
Based on our research, the maximum amount of DHA that could accidentally be ingested or breathed during a one minute VersaSpa sunless tanning session would be .05 milligrams (equivalent to less than one grain of common table salt). Ingesting this minimal amount of DHA should pose no health risk to the consumer.  However, nose filters are provided by the salon should you wish to use them.

Question 14

What is a Multi-Treatment Session?

Accepted Answer

A VersaSpa Multi-Treatment Session is a process of combining 2 or 3 formulations in the same session. Keep in mind that treatment sprays (Pre-Sunless pH Balancing Treatment, or Post-Sunless Super Hydrating Treatment) are all 2 passes (front and back) while Bronzing Treatment is applied in 4 passes for complete, perfect coverage. Additionally, your blow dry passes match your spray passes; therefore, a Bronzing and Super Hydrating Multi-Treatment Session will be demonstrated as:
Bronzing - Front, Left Side, Right Side, Back
Blow Dry - Back (2x), Front(2x)
Hydrating - Front, Back
Blow Dry - Back, Front

Question 15

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

The FDA has approved DHA as a topical application and recommends that users should avoid inhaling or ingesting DHA. As a result, VersaSpa emits the least amount of solution necessary to achieve a full body tan, thus decreasing the amount of inhalable mist for a more pleasant experience. Furthermore, VersaSpa users are encouraged to use protective measures to eliminate ingestion such as: using protective eyewear, nose filters, and sealing lips with lip balm; and the use of disposable undergarments.

Question 16

How dark will my tan be after one application?

Accepted Answer

Results will vary based on the individual’s skin type and pH balance. Norvell® 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.
Your sunless technician should have all the tools needed to achieve the custom color you so desire.

Question 17

How long should I wait between spray sessions?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that individuals not tan more than 3 times in a 2 week period, to avoid build-up of tanning solution that will contribute to uneven wear-off.

This allows a complete cycle of natural exfoliation and eliminates patchiness or uneven areas of wear, such as around the waist, inside the arms where the elbow bends, underarms, and backs of knees. These are natural areas of the body where friction from clothing and daily activities may cause premature exfoliation.
In addition, spraying too frequently may also cause the skin to exfoliate more rapidly (decreasing the longevity of your sunless tan), as over-application can alter the skin’s pH levels, causing it to shed more frequently.

Question 18

Will a sunless protect me from UV exposure?

Accepted Answer

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.  Norvell® solutions do NOT contain any SPF.

Question 19

How long will my sunless tan last?

Accepted Answer

The longevity of a sunless tan depends on the type of 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.
 
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.

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