THE SKIN CANCER FOUNDATION
"IMPROVED SELF-TANNING PRODUCTS ARE SOARING IN POPULARITY

NEW YORK, NY, August 17, 2001 - Thanks to recent improvements, self-tanning products are surging in popularity, according to the latest issue of Sun & Skin News, a publication of The Skin Cancer Foundation. Also called "sunless" tanning lotions, they imitate a natural tan more authentically than ever, without the sun damage that causes a real tan. Many now include ingredients to help block the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays (UV).

The active ingredient in sunless tanning lotions in dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colorless sugar that interacts with dead cells in the skin's outer layer, staining the skin darker. The dead cells slough off over several days, the tan gradually disappearing unless the lotion has been reapplied.

Real suntans also start to fade after a few days, but the harm they do is permanent: Tanning breaks down DNA in skin cells, accelerating aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer. However, self-tanning products cause no problems beyond a minimal risk of irritant or allergic reactions in some users. "They're easier to use than ever, the color appears more natural, and some lotions contain sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF), " says Stanley B. Levy, MD, adjunct clinical professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.

DHA itself offers only minimal SPF protection against the sun's shorter-wave, UVB, rays. Recent research shows that high concentrations of the chemical may also provide some protection against longer-wave, UVA rays (which, like UVB, are linked to premature skin again and skin cancer). At best, however, high DHA levels in self-tanning lotions offer protection equivalent to an SPF of only 2 to 4. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends SPF's of 15 or higher. So even products with high DHA concentrations should contain an SPF 15+ sunscreen for safety's sake. And even if the lotion contains such a sunscreen, the protection lasts nowhere near as long as the "tan" will last. "After two hours in the sun at most, you should put on more sunscreen," says Dr. Levy.

Caution: Don't be misled by products that sound like self-tanning lotions, such as "tanning amplifiers," "tan accelerators," "bronzers," or worst of all, "tanning pills." Bronzers are merely coloring, like tinted makeup, offering little or no protection. And most of the other products interact with the sun to create the tan, so they end up accentuating skin damage. The pills banned in the US have been associated with hepatitis and urticaria, a condition that involves itching and skin eruptions."

AIRBRUSH TANNING FAQ’S

 

What is DHA?  DHA is a chemical that has been around since the 1920’s and was recognized by the food and drug administration as being safe when used in a cosmetic form in the 1970’s.  DHA is a non-toxic simple sugar derivative. 

 

Is it safe?  Absolutely!  DHA has been used in foods, hospitals, and many of your bronzing tanning lotions.

 

How does it work?  When sprayed on the skin, it activates itself through the body’s temperature by absorbing to the keratin proteins and then activated by heat, a chemical reaction occurs, referred to as the “Mallard Reaction” changing the color of the skin to a resemblance of a “suntan”.  All of this without the need of UV light!

 

How long can I expect the tan to last? You can expect your tan to last seven to ten days.  The use of our revive lotions will help extend your tan!

 

Do I still need to wear sunscreen after getting an airbrush tan?   Yes!  The airbrush tan does not contain sunscreen.

 

DO’S AND DON’T’S

 

  1. Do shower before you tan.
  2. Do exfoliate the entire body before tanning.
  3. Do shave the night before your tanning appointment.
  4. Do wear loose fitting clothing to your tanning appointment.  The application dries in 5 to 10 minutes, but for maximum benefit is best to wait approximately 2 to 4 hours before wearing tight fitting clothing.
  5. Do not wear stockings following an application.
  6. Do not exercise vigorously or sweat after application.
  7. Allow tanning application to dry for 4-6 hours before taking a bath or shower

Exfoliation is the key to receiving the best color from an airbrush tan.  We suggest using our Enchante Salt Sorbet or Ultra Scrub 24 hours before your tanning session. 

 

The majority of color appears within 4-6 hours but the process actually continues for 24 hours.  You will prolong the life of your tan if you use the RevivePLUS after your first shower.

 

PRODUCTS

 

Enchante Salt Sorbet—This all natural formula combines a superior blend of fine sea salt crystals from the Dead Sea .  These crystals are well known for their exfoliating and healing properties.  These exotic crystals are uniquely blended with exotic oils of Virgin Hemp Oil, Grape Seed Oil (which has incredible anti-oxidant properties), Sweet Almond Oil, Macadamia Oil, Jojoba Oil, Lavender Oil, and Pure Vitamin Oil.  With the addition of Vitamin E that helps repair scars and cracked skin.  With this exotic formulation this salt exfoliant is designed to massage away the old skin and condition.  The essential oils will stimulate your skin leaving it feeling soft, silky, and fresh. 

Using this product 24 hours before your tanning session will allow the exotic oils to penetrate and absorb into your skin, bringing your skins oils into a natural balance.

 

Ultra Scrub--- Ultra Scrub is a glycolic, physical dermal exfoliator, which removes dead and damaged skin cells using A.H.A’s and Jojoba beads to promote new skin growth. It Contains 10% of the active glycolic making Ultra Scrub much more effective for exfoliating the skin, better preparing a client for an airbrush tan.

 

RevivePLUS— Tan Extender!  This lotion is unique because it has blended DHA right into the formula.  This allows absorption of the lotion into your bi-layers of skin while adding a mild sunless effect with DHA.  It’s beneficial to use RevivePLUS after your first shower prior to a sunless tanning treatment to enhance the color with the additional DHA.  It will also minimize areas that may be missed by an airbrush session. 


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