Frequently asked questions
The most common questions we get from our clients
After scheduling and confirming your date, time and location – Sunless Glo comes to you with everything to make your tanning experience happen. The space should have good lighting, access to an electrical outlet, preferably a solid/level floor (without carpeting) and enough space for the pop-up tent (about 6’ x 6’ – if you hold your arms straight out beside and turn in circles - that should be sufficient space). While you review & sign a consent form, Tina will set up the tent and get the equipment/supplies ready. Before beginning, Tina will review the Fitzpatrick scale (to determine what color is best suited for your skin type), ask about your tanning experience/expectations and determine which solution best meets your needs. Barrier cream will be applied to your hands, elbows, knees, ankles and feet (where skins tends to be driest and helps prevent too much tanning in these spots). After that, you will get into whatever your garment preference is (a minimum of bottoms recommended). You will step onto “sticky feet” (to prevent the tanning solution from staining the bottom of your feet) and then into the pop-up tent where you will be sprayed (this eliminates any overspray to your living space). Hair caps may be used upon request or for light-colored hair. A pH balancing spray will be applied to your skin to aid in the DHA absorption. You will be instructed on various poses to ensure that all areas are evenly sprayed. A blending brush will be used in areas where the DHA tends to develop heavier to allow for a more natural finished product. The tanning gun simultaneously spray solution and air so that you are dried almost immediately after application. After spraying is completed, a light dusting of powder is used to help with drying and to avoid any sticky feeling. You will then step out of the tent and remove the sticky feet and hair cap is used. The barrier cream/moisturizer will be rubbed in to ensure no heavy deposits on palms, fingers, ankles/feet. After that, the pop up tent comes down, Tina leaves and you’re free to go about your day – looking bronzed and beautiful.
Dihydroxyacetone (or DHA for short) is the tanning ingredient in all self-tanning formulas. DHA creates a tanned appearance by developing a brown color on the surface of the skin. DHA is a colorless 3-carbon sugar that when applied to the skin causes a chemical reaction with amino acids in the surface cells of the skin producing a darkening effect. DHA does not damage skin as it only affects the outermost cells of the epidermis, the outer layer of skin. The development of color takes anywhere from 8 to 12 hours and the intensity of color is dependent upon the DHA concentration in the product as well as each person’s skin type. The tan typically lasts 5 to 7 days and begins to fade as the top layer of skin cells naturally sheds.
The tan typically lasts 5 to 7 days (or up to 10 days when closely following aftercare recommendations). The faster your skin cells turn over and shed from your body, the faster the sunless tan fades. 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 shed. To get the longest life from a spray tan, it is crucial to exfoliate prior to the spray tan application and to moisturize at least twice daily after the application.
No. Our cosmetic bronzer is perfectly blended to give you that “just off the beach” look. We also offer different DHA solutions in 6%, 8%, 10%, 12% and 14% DHA to ensure that you receive the proper amount of DHA for your skin tone. For rapid tans, it is important to follow after care instructions and have your first rinse during the recommended time frame.
Absolutely! A spray tan does not protect the skin from UV rays from the sun.
The sunless tanner dihydroxyacetone is currently the most popular way of gaining a tan-like appearance without sun exposure as it carries less health risks than any of the other available methods. To date, it is the only active ingredient approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for sunless tanning. The FDA has tested and approved DHA for use on the skin.
Spray tanning has not been tested on pregnant woman. Because of this we recommend you consult with and receive permission from your physician before receiving a DHA spray tan.
Dermatologists universally agree that the fewer the number of ingredients, the less likely the chance of an allergic reaction. Particularly in a spray on product, where inevitably you will breathe some in, this is critical. Most competitors’ solutions contain 25-32 ingredients, but Aviva Labs’ formula contains just 13 ingredients. It is important to note that there is no such thing as a 100% allergy-proof product.
No. Most people will not see any effect on the color of their hair. Customers with light blonde or gray hair may see some initial discoloration from the bronzer but this color will wash out after their first shower. Hair coverings are provided upon request.
The Aviva Labs solution dries the fastest in the industry because it is oil-free. Our spray tan dries in seconds.
We recommend using the Fitzpatrick Scale (a Skin Type Guide) to determine which Aviva Labs Spray Tan Solution is perfect for each skin type.
Skin Type I Extremely sensitive to sun. Often light haired, fair skinned with freckles. Usually sunburns easily. Not likely to tan. Recommended: 8% DHA or Winter Glow
Skin Type II Very sensitive to sun. Often fair skinned with blue or light-colored eyes. Usually sunburns easily. Able to achieve light tan. Recommended: 8% or 10% DHA
Skin Type III Sensitive to sun. Most Caucasians fit into this category. Sometimes sunburns. Achieves medium tan. Recommended: 10% DHA
Skin Type IV Moderately sensitive to sun. Often of Mediterranean, Hispanic or Asian descent. Sunburns a little. Usually tans well. Recommended: 10% DHA or 12% DHA
Skin Type V Minimally sensitive to sun. Middle Eastern, Latino, Indian, or light-skinned African-Americans. Rarely sunburns, tans deeply. Recommended: 12% or 14% DHA and/or +35% DHA Booster Drops
Skin Type VI Not sensitive to sun. Dark-skinned and/or African-Americans. Almost never sunburns. Recommended: 12% or 14% DHA and/or +35% DHA Booster Drops to smooth out and even skin tone and color
Aviva Sunless Solutions (Original, Gimme Brown!™, Winter Glow, Aviva Express, and City Tans): Aqua (Purified Water), DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), Decyl Polyglucose, Isopropyl Myristate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 40 (CI 16035), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Phenoxyethanol, EDTA.
Aviva Tango Tan Aqua (Purified Water), Decyl Polyglucose, Isopropyl Myristate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 40 (CI 16035), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Phenoxyethanol, EDTA.
Aviva Silk Solutions Purified Water (Aqua), DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), Decyl Polyglucose, Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), Isopropyl Myristate, Caffeine, Xanthan Gum, Acai Berry (Euterpe Oleracea Mart)*, Coconut Milk (Cocos Nucifera)*, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)*, Guarana Seed (Paullinia Cupana)*, Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf)*, Squalane, CoQ10 (Ubiquinone), Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Rose Water (Rosa Centifolia)*, Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana), Orange Blossom (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis)*, Resveratrol, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin*, Hydrolized Silk Peptide, Lavender Petal (Lavandula Angustifolia)*, Hibiscus Petal (Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis Linn)*, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein, Baobab Fruit (Adansonia Digitata)*, Red Beet Root (Beta Vulgaris)*, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 40 (CI 16035), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Phenoxyethanol, EDTA.
*Certified Organic
ATLAS™ Tan Instant Competition Bronzer Aqua (Purified Water), DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), Caramel, Sorbital, Decyl Polyglucose, Isopropyl Myristate, Xanthan Gum, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 40 (CI 16035), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea, Citric Acid, Fragrance
35% DHA Bronzer Booster Drops (35% DHA concentration) Aqua (Purified Water), DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), Decyl Polyglucose, Isopropyl Myristate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, EDTA.
Bronzer Booster Drops Aqua (Purified Water), Decyl Polyglucose, Isopropyl Myristate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 40 (CI 16035), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Phenoxyethanol, EDTA.
Deep Clean Pecan Shell Exfoliant Aqua (Purified Water), Ceteareth-20, Stearyl Alcohol, Centrimonium Chloride, Isopropyl Myristate, Crushed Pecan Shell, Fragrance (Parfume), DMDM Hydantoin, Citric Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Beta-Carotine (Vitamin A), CI 16035 (Red 40), CI 19140 (Yellow 5). Note for people with nut allergies: Contains crushed pecan shells.
Skin Glow Tan-Extending Moisturizer Aqua (Purified Water), Dihydroxyacetone, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Paraffinum Liquidum, Glycerin, Centrimonium Chloride, Olea (Olive) Oil, Cocos (Coconut) Oil, Citric Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Beta-Carotine (Vitamin A), Fragrance (Parfume), DMDM Hydantoin
Shower Glow™ DHA-Infused Body Wash Aqua (Purified Water), Dihydroxyacetone*, Sodium Coco Sulphate*, Coco Amide*, Coco Betaine*, Coco Glucoside*, Glycerin*, Aloe Vera*, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Fragrance*, Sea Salt, Potassium Sorbate, FD&C Yellow #6. *plant-derived
Tan Restore Sunless Tanning Gel Aqua (Purified Water), Xanthan Gum (plant-derived thickener), Dihydroxyacetone, Decyl Polyglucose (from corn), Isopropyl Myristate (from coconuts), Citric Acid (from citrus fruit), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Beta-Carotene (antioxidant Vitamin A), Amino Acids (skin revitalizing complex), Magnesium Chloride (Dead Sea salt), Fragrance, Diazolidinyl Urea, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Methylparaben.
Velvet Soft Moisturizing Crème Aqua (Purified Water), Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Paraffinum Liquidum, Glycerin, Centrimonium Chloride, Olea (Olive) Oil, Cocos (Coconut) Oil, Citric Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Beta-Carotine (Vitamin A), Fragrance (Parfume), DMDM Hydantoin
Aviva Organics™ Skin Glow – Face Crème Aqua (Water), Organic Rosemarius Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Extract, Organic Zingiber Officinale (Ginger Root) Extract, Organic Lippia Citriodoro (Lemon Verbena) Leaf Extract, Organic Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange Peel) Extract, Organic Rosa Canina (Rose Hips) Fruit Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Cetearyl Glucoside, Dihydroxyacetone, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Caprylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Natural, Glycine, Potassium Sorbate