TRUE
TANNING

Yes — for the vast majority of people, TRUE TANNING is completely safe to use on skin. The active ingredient is DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a naturally derived compound that reacts with the amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin (the stratum corneum) to produce a temporary bronze colour. This is the same pigmentation process used in virtually all self-tan products worldwide.

DHA doesn't penetrate below the surface layer of dead skin cells, so it doesn't interact with living tissue, your bloodstream, or your body's natural melanin production. It simply colours the very top of your skin — the same cells you shed naturally every few days.

No — TRUE TANNING does not damage your skin. Unlike UV tanning (sunbeds or sun exposure), our mist contains no UV radiation and causes no DNA damage to skin cells. There is no burning, no peeling, and no long-term skin ageing associated with DHA-based tanning.

The formula is designed to be gentle and non-irritating for most skin types. It does not strip the skin's natural oils or disrupt your skin barrier when used as directed.

The colour comes from a natural chemical reaction called the Maillard reaction — the same process that browns bread when you toast it. DHA reacts with the free amino acids and proteins in your skin's dead surface cells, producing brown-toned compounds called melanoidins.

This is entirely separate from your skin's natural melanin (the pigment produced by UV exposure). It's a surface-level pigmentation reaction — harmless, temporary, and completely reversible as your skin naturally sheds those surface cells over 5–10 days.

Typically 5 to 10 days, depending on your skin type, how well you prepped, and how you care for your skin afterwards. Because the colour sits on the outermost layer of dead skin cells, it fades naturally as those cells shed.

• Drier skin tends to shed faster — moisturise daily to extend your glow
• Exfoliating before application gives a more even, longer-lasting result
• Avoid long hot baths and heavy scrubbing, which speed up fading
• Top up with a light coat every 4–5 days to maintain your shade

While TRUE TANNING is well-tolerated by most people, a small number of individuals may experience sensitivity — particularly those with very reactive, eczema-prone, or allergy-prone skin.

If you notice any redness, itching, rash, or unusual irritation:

• Rinse the area thoroughly with cool water immediately
• Do not scrub — gently pat dry
• Apply a fragrance-free, gentle moisturiser to soothe the skin
• Do not re-apply until the irritation has fully settled
• If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a pharmacist or GP

In future applications, try leaving the mist on for a shorter time before rinsing, or do a patch test on a small area (like your inner arm) and wait 24 hours before a full application.

Many people with sensitive skin use DHA-based self-tans without any issues. However, if your skin is particularly reactive, we recommend:

• Doing a patch test 24 hours before full application
• Starting with a shorter development time (1–2 hours) and rinsing earlier
• Moisturising well before and after to support your skin barrier
• Avoiding application over broken skin, open wounds, or active eczema flare-ups

If you're unsure, speak to a dermatologist or GP before use.

Not when applied correctly. The "orange" look associated with older self-tans was caused by lower-quality DHA formulas and poor application. TRUE TANNING uses a refined formula designed to produce warm, golden-brown tones rather than orange.

The key to a natural result is:

• Exfoliating and moisturising dry patches before application
• Using a blending mitt for an even finish
• Starting with one coat and building up gradually
• Not over-applying to areas like elbows, knees, and ankles

No — a self-tan does not provide sun protection. The colour produced by DHA is not the same as a natural tan from UV exposure, and it does not trigger your skin's melanin response. This means you have no additional UV protection from your TRUE TANNING colour.

Always apply a separate SPF sunscreen if you're spending time outdoors. Our SPF-infused lotions can help support your skin's hydration and glow, but they are not a substitute for dedicated sun protection.

DHA is generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy as it does not penetrate beyond the surface layer of skin. However, as with any cosmetic product, we recommend consulting your midwife or GP before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding — especially in the first trimester.

Avoid inhaling the mist spray directly. Apply in a well-ventilated room and hold your breath briefly while spraying near the face or chest area.

The single biggest factor in tan longevity is skin hydration. Dry skin sheds faster, which means your tan fades faster. Here's how to extend it:

• Moisturise every day — ideally with our Coconut or Watermelon gel
• Avoid long hot showers and baths
• Pat skin dry rather than rubbing with a towel
• Avoid oil-based products directly on tanned skin (they can break down DHA faster)
• Top up with a light coat every 4–5 days before the tan fully fades