FAQs; About DHA

At South Island Products, we are service oriented and want your buying experience to be a pleasant one. If there is anything we can do to make your experience more pleasurable, please don't hesitate to ask. We understand that a happy and satisfied customer is a repeat customer. We would like to thank you in advance for your patronage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do sunless tanning products work?

2. Is sunless tanning safe?

3. How long will a sunless tan last?

4. Can you use tanning beds or tan outdoors in conjunction with sunless tanning?

5. Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my tanning session?

6. What is the best method for applying sunless tanning products?

7. What is the difference between HVLP (turbine) tanning and airbrush tanning?

8. How does your product compare? Do you offer samples?

9. How should sunless solution be stored and/or cared for?

10. What about DHA?

Sunless tanning products contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a highly refined sugar that interacts with the the amino acids of the upper skin layers. A brown coloration appears that has a similar hue to that of a natural suntan. In addition to DHA, Chief-Tan^® products contain Aloe Vera, Green Tea Extract and Grapefruit Seed Extract to moisturize and nourish your skin as your tan develops.

Our products contain a bronzer for an immediate tanned look. The initial bronzer color will only last until you take your first shower. The DHA will react with your skin and begin producing a tan within 3-5 hours after application. The full effectiveness of the DHA will, however, depend on skin complexion and preparation. 

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2. Is sunless tanning safe?

Yes. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient in sunless products, has been FDA-approved for use in the cosmetics for over twenty years. We are not aware of any reported adverse effects from using DHA. Some people may experience allergic reactions as a result of an allergy to DHA, but that is rare. We do not recommend use of our sunless products by pregnant women.

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3. How long will a sunless tan last?

Your sunless tan should last approximately 5-7 days as long as you you follow a daily moisturizing routine; the tan may last longer. A sunless tan will fade just like a suntan because as you lose dead skin cells, you lose your tan.

Proper moisturizing will enhance and extend your sunless tan. South Island Products has a complete line of aftercare products especially designed for use with your sunless tan. When used as directed, daily use of Chief-Tan^® X-TEN can extend your color and keep it smooth and even looking.

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4. Can you use tanning beds or tan outdoors in conjunction with sunless tanning?

Yes. Although repeated exposure to ultraviolet light is deemed to cause premature aging and cancers of the skin, you can still do both along with sunless tanning.

Important>> Sunless tanning products offer no protection from the sun's rays, even though you look tan. You should apply appropriate sun protection just as if you had no sunless tan. A sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or more is recommended.

Drying your skin out in the sun or by alternative sources can reduce the longevity of your sunless tan. Additionally, long hot showers and prolonged bathing will also reduce your tan's longevity as it softens and exfoliates the skin.

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5. Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my tanning session?

Yes. Prior to being tanned you should exfoliate using a body brush or quality scrub. Removing any dead cells and body oils will help the sunless tanner penetrate your skin and give you the best results. Do not use moisturizers prior to being tanned as they can clog pores and prohibit proper penetration. Makeup and deodorants can also prohibit absorption and should also be removed prior to tanning.

If you choose to be tanned in a bathing suit, we suggest you buy one especially for use while tanning or use an older one as some of the solution will inevitably get on your suit. You should also wear loose fitting dark colored clothing and flip-flops as some of the bronzer can rub off on your clothing and shoes can cause your feet to perspire affecting the results. Natural fibers like 100% cotton sweats or Baggies are best. Any color that rubs off can be usually be washed out during a normal wash cycle. Nylon, wool, Lycra and Spandex do have the potential to stain.

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6. What is the best method for applying sunless tanning products?

There really is any "best" method - each has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are essentially 3 ways to apply sunless tanning products - 1. Airbrush/HVLP, 2. Booths, and 3. Hand Application.

Airbrush/HVLP. Airbrush and HVLP (turbine) applications are performed by technicians who control where and how much sunless solution to apply. Technicians apply sunless products to many different types of individuals and know best how to ensure you will be satisfied. The main disadvantage to Airbrush/HVLP is that the process is both time and labor-intensive.

Booth. A booth involves the client standing in a precise location and, depending on the booth manufacturer, moving around. That being said, certain booth manufacturers are better than others. The main advantages of booth application is time and the fact the process is not labor-intensive.

Hand Application. The least preferable method is hand application. There is really no way for one to properly apply the sunless product in an even and consistent manner, especially in hard-to-reach areas such as the back.

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7. What is the difference between HVLP (turbine) tanning and airbrush tanning?

The equipment is the difference. Both spray the sunless onto the skin but the airbrush does this with high pressure (from a compressor) while the turbine, or HVLP (high volume low pressure), does so with a larger volume of air and motion in a highly specialized spray gun. They both do the job very well. The airbrush tends to be used more in shops or spas that don't have such a high volume. The turbine is ideal for high volume, enabling one to complete a spray tan in about one third the time or less. Airbrush systems are typically much more quiet that HVLP systems.

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8. How does your product compare? Do you offer samples?

We are occasionally asked: "Why is there such a price range on the market?" Some solutions are made with just the basics, and include lower quality ingredients at a lower production cost while others, like ours, rely on quality ingredients. We also include natural antioxidants and humectants such as green tea extract and aloe vera. So while most cheap solutions defeat the purpose of a tan by drying and shedding the skin, ours actually conditions the skin, slowing the cell turn over rate. These some of the reasons why our products offer long lasting higher quality tans.

We offer samples for sale on this website and if you remind us when you decide to make your next purchase we will give you full credit of your sample purchase price. We do not ship free samples all over the world because we pride ourselves in being one of the lowest priced, best quality products available. This helps us to keep our costs down.

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9. How should sunless solution be stored and/or cared for?

Chief-Tan^® Sunless Solution should be handled carefully in order to maintain its performance, consistency, and color. DHA-based sunless solutions depend on quality and careful handling to assure effectiveness. Following a few basic steps can eliminate product performance issues.

Sunless solution should be stored in a cool, temperature controlled environment. Repeated or prolonged storage at temperatures in excess of 75° to 80° will reduce the product's effectiveness. Refrigerating the solution after it has been opened is recommended.

DO NOT store sunless solution in direct or indirect sunlight. The solution will NOT spoil from incidental exposure; however, repeated or prolonged exposure will reduce the product's effectiveness greatly.

Use only stainless steel spray-on components, systems and/or product transfer methods. The natural ingredients in our solution that make it an affective tanning agent are also reactive with contact with metallic objects. Only stainless steel is safe for direct contact with the solution. Use of any metal other than stainless steel may dramatically reduce the tanning effect of the solution.

Prolonged exposure to air is also detrimental to the effectiveness of DHA-based solutions. Never leave the cap off of open containers of solution for long periods of time. There is little bacteriological risk from exposure to open air; however, extended exposure will reduce tanning results achieved with the product.

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About DHA

Understanding DHA use in Sunless Products
The Story of DHA (Dihydroxyactone)

DHA was first used as an active ingredient during research on the treatment of diabetics, some of whom tolerated DHA better than glucose.

In 1957, the tanning properties of DHA were discovered in a children’s hospital. DHA was administered orally as a treatment of a childhood glycogen storage disease. The doctor noticed that children that spit up some of the DHA mixture developed brown spots where the DHA splashed on the skin. The doctor experimented by rubbing the mixture on her own skin. She tanned as well. The first scientific papers on DHA were published in 1960. DHA’s physicochemical properties, tanning mechanics and skin tolerance have been explored since these studies resulting in an improved method of application, a more natural looking and more uniform tan. Present day production of DHA still relies on fermentation, as it did in the late 1800’s.

The Browning Action
When DHA is applied to the skin; a brown “tan” forms in about 2 to 3 hours. The tan continues to darken for approximately 6 hours. The result can be a quite pleasing dark tan. The tan is absolutely water-resistant and diminishes only as the dead cells of the stratum corneum flake off – usually in 4 to 5 days. Some people expect a tan to provide UV protection. However, unlike the melanin pigments, the DHA-derived polymers do not absorb significant amounts of UV light, and therefore, cannot protect against UVB radiation. However, a DHA tan can be considered a UVA sunscreen to some extent.

FDA Position on DHA
DHA is a food grade product and is approved for ingestion by the FDA. In fact, the largest user of DHA in the world is the health supplement industry. Because DHA is a Pyruvite or fat burner, it is found in many weight loss products. DHA has also been approved for application in creams and lotions and has no known detrimental effects on the body when applied topically. It has been a common ingredient in most sunless tanning lotions for many years. DHA has not been specifically evaluated for use in spray-on tanning systems. This lack of evaluation should not be considered a negative statement of great concern. As a comparison, the ink used in permanent tattooing has never be evaluated for that use by the FDA either.

Chief-Tan^® Sunless Spray Solution contains no known toxins or allergens. However, as with ANY substance, repeated exposure to, or inhalation of, airborne matter may cause irritation or discomfort. Common sense tells us to recommend that people who will be using the product on a daily basis should wear some type of air filtering mask to reduce contact. Customers should be advised to hold their breath when the product is applied near the mouth or nostrils.

Technicians need to remember to NOT spray directly into the slits of the eyes or wear eye protection. Customers should be advised to apply a lip balm prior to tanning to avoid application of DHA to the lips, as lips will not show a color benefit from the application of DHA.

MEDICAL CONCERNS
Can a pregnant women be safely sprayed?
Chief-Tan^® Sunless Spray Solution is a non-toxic, food grade product. We have NOT received information from any medical authority that would indicate detrimental effects to an expectant mother and we have not heard of anyone be advised not to tan by their physician. However, as you would before using ANY product, on a pregnant person, we recommend each customer consult with their physician before receiving a DHA-based tan application.

Does DHA pose a risk to diabetics?
We have received no feedback from any medical authority that would indicate a risk to a diabetic person. However, as mentioned above, common sense tells us anyone with any medical condition should consult with their physician before receiving a DHA-based tan application.