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 thus creating a tanned appearance. 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 6 to 8 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 (or up to 10 days when using Aviva Labs Tan-Extending Skincare products). The faster your skin cells turn over and shed from your body, the faster the sunless tan fades. To get the longest life from a spray tan, it is crucial to exfoliate prior to the spray tan application and to moisturize daily after the application.

No. Our cosmetic bronzer is perfectly blended to give you that “just off the beach” look and Aviva spray tan solution features a “what you see if what you get” effect meaning that the bronzer color they see initially exactly matches their resulting DHA spray tan. We also offer different DHA solutions in Winter Glow (our lightest formula), 8%, 10%, 12% and 14% DHA to insure that each client receives the proper amount of DHA for their skin tone.

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.

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 the client will breathe some in, this is critical. Most competitors’ solutions contain 25-32 ingredients, but we have counted some as high as 40 ingredients. Aviva Labs’ formula contains just 13 ingredients. It is important to note that there is no such thing as a 100% allergy-proof product.

 Aviva Labs’ formula contains the following 11 ingredients: 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.

Make sure to shower at least 2 hours before and RINSE off all the soap. Avoid using Dove soap or soaps that are moisturizing. Exfoliate with an oil-free product. Don't apply any moisturizer, deodorant, lotion, or makeup before your tan. Wear flip flops and dark, loose clothing so that your clothes don't rub against the spray tan while it's setting.

Most DHA sunless solutions take about 8 hours to completely develop and therefore, clients should not shower until after 8 hours from the time they are sprayed. When using Aviva Inspires Express Tan you may shower after 4 hours for a light tan, 5 hours for a medium tan or 6 hours for a dark tan. When using Aviva’s City Tan Collection, you may shower after 30 minutes for a light tan, 60 minutes for a medium tan or 90 minutes for a dark tan. Because a DHA tan takes 8 hours to completely develop, no matter how quickly you shower, expect to see your full tan after 8 hours.

It is important to keep skin moisturized after sunless tanning as dry, flaky skin will shed faster and the tan will fade sooner. To slow down the body’s natural exfoliation process, it is essential to moisturize daily. Aviva Inspires Velvet Soft Moisturizing Crème is specifically designed for sunless tanning and extends the life of the tan from 1 to 3 days. Aviva Inspires Skin Glow Moisturizer also extends the life of the tan by 1 to 3 days and also includes a light DHA concentration to help the spray tan fade evenly.

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.