Sunless Tanning Dictionary

by | Apr 26, 2018 | Sunless Tanning, Tanning Tips

  • Sunless Tan

    The application of either a self-tan product, or spray tan to your body. When applied, DHA (the active ingredient in sunless tanning products) reacts with the proteins in the skin’s superficial layer to form a golden-brown color. Your skin begins to darken 2-3 hours after application and reaches its peak color within 24 hours. The color will gradually fade through natural exfoliation, just like a tan from the sun.

  • Professional In-Salon Spray Tan System

    A private, warm, automated spray system that delivers a full-body, VersaSpa spray tan, in about 3 minutes.

  • Self-Tan (at-home)

    A professional-quality VersaSpa self-tanner you can take home and apply when needed.

  • Bronzer

    A temporary cosmetic color, which is especially great when you want a great tan right now. The cosmetic bronzer washes off in your next shower – just like a make-up foundation.

  • DHA

    The active ingredient most often used in all sunless tanners, including tinted moisturizers, self-tanners, and spray tan solution. DHA is a carbohydrate (monosaccharide sugar) compound approved by the FDA for use in externally applied sunless tanning solutions. For misting applications, the FDA recommends protective measures to prevent eye contact, inhalation or ingestion. DHA is often derived from a vegetable source like beets or sugar cane. The FDA added DHA to the list of approved colors for cosmetic products in the 1970s. VersaSpa DHA ingredients are Eco-Certified.

  • Extended Tan

    A tan that develops in 6-8 hours and may last 5-7 days with one application. An extended tan can be a self-tanning product or in-salon spray tan.

  • Gradual Tan

    A product that will build color – gradually – with each application. The great feature is that you can control the depth of color, from a hint to a deeper and darker tone. Maximum color intensity is reached in about one week.

  • Exfoliate

    To wash or rub your skin with a granular substance to remove dead cells from the epidermis, or top layer of skin. Everyone’s skin naturally sheds the epidermis, every week. We recommend exfoliating before tanning to remove dying and dead skin cells to make the tan appear even and for an even fade.

  • FDA

    FDA – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or USFDA) is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, one of the United States federal executive departments that regulates products and product safety. The FDA considers sunless tanning products a cosmetic.

  • FDA Advisory

    The FDA has approved DHA (primary tanning agent in sunless tanning products) for external application to the skin. For spray/misting applications, the FDA recommends protective measures to prevent eye contact, inhalation or ingestion. To ensure complete protection, the FDA suggests wearing protective eyewear, nose filters, ear plugs, lip balm, and undergarments.

    To read the complete FDA position on DHA, visit: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/products/ucm134064.htm