Sunless Glossary

The ingredient found in sunless solutions that produces the appearance of tanned skin, e.g. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and Erythrulose.

A covering used to collect excess airbrush solution during the application process. These usually come in a variety of different forms such as pop-up tents, extraction booths, containment systems, airbrush stages and portable backdrops.

A cosmetic temporary tan that is personally applied by a skilled technician. The technician uses a specially designed applicator and a liquid tanning formula that is sprayed on the skin. Also called Airbrush Body Bronzing, Airbrush spray tan, Body Bronzing.

An adverse reaction caused by certain ingredients found in sunless solutions, e.g. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) or Juglans Regia (Walnut Oil).

Found on the outer most layer of the skin (epidermis), these are cells that shed about once every 2 weeks. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) adheres to Amino Acids to produce the appearance of tanned skin.

A term to describe the destruction of free radicals (oxygen molecules that break down collagen, which causes wrinkles and sagging). Antioxidants can be referred to as vitamins E and C, and beta-carotene.

The act of applying sunless tanning solution on a person's body in specific choreographed strokes.

The instrument used by a technician to apply sunless solution. Can also be called a gun applicator, mist applicator, pen gun, airbrush gun, misting tip and misting gun.

Often in reference to cosmetic bronzers, ash-based is a brown coloring that has more green than red in its composition.

The term originated as a treatment for medical issues. The tanning industry refers to barrier cream as a lotion used on certain areas of the body (ankles, feet, finger nails, toe nails, knees and elbows) that is drier than other areas and has a tendency to absorb excess sunless solution.

Customized sunless solutions created by the technician. A technician will combine different levels of existing solution to create a new shade that is unique to their salon or spa. This may also be referred to as mixing shades or mixing colors.

Temporary coloring often used in tanning solutions. Used to assist the techinican when applying solution and gives an immediate pop of color while the active ingredient develops into a longer lasting tan. ?These produce a short-term effect, similar to certain types of makeup, and washes off immediately when exposed to moisture. Also referred to as cosmetic bronzers or temporary cosmetic bronzers.

Components used to develop the bronzer in sunless tanning solutions. ?Each color will have a number associated with it to define the hue. Food grade colorants have a specific number (e.g. Yellow#5, Red#40, Green #5 and Blue#1).

A compressor has a tank that takes in air at atmospheric pressure and delivers it at a higher pressure. As the air is used the tank refills itself. Compressors do not always force air under a uniform or standard condition.

In the sunless industry contouring refers to defining muscles or creating an illusion of thinness by professionally applying sunless solution to specific areas of the body. Also called shadowing.

Concentrated Dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Usually sold in small glass bottles with drop dispensers. These are used as an additive to boost the color depth of a solution. Also called Booster drops.

Refers to the amount of Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in sunless solution. Typically the higher percent of DHA the deeper the coloring. Also referred to as DHA levels or solution levels.

Often derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane, by the fermentation of glycerin and fragrance. It is a clear liquid that reacts with the amino acids on the epidermis causing a bronzed color to appear. In other words, DHA adheres to skin cells. As the cells begin to shed so does the DHA attached to it.

Any item that is used once and discarded. Not meant for repeat use. In the sunless tanning industry this often refers to hair caps, undergarments, nose plugs, strapless sandals, etc.

A term given to ingredients that have been reviewed by ECOCERT. Based in France, Ecocert defines a requirement level that is superior to the conventional organic cosmetic regulations. Conducting inspections in over 80 countries, Ecocert is widely recognized as one of the most respected organizations for certification.

Originally created as an alternative to DHA, Erythrulose is a natural keto-sugar which reacts with free primary or secondary amino groups (Maillard's reaction). Erythrulose can reduce or even eliminate the disadvantages solutions using DHA alone such as a strong drying effect or irregular, streaky tan. Studies have shown that solutions containing Erythrulose and DHA produce a tan that is unmatched by solutions that use DHA alone.

The product used to exfoliate (slough off) dead skin cells prior to the sunless application. Can come in the form of gels, creams or soaps containing granules, or a hard-surface instrument such as a loofa.

A spray tan solution that's formula is created to dry more quickly than standard airbrush solution. The main ingredient that creates this process is usually some form of alcohol. Also called flash dry or rapid dry.

A set of ingredients that when combined in a specific ratio, make the airbrush solution. All formulas are unique, using different ratios of ingredients, thus having different results.

A term used where sunless solution is applied to the entire body as opposed to just one area such as upper body or lower body.

High volume low-pressure (HVLP) refers to the turbine motor that drives a steady stream of warm air at a high volume under low pressure into the airbrush applicator. This type of airbrush unit greatly reduces overspray.

Refers to the components that are mixed to create the sunless solution.

Protection against future loss, lawsuits, or similar claims. Can also be called liability insurance.

To create an interest in one's goods or services. The promotion and sale of a service, in this instance airbrush tanning.

In the sunless industry, a mobile technician travels to the client to perform the airbrush tanning service.

The act of keeping skin hydrated through regular application of lotion and drinking water regularly to extend a sunless tan.

Used to describe an unattractive coloring of the skin due to the over application of a sunless solution.

A term used to describe certain sunless solutions as being created with all-natural ingredients. The cosmetic industry is not regulated by the FDA, therefore claims about a skincare product being organic should not be taken in the most literal sense.

Excess solution that does not land on the body during the airbrush application process. Overspray can occur when the PSI setting is not correct, the technician is too far from the subject or if a pen applicator is used.

When the airbrush tan fades in certain areas faster than others. The most common cause is dry skin. Also called alligator effect or irregular fading.

A term in chemistry used to define the level of acidity or alkalinity. PH Balance as it pertains to sunless application refers to the skin's condition and ability to properly absorb sunless solution during the application process.

Refers to a sunless tan that has faded faster than the average fade time.

PSI (pounds per square inch) refers to the flow setting on an airbrush applicator. This controls the span and amount of solution that is released from the applicator onto the body during an airbrush session. PSI should be adjusted according to the viscosity of the liquid being used.

Often in reference to cosmetic bronzers used in sunless tanning solution, red-based is a brown coloring that has more red than green in its composition.

Also called gradual self-tanners, these come in a variety of sprays, lotions, gels and mousses that are applied to the skin to create the appearance of a tan. ?The main ingredient in these products is DHA. It is generally designed for home use.

A term used to describe the process where the client receives the sunless tan. This can also be referred to as the appointment, treatment or application process.

Added to a premixed solution to produce a temporary sheen to a sunless tan.

Used to describe skin coloring and PH balance for the purpose of sunless application.

Use to describe products used to care for skin.

In the sunless industry, solution is a liquid comprised of different ingredients that in finished form can be sprayed on the body to create a tanned appearance.

A container used to hold spray tan solution, these connect to the applicator and usually come with a lid for storage.

Refers to the amount of Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in sunless solution. Typically the higher percent of DHA the deeper the coloring. Also referred to as DHA percent or DHA levels.

Refers to the application of sunless solution to skin to create a tanned appearance. Spray tanning can be applied by an aerosol can, specialized spray booth or by a skilled technician. Also referred to as fake tanning, sunless tanning, spray booth tanning and UV Free tanning.

The manner in which a sunless tan fades or develops. A sunless tan may develop unevenly if the treated skin gets wet prior to the full development of the tan. A sunless tan may fade unevenly if certain ingredients, such as mineral oil or petroleum products, are applied to the treated skin.

The items and equipment used by the technician and client in preparation for the session, e.g. hair nets, disposable undergarments, nose filters, etc.

A moisturizer, foam, gel or spray containing DHA that is used to extend the life of a sunless tan.

A trained professional who applies sunless solution to a person. A sunless service provider. Someone who is skilled in the application of airbrush solution to a person's body.

A certificate or award stating that a technician has successfully completed a sunless application training course.

The process of moving fresh air into an area while forcing the existing air out of this area.