The principle tanning agent used in all self-tanning formulas is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This ingredient does not produce a "real tan" by increasing the skin's melanin levels, rather it creates a tanned appearance by developing a brown color on the surface of the skin.

The action of DHA is limited to the upper layer of the skin and involves a reaction between DHA and skin proteins and oxygen that produces brown compounds. This process is similar to what occurs when you slice open an apple and the surface of the apple browns when it's exposed to the oxygen in the air.

The development of color takes anywhere from 16 to 24 hours and the intensity of color is dependent upon the DHA concentration in the product as well as each tanner's individual skin characteristics. The color developed by the DHA usually lasts 5 to 7 days and begins to fade as the top layer of the skin naturally exfoliates.

When using our Norvell Auto Revolution for the first time our staff will walk you through all movements and best practices. Feel free to ask any questions you may have during that time!

To help you prepare you can watch the video below.

24- 48 hours before your session, we recommend using a mild body polish such as Norvell's Renewing Sunless Exfoliator™.

If you forget to exfoliate, we have Norvell® eXmitt® available for purchase that will provide a light exfoliation and can be done right before your session, with no rinsing required. Avoid using bar soaps, high pH shower products, or in shower moisturizers. These products can neutralize the DHA bronzing reaction within the skin. Shaving or waxing should be done 12-24hrs prior to your session.

For best sunless results the skin should be clean of any barriers like moisturizer, sweat, perfume, deodorant and makeup.

Hair caps may be worn to protect blonde or grey hair, but is not necessary for darker hair, as any small amounts that may get in the hair will wash out. You may also use Norvell® Neat Feet™ foot protectors to shield the bottoms of your feet from sunless solution. We also provide disposable thongs and bandeaus for your convenience.

We encourage you to exfoliate before every sunless session. You should use a mild shower gel/exfoliant, such as our Norvell™ Body Scrub.

You should allow at least 12-24 hours between body scrub use and your sunless session especially if product contains any oil.

The longevity of a sunless tan depends on the type of self 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 professionally 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. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer, like Norvell® Gradual Tanner™, help hydrate skin and maintain even, natural-looking color longer.

Classic Solution:

If using our Classic solution clients will receive the best results if they can avoid bathing until the day after their sunless session. 24 Hours is recommended for a deeper glow though if you must bathe before this time, you should wait a minimum of 8-hours after the application and proceed with a rinse. Delayed bathing allows the DHA bronzer sufficient time to complete its reaction with the amino acids (proteins) within the skin.

Rapid Solution:

Our Rapid solution is rinsed is 2 - 4 hrs depending on how dark you would like to be. We always recommend starting with 2 hrs unless we state otherwise. Please note that when rinsing your Rapid solution most people do not see any results until 8+ hrs after receiving your spray. Rapid solutions are rapid rinse NOT rapid development.

As all DHA solutions take about 24-hours to fully develop, if you are rinsing before the 24hrs whether it be a Classic or Rapid please take care when rinsing. You should be rinsing for less than 2 minutes with lukewarm water warm water ONLY and then pat dry. Soap destroys DHA.

If you are using a spray solution with a cosmetic bronzer, 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 tint transferring to clothing, we recommend that you wear loose-fitting, darker clothes after your spray session. Try to refrain from physical exertion that could result in you sweating until you shower and wash off the cosmetic bronzer.

The cosmetic tint is water-soluble. Therefore, in most cases, the color will come out of clothing in the wash.

Three different types of bronzers are used in Norvell® Sunless Solutions. First, there is the instantly visible cosmetic bronzer. Cosmetic bronzer gives the "just off the beach" look, but will wash away. (For best results, cosmetic bronzers should remain on the skin at least 8 hours if using our Classic solution). Norvell® clear formulations do NOT contain cosmetic bronzers.

Bronzer type two is DHA. The DHA bronzer initially is clear, but BEGINS to react with the skin in 2-4 hours and eventually replaces the cosmetic bronzer as it washes away with your first shower or rinse.

Finally, Eyrthulose is used as a slow-reacting bronzer, very similar to DHA. Eyrthulose enhances the your color and extends the life of the spray tan.

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'.

Norvell® uses the newest technology in odor inhibitors to encapsulate the odor causing agents commonly associated with DHA products. The fragrance is then blended with DHA in a manor which allows the pleasant fragrance of raspberry and almonds to come through, eliminating the dreaded "sunless smell".

No. The perfectly blended our Norvell® cosmetic bronzer will give you that "just off the beach" look and transition smoothly into their DHA color that will later develop.

All Norvell® solutions are designed to create a custom color shade between the DHA/Erythulose combination and the customers natural skin tone.

The "orange" color, as it is sometime called, is the result of high pH levels within the skin. Extremely light complected customers or those tanning for the first time should be sprayed with Norvell® xLaTan™ pH Balancing prep spray to balance the skin's pH levels prior to their application.

Norvell® Sunless Spray Solutions are non-toxic, and utilize only Eco-Cert® DHA which has been vigorously tested and certified organic by the Group Eco-Cert®.

Each Norvell® solution is:

• Paraben Free

• Gluten Free

• Sulfate Free

• Nut-Allergen Free

• Propylene Glycol Free

• Phthalates Free

• Synthetic Fragrance Free

With all of the above being said, Bramasole does NOT staff licensed physicians. Therefore as you would before using ANY product on an expectant mother, we recommend each customer consult with their personal physician before receiving a DHA sunless spray tan application.

If you are concerned with a possible allergic or skin reaction to the solution we recommend you first patch test a small area of the skin prior to a full body session.

Any Norvell® Salon will be happy to arrange a pre session patch test before scheduling a full body session.