Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS SUNLESS SPRAY TANNING?
Sunless spray tanning is the spray/mist application of sunless tanning solution to your body. When applied, DHA (the active ingredient in sunless tanning solution) reacts with the proteins in the skin's superficial layer to form a golden brown color. Your skin begins to darken two to three 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.
What is DHA (dihydroxyacetone)?
The active ingredient most often used in all sunless tanners including tinted moisturizers, self-tanners, and spray tan solution is called Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. 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.
How does it work?
Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA sugars, react naturally with protein in the top layers of the skin to create a golden tan color. VersaSpa Pro™ and our airbrush formulas and advanced application processes provide a streak-free golden tan - no matter your skin type. Our tanning solutions also have added aloe and moisturizers to its solution to keep your skin healthy and golden.
Is the process safe for consumers? What about allergic reactions to chemicals?
All of the components in the tanning solution are approved by the FDA for external use on the skin, and have been used in food and cosmetics for several decades. For 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.
For more inform on DHA, or to view the FDA's position on mist tanning, please visit: http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/Productslngredients/Products/ucm134064.htm
If you have any of the following conditions, we recommend that you consult a physician prior spray tanning with us: Pregnancy, asthma, adverse reactions to cosmetics or sunless tanners.
How is the tanning solution applied?
The VersaSpa Pro™booth is a full-body, DHA tanning process that utilizes new misting technology. It is a revolutionary process that allows the booth to apply a uniform amount of tanning solution to all parts of the body. When the special VersaSpa Pro™ solution passes through the booth’s nozzles, the particles of solution are polarized making it cover all surfaces of the skin evenly. When the tanning process is finished, you simply step out of the booth, towel-off any excess mist, and get dressed.
Does it turn the skin orange?
No! In the past, self-tanners gave many individuals an unnatural orange glow and caused streaking. Most of these undesirable results were caused by improper or ineffective application techniques. New spray application technology and superior formulas assure that all areas of the body get a uniform coating of the solution in the exact quantity required to produce a golden brown tan.
What about people with fair skin that have never been able to tan?
Our top of the line spray tanning solutions have been designed specifically for individuals who cannot or do not wish to tan conventionally.
Do people with hair on their legs/arms, develop an uneven tan where hair is present?
No. People with hair on their bodies will see tiny droplets of mist on their hairs at the end of the tanning process. These droplets are rubbed in during toweling off and the same even, golden brown tan is achieved.
What if I have a bald spot?
As it isn't necessary to wear a shower cap for the misting process (it doesn't affect the color of your hair in any way - even if you have gray hair) you can go into the booth without a cap and even your bald spot will get that great tan! Or, if you prefer, touch-up solution is available.
What should I wear in the tanning booth?
Many people do not wear anything. The room is completely private, so tanning nude is perfectly acceptable. However, while the bronzer we use for initial color is water-soluble and should wash out of any clothing, if a bathing suit, underwear, or anything else is worn, we cannot guarantee that it won’t be stained. Disposable undergarments are available by request.
What should I wear for a custom airbrush tan?
Wear as much or as little as you're comfortable. Again, while the bronzer we use for initial color is water-soluble and should wash out of any clothing, if a bathing suit, underwear, or anything else is worn, we cannot guarantee that it won’t be stained. Disposable undergarments are available by request.(Men are asked to wear underwear or boxers.)
What happens if the mist gets into my eyes?
We suggest keeping your eyes closed during the misting process, but there is nothing in the mist that has been shown to be harmful to eyes.
How often do I need to spray tan to achieve the color I want?
You will be tan after one session! You should be able to maintain your color by using a Tan Extender (VersaSpa Gradual Tanning Spa Butter luxuriously moisturizes skin and maintains and enhances a beautiful tan) and/or by tanning every 5 to 10 days (varies by user).
Will it make you feel sticky?
No. Once your tanning session is complete and you have dried, your skin will feel soft and hydrated because of the moisturizing components. It will not feel sticky.
Do I need to cover your hair during use?
No. Many consumers wear disposable shower caps (provided by the salon) to keep the solution from getting in their hair. Other consumers tan without covering their hair. The solution will not penetrate the hair follicles.
Will I be wet when getting out of the booth?
The mist applied in the VersaSpa Pro™ tanning booth is very fine, and the session includes heated drying . By the time you step out of the booth, you will be dry and ready to get dressed!
Will the mist leave an odor on my skin?
Our spray tanning solutions use odor control technology designed to virtually eliminate the odor that may be present when the DHA in the solution interacts with the skin. Still, some comment that they notice an odor after tanning, but that it is not unpleasant (as sunless tanners typically are), nor noticeable to others around them. Many comment that they love the scent of the treatments in the new VersaSpa Pro™! The rejuvenating formulas have a spa-like scent of sage and sea grass!
Will I get sick if I breathe during the session?
We recommend that users hold their breath during the actual misting process, which lasts about 10 seconds. We make this recommendation because most individuals would prefer not to breathe in the mist even though there is nothing in it that has shown to be harmful to breathe in.
How long after the tanning session should I wait to put clothes back on?
Immediately after toweling off, you can put your clothes back on. Once you have towel dried, very little of the bronzer or DHA may still transfer on to your clothes. Note that perspiration may cause the bronzer to transfer to your clothing more heavily, but since the bronzer is completely water-soluble it will wash out.
Does this system cause freckles in people who usually freckle when tanning?
No. There is nothing in the solutions that will cause more freckles to appear. In fact, freckles and blemishes usually become less pronounced because the lighter skin areas darken and reduce the color differentiation between the blemishes and the rest of the skin.
Will I get a better tan if I tan twice in one day?
Tanning back-to-back does not give the DHA a chance to set between tans, and increases the chance that your tan may have an orange glow. It is best to wait 24-48 hours between tans.
How soon after the session can I shower?
We recommend that you wait at least a 4 to 8 hours after tanning to give the DHA enough time to fully set. If you shower earlier, you may diminish the intensity of the tan. When you do shower, the initial tan created by the water-soluble bronzer will wash off, but the DHA will remain and create a long-term tan.
Can sunless users also tan in the sun and UV-tanning beds?
Yes. There is nothing in our solutions that should prevent users from tanning in tanning beds or the sun. In fact, sunless tanning actually enhances existing tans!
No rays, no risk of skin damage. Just beautiful color.
Serious Tan. Seriously Fast. UV-FREE.