WO2007057686A1

WO2007057686A1 - Sunless tanning method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007057686A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/004299
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tariq Potts
Original assignee: Tariq Potts
Priority date: 2005-11-17
Filing date: 2006-11-17
Publication date: 2007-05-24
Also published as: GB0523385D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of applying a sunless tanning composition to skin, wherein the method includes a step of warming the skin. In preferred embodiments, the skin is warmed by exposure to a liquid at a temperature above room temperature. For example, to warm the skin steam may be delivered under pressure from at least one spray nozzle towards the skin. The present invention also relates to apparatus for sunless tanning.

Description

SUNLESS TANNING METHOD AND APPARATUS The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sunless tanning. Sunless tanning, also known as self-tanning, is widely used to simulate the tanning effects of sunlight. It is known that exposure to natural sunlight or simulated sunlight from an ultraviolet (UV) lamp or similar device can be harmful to the skin. In order to avoid the deleterious effects of UV radiation, sunless tanning compositions are applied to the skin in order to impart a tan. The sunless tanning compositions contain compounds, such as dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which form pigments when applied to the skin. This technology is well known in the field. Sunless tanning compositions may be applied to the skin by hand, for instance in the form of creams or lotions to be rubbed into the skin. However, this may achieve unsatisfactory results, for example where the composition is unevenly applied, and it is difficult for a user to reach all areas of the body.

In more recent times, it has become increasingly popular for sunless tanning compositions to be applied using pressurised spray apparatus. For example, the sunless tanning composition may be applied using a hand-held pressurised spray apparatus in the manner of an air-brush, where an operator applies the sunless tanning composition to the body of the recipient of the simulated tan. However, this relies on the skill of the operator to produce an even coating and hence an even tanning effect. In addition, many people are reluctant to undress in front of an operator in order to receive the tanning application.

An alternative to the hand-held spray application of sunless tanning compositions is provided by automated tanning apparatus in the form of automated spray booths, which provide for a reproducible delivery of sunless tanning composition under pressure via a series of spray nozzles. The spray booth provides an enclosed environment and may be used without the need for the user to undress in front of a second person. However, the results obtained by sunless tanning using automated spray booths can be poor. Typically, the spray booth applies a mist of liquid sunless tanning composition to the body, a barrier cream having first been applied to those areas of the body where the tanning effect is not desirable, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, for instance. Once the sunless tanning composition has been applied, the recipient of the application must massage the composition thoroughly into the skin to ensure an even tanning effect. Users of the spray tanning booths known in the art are therefore provided with instructions as to how to proceed before, during and immediately after the sunless tanning composition is applied in the spray booth. However, due to poor user compliance with the instructions for use, the results obtained using spray tanning booths can often be poor.

Although many people prefer to rely upon sunless tanning methods to obtain a tanned appearance, due to the harmful effects associated with prolonged exposure to natural sunlight or the use of conventional UV tanning apparatus, sunless tanning using spraying techniques and apparatus can be a considerably less pleasant experience than conventional tanning. Whereas sunbathing in natural sunlight and tanning using conventional UV apparatus provide a feeling of warmth and comfort, sunless tanning compositions applied under pressure by spraying are cold, making the application process uncomfortable.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of applying a sunless tanning composition to skin, the method including a step of warming the skin. When skin is subjected to cold conditions it 'tenses' as tiny muscles in the dermis contract. This causes the follicles to tighten and the hairs stand erect. This can make it difficult to apply a sunless tanning composition effectively and evenly to the skin, and is a drawback of some prior art methods. In contrast, in this aspect of the present invention, the warming step relaxes and 'opens up' the skin, facilitating an even coverage of sunless tanning composition and allowing greater penetration of active compounds in the sunless tanning composition into the skin to achieve a relatively long lasting tanning effect. Further, because of the improved skin coverage and penetration of the active compounds, lower amounts of the active compounds are generally required, which is economically beneficial.

The step of warming the skin may be carried out before the application of the sunless tanning composition and/or simultaneously with the application of the sunless tanning composition. The sunless tanning composition itself may be heated to the desired temperature, such that the steps of warming the skin and applying the sunless tanning composition can occur at the same time. In some embodiments, it may be desirable either additionally or alternatively to warm the skin after the application of the sunless tanning composition. The method according to this aspect of the present invention may involve one step or multiple steps of warming the skin.

The step of warming the skin may be carried out in any suitable manner. For instance, the skin may be exposed to a liquid at a suitable temperature above room temperature (i.e. around 20-25°C). The temperature of the liquid is typically above around 35⁰C and the liquid can be used at up to any temperature that is safe and comfortable for the recipient of the sunless tanning composition. For instance, brief exposure of the skin to liquid at temperatures up to around 80°C is typically acceptable, although a lower temperature may be preferred for longer exposure times. Liquid temperatures of between around 3O⁰C and around 60°C are preferred, especially between around 40°C and around 5O⁰C.

The step of warming the skin may be carried out for any suitable length of time, from several seconds to a much longer period. Where the skin is warmed by exposure to a liquid, the warming step may last, for example, 20 seconds to 1 minute or more.

The liquid may be water or a water-based liquid. Ideally, the liquid should not be harmful or damaging to the skin or be significantly toxic in any way. Advantageously, in addition to being warmed by the liquid, the skin may also be cleansed thereby. This is beneficial in that it helps to reduce the levels of impurities on the skin and helps to remove or even out any oily areas on the skin, thereby generally giving a better and more even tanning effect when the skin is exposed to the sunless tanning composition. In preferred embodiments of this aspect of the present invention, the step of warming the skin comprises exposing the skin to a vaporised liquid. The liquid may comprise any suitable liquid, vaporised by heating. Preferably, the liquid comprises water or a water-based liquid such as an aqueous solution and hence the vaporised liquid comprises water vapour or steam, although it will be appreciated that other liquids may be employed. For safety, the vaporised liquid is preferably cooled or allowed to cool, if necessary, before exposure of the skin thereto. The vaporised liquid may be directed through a safety guard to ensure that the skin is kept a suitable distance from a point of delivery of the vaporised liquid to allow cooling in the air of the vaporised liquid to a safe temperature. A non-conductive safety guard, such as a guard of a plastics mesh, may be used. A guide may be provided to indicate a safe distance from a point of delivery of the vaporised liquid. A preferred embodiment involves directing a vaporised liquid towards the skin, most preferably directing steam towards the skin. The temperature of the vaporised liquid as it contacts the skin is typically above around 35⁰C and may be up to around 8O⁰C, for example. Temperatures of between around 30⁰C and around 60⁰C at or around the skin are preferred, especially between around 4O⁰C and 50⁰C. Particularly good results have been achieved using steam directed towards the skin and which has cooled to around 42°C at or around the skin surface.

The use of a vaporised liquid to warm the skin is advantageous in that generally it results in effective cleansing of the skin, which helps to ensure a relatively good, even tanning effect when the skin is exposed to the sunless tanning composition. In embodiments where more than one step of exposing the skin to a vaporised liquid is employed, this may comprise the exposure of the skin to the same or different vaporised liquids. The different vaporised liquids may be water and one or more water-based liquids, or two or more different water-based liquids.

The vaporised liquid may be delivered through one or more spray nozzles or similar devices.

In an alternative embodiment, the step of warming the skin may be carried out using warm air. The warm air may by delivered using the methods and apparatus described herein. The sunless tanning composition may be of any suitable kind, various different compositions and formulations being well known to those in the field. Preferably, the sunless tanning composition contains as an active component DHA. The sunless tanning composition may be an aqueous solution. The sunless tanning composition may comprise any effective amount of DHA. For instance, the sunless tanning composition may comprise from around 6% to around 20% DHA. In addition to the active compound or compounds, the sunless tanning composition may optionally contain a colouring or pigment which effectively mimics a tan, whereby exposure of the skin to the sunless tanning composition gives an immediate impression of a tan in addition to the longer term effects of the active compound(s).

The sunless tanning composition may be applied in any suitable manner. For instance, the sunless tanning composition may be applied using any of the known methods, including application by hand or using pressurised spray apparatus in the form of a hand-held apparatus or an automated spray booth. It will be appreciated that whilst the beneficial effects of the step of warming the skin in accordance with this aspect of the present invention will improve the tanning effect using any of these known application methods, it is necessary to accept that these methods have drawbacks which will not necessarily be addressed. For this reason, it is preferred that the sunless tanning composition be applied in conjunction with and/or in the form of a vaporised liquid. In this way, the skin remains warm during the application of the sunless tanning composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the vaporised liquid and the sunless tanning composition are both delivered through one or more spray nozzles. Different nozzles may be used for the vaporised liquid and the sunless tanning composition. Alternatively, the same spray nozzle(s) may be used for both the vaporised liquid and the sunless tanning composition. Advantageously, this allows the sunless tanning composition to be introduced into or in combination with an existing delivery of vaporised liquid from a nozzle, whereby the skin may first be warmed by the delivery of the vaporised liquid only and then subsequently exposed to both the vaporised liquid and the sunless tanning composition. The vaporised liquid and sunless tanning composition may be introduced into the spray nozzle via separate ports. Spray nozzles of the type having a plurality of ports or inlets are known.

In certain embodiments, the vaporised liquid may be delivered at sufficient pressure to 'atomise' the sunless tanning composition such that the sunless tanning composition is carried from the nozzle in the spray output of vaporised liquid. Steam may be delivered from at least one nozzle. The steam is preferably at sufficient pressure to atomise a supply of the sunless tanning composition, which may then be delivered in combination with the steam. The pressure of-the steam should not be too high, since increasing the pressure will increase the amount of the sunless tanning composition delivered to the skin and may result in over-application. On the other hand, if the pressure is not sufficiently high to effectively atomise the sunless tanning composition, then a poor quality application can result. As a guide, an atomising pressure of around 2 bar is generally suitable. The method according to this aspect of the invention may further comprise a step of drying the skin following application of the sunless tanning composition. The drying step may, for example, comprise exposing the skin to a warm air flow, or the use of a heated lamp. In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the method comprises directing steam under pressure from a nozzle towards the skin. The steam is typically at a temperature of around HO⁰C as it exits the nozzle, and the nozzle is therefore kept a safe distance from the skin to permit sufficient cooling such that the water vapour contacting the skin is at a safe temperature. By way of example, the steam may be delivered from the nozzle at a pressure of around 1.5 bar towards the skin, although a range of pressures may be employed, for instance pressures of between 0.75 and 2 bar. At a pressure of 1.5 bar, the steam cools in air to around 80°C at a distance of around 15cm from the nozzle, which temperature is safe for skin exposure. Thus, a safety guard may be positioned at around 15cm from the nozzle in order to prevent the nozzle being bought too close to the skin. A distance finder in the form of a guide rod may extend a suitable distance from the nozzle in order to indicate the safe distance from the nozzle. It will be appreciated that the steam pressure may be varied and, as such, the safe distance from the nozzle may vary accordingly. The skin may be positioned some further distance from the nozzle in order to allow the steam to cool further before water vapour contacts the skin. In the example given above, where the steam is delivered from the nozzle at 1.5 bar, the skin may be positioned at around 50 to 60cm from the nozzle to achieve a preferred temperature of around 40 to 50°C at or around the skin. The steam is delivered towards the skin for a sufficient period of time to warm the skin, which relaxes the skin and opens up the pores. The skin is also cleansed and oily patches are reduced. The steam may be delivered towards the skin for around 30 seconds or so, although it will be appreciated that this exposure time may be varied considerably, typically between around 10 seconds and 1 minute. The skin may then be dried.

A combination of steam and a sunless tanning composition is then delivered towards the skin, preferably from the same nozzle as used previously to deliver only steam. The sunless tanning composition in liquid form may be introduced into a flow of steam whereupon it is vaporised and exits the nozzle along with the steam. The sunless tanning composition usually comprises from about 6 to 20 % DHA. Preferably, an initial concentration of around 12-14% DHA is used, more preferably 14% DHA. This is higher than the levels of DHA generally used in conventional sunless tanning compositions. The relatively high concentration of DHA accounts for the dilution of the sunless tanning composition in the steam as it is delivered towards the skin, so that the amount of DHA contacting the skin is within the appropriate range.

Ideally, the skin should be evenly coated by the combination of steam and sunless tanning composition. By way of example, treatment exposure may be carried out for around 10 seconds or so. Again, however, the exposure time may be varied considerably largely depending upon the concentration of active components in the sunless tanning composition. At lower concentrations, longer exposure times may be desirable or necessary.

The skin may then be dried. The effects of the sunless tanning composition become apparent in due course as the DHA takes effect. The method according to this aspect of the present invention provides a relatively deep and long-lasting tan as the DHA is able to penetrate better into the skin. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for applying a sunless tanning composition to skin, said apparatus being operable to deliver a vaporised liquid and a sunless tanning composition.

The apparatus can be used in a method according to the first aspect of the invention, and may therefore be suitable for carrying out any such method. The vaporised liquid acts to warm the skin and also helps to cleanse the skin, as hereinbefore described. This helps to ensure a relatively good, even tanning effect when the skin is exposed to the sunless tanning composition.

The vaporised liquid and sunless tanning composition may be delivered in either order and/or at the same time. The apparatus may be operable to deliver the vaporised liquid first followed by the sunless tanning composition. The apparatus may be operable to deliver the vaporised liquid first followed by a combination of vaporised liquid and sunless tanning composition.

The vaporised liquid may be delivered through separate delivery means from the sunless tanning composition and/or through the same delivery means as the sunless tanning composition. The delivery means may comprise one or more spray nozzles, although other delivery means may be utilised. The spray nozzle or nozzles may take any form. In a preferred embodiment, the delivery means comprises one or more spray nozzles each adapted to deliver both the vaporised liquid and the sunless tanning composition and having separate inlets for the vaporised liquid and the sunless tanning composition. Spray nozzles of this type are known. It is possible to use so-called 'dual-port' spray nozzles conventionally used in air-spraying. However, generally speaking better results have been achieved using a 'tri-port' spray nozzle with three ports or inlets: a first inlet for pressurised air to open the spray nozzle, a second inlet conventionally used for an atomising air supply and a third inlet for the solution to be sprayed, said solution being atomised by the atomising air supply in use and carried thereby during spraying. Tri-port spray nozzles are known. In this aspect of the present invention, the supply of atomising air is replaced by the vaporised liquid and the solution to be sprayed is the sunless tanning composition. Minor modifications may need to be made to the spray nozzle in order to cope with any high-temperature vaporised liquid. For instance, washers may need to be replaced with high-temperature washers. With a tri-port spray nozzle of this type, the vaporised liquid may be sprayed alone, being introduced through the second inlet. The sunless tanning composition may be introduced through the third inlet and sprayed in combination with the 'atomising' vaporised liquid.

The various fluids should be supplied to the spray nozzle at the appropriate pressure for spraying. The pressures may vary significantly whilst still allowing the apparatus to operate effectively, although pressures of up to 2 bar are generally preferred. As a guide, the air supply (or similar compressed gas) for opening the spray nozzle during operation may be at a pressure of around 2 bar. The vaporised liquid may be introduced into the nozzle at a pressure of around 2 bar. The sunless tanning solution is preferably introduced into the spray nozzle at low pressure. A gravity feed system may be employed. For instance, the sunless tanning composition may be introduced into the spray nozzle at a pressure of around 0.5 bar. It will be apparent that the spray parameters may be modified by adjusting the various pressures. For instance, the focal density of the spray from the nozzle may be altered by adjusting the atomising pressure of the vaporised liquid, whereas the saturation of sunless tanning composition in the emerging spray of vaporised liquid may be altered by adjusting the pressure of the supply of the sunless tanning composition. A compressor may be provided to generate the appropriate pressures.

The vaporised liquid supplied to the spray nozzle may be generated by heating an amount of the liquid. A boiler may be provided for this purpose. The boiler may, for example, comprise a vessel equipped with a heating element.

The vaporised liquid may be conveyed from the boiler or similar device to the spray nozzle using any suitable means, such as connecting pipes. The connecting pipes may be of any material, such as a plastics material, for instance PVC. The connecting pipes may be of any appropriate diameter. By way of example, the external diameter of the connecting pipes may be around 8mm and the internal diameter of the connecting pipes around 5mm.

The apparatus according to this aspect of the invention may comprise a single nozzle. The apparatus may comprise a hand-held spray device. The apparatus may have a trigger-operable valve or valves. A distance finder in the form of a guide rod may extend a suitable distance from the spray nozzle in the general direction of the spray output in order to indicate the safe distance from the nozzle, i.e. the distance at which the skin may safely be sprayed without risk of harm. Alternatively, an infra red distance finder may be provided. It will be appreciated that the spray characteristics may be varied and, as such, the safe distance from the nozzle may vary accordingly. The distance finder may be adjustable according to the safe distance determined at any delivery temperature and pressure. For example, the distance finder may take the form of a telescopic rod. A user of the apparatus will know that the spray nozzle is sufficiently spaced from the skin when the distance finder is not in contact with the skin. In an alternative embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the apparatus comprises two or more spray nozzles, which may be disposed in any arrangement. The nozzles may be connected to the same or different supplies of vaporised liquid and sunless tanning composition. In a preferred embodiment, the nozzles are all connected to the same supply of vaporised liquid. Preferably, connecting pipes are provided to convey the vaporised liquid to the spray nozzles. The connecting pipes may be of the same type and may have approximately equal lengths. This balances the pressure of the vaporised liquid and acts as a plenum. It is not essential, however, that a plenum be provided. Any connectors used to attach the connecting pipes to the various parts of the apparatus should also preferably be of approximately the same type and size, and the spray nozzles are preferably regularly spaced apart from one another. A means may be provided for run-off and/or collection of any of the vaporised liquid that condenses before reaching the spray nozzles. This may take the form of a down-pipe between the supply of vaporised liquid and the nozzles.

Any number of spray nozzles may be used, for instance from one to one hundred nozzles.

In one embodiment, a substantially vertical array of spray nozzles is provided. The nozzles are preferably regularly spaced apart such that in use the output of spray from the nozzles overlaps to some extent at or around the distance from the nozzles at which the spray contacts the skin. This ensures a generally even coverage of spray along the substantially vertical plane of the nozzle array and reduces the risk of any areas of skin being left untouched during operation of the apparatus. The substantially vertical array of spray nozzles preferably spans at least the height of the recipient of the sunless tanning treatment. This allows substantially the whole of the skin surface to be contacted with the output of the spray nozzles, and thereby warmed and coated with the sunless tanning composition, by appropriate rotation of said recipient as the spray is delivered from the spray nozzles. Other arrangements of spray nozzles may be employed. For instance, the spray nozzles may be substantially aligned in a non-vertical manner, or the nozzles may be positioned radially around the recipient of the sunless tanning treatment. Any combination of nozzle positions may be adopted and their outputs adjusted for optimum coverage of the skin. The spray nozzle or nozzles may be fixed or may be moveable. For instance, the spray nozzles may be moveable in a generally vertical and/or horizontal plane. Additionally or alternatively, the spray nozzles may be rotatable.

The apparatus may be provided with one or more safety guards through which the spray nozzle or nozzles deliver the vaporised liquid and the sunless tanning composition. The safety guard(s) prevent the skin from being placed too close to the nozzle where the temperature of the vaporised liquid may above safe limits. As discussed herein, a temperature of round 80°C is generally acceptable. The safety guard may therefore be positioned a suitable distance to allow cooling of the vaporised liquid to around 80°C or below before contacting the skin. The safety guard may comprise a mesh or similar structure allowing the spray to pass therethrough. A mesh of a non-conductive material, such as a plastics material, is preferred. It will be appreciated that the appropriate positioning of the safety guard will depend upon a number of factors, including the delivery pressure and temperature of the vaporised liquid from the nozzle. As a further safety measure, a temperature sensitive cut-out switch or similar device may be provided to ensure that the temperature of the vaporised liquid remains within safe limits. In the event that the temperature of the vaporised liquid exceeds a predetermined safe upper limit, the temperature sensitive switch halts the delivery of further vaporised liquid from the spray nozzle. The temperature sensitive switch or other temperature sensor may conveniently be fixed on or adjacent to a safety guard.

The apparatus according to this aspect of the present invention may comprise a cabinet or booth into which spray nozzles deliver the vaporised liquid and sunless tanning composition. The apparatus may be automated at least to some extent. A generally vertical 'spine' may be provided containing the various functional components of the apparatus, the spine being connected to a spray cabinet and having spray nozzles arranged to deliver the vaporised liquid and sunless tanning composition into the spray cabinet or booth.

The apparatus may comprise extraction means to extract any excess vaporised liquid, optionally in combination with the sunless tanning composition, following exposure of the skin thereto. Any suitable extraction means may be employed, including any conventional extraction or ventilation apparatus.

Drying means may be provided in order to dry the skin. The drying means may take any suitable form. For instance, warm air may be introduced into the environment of the skin, or the skin may be exposed to a heater, such as a lamp.

As hereinbefore discussed, the vaporised liquid is preferably vaporised water, or steam. Thus, the apparatus according to this aspect of the present invention is preferably operable to deliver steam and a sunless tanning composition in accordance with the methods described herein. In some embodiments, electrostatic spraying may be employed in order to achieve good coverage of the skin. In such embodiments, the spray nozzle is charged and the user is placed on a charged surface of opposite polarity to the spray nozzle.

The spray particles delivered from the spray nozzle are electrostatically attracted to the skin of the user.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of an apparatus as hereinbefore described in the application of a sunless tanning composition to skin.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood specific embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of one embodiment of an apparatus according an aspect of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of an apparatus of the type shown in Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of a part of the apparatus of Figs. 1 to 3;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of a corresponding part of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of a further alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of a further alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of a further alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of a further alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic side view of a hand-held apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic side view of an alternative embodiment of a hand-held apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention; Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of an electrical control system of an embodiment of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention.

Referring firstly to Figs. 1-4, an apparatus 10 for applying a sunless tanning composition to skin comprises a walk-in cabinet 11 which provides a substantially enclosed environment. A door 12 is provided for a user 13 to enter the cabinet 11, which door 12 is closed during use of the apparatus 10. The user 13 stands within the cabinet 11 to receive a sunless tanning treatment. The apparatus 10 is to some extent automated, such that the user 13 has only to initiate the treatment by means of a push button or similar. Suitable electronic control mechanisms are provided. Figure 12 shows a typical electrical control system. The apparatus 10 is operative to direct steam towards the skin of a user as part of a sunless tanning treatment.

The apparatus 10 has a generally vertical 'spine' 14 which houses a plurality of spray nozzles 16 spaced regularly along the spine 14. The spine 14 is fixed to the cabinet 11 such that the spray nozzles 16 are operatively directed towards the centre of the interior of the spray cabinet 11 , at which position a user 13 stands to receive the treatment. A safety guard 17 in the form of a plastics mesh is provided between the spray nozzles 16 and the cabinet 11. This prevents the skin of the user 13 from coming too close to the spray nozzles 16, thus avoiding a risk of scalding. A steam generator 18 is provided, being a boiler containing a heating element.

The boiler is preferably made from either aluminium or stainless steel, which aid the heating of water within the boiler through conduction. The boiler may have an external diameter of around 120mm and an internal diameter of around 110mm, with a wall thickness of around 5mm. The boiler may be around 250mm in height. The boiler has a generally central exit hole in a top wall, which has a screw thread fitting. A coiled heating element is provided. This may be around 100mm in length and 70mm in width. The thermostatic range of the element is 0-137°C, and it is guaranteed for dry boil.

The steam generator 18 is connected to a substantially vertical plenum tube 19 which in turn is connected to the spray nozzles 16. The various connections are substantially the same and the spray nozzles 16 are evenly spaced, which ensures an even pressure balance. At the bottom of the plenum tube 19 is a steam trap 21 in the form of a down-pipe which may be emptied of excess water periodically. A fluid reservoir 22 containing a supply of a sunless tanning composition is connected to the spray nozzles 16 via PVC connecting pipes 23. The connecting pipes 23 may be of any appropriate diameter. By way of example, the external diameter of the connecting pipes 23 may be around 8mm and the internal diameter of the connecting pipes 23 around 5mm. A pump 15 is provided.

The nozzles 16 are stainless steel tri-port nozzles with a cleaning pin. The air cap is open cone spray type and the fluid cap orifice is 0.002 thou diameter. The nozzles 16 have three ports or inlets: a first inlet for pressurised air to open the spray nozzle, a second inlet connected to the plenum tube 19 and a third inlet connected to the supply of sunless tanning composition to be sprayed. The conventional air washer between the nozzle tip and the main body of the nozzle may need to be replaced with a high-temperature washer. With a tri-port spray nozzle of this type, the vaporised liquid may be sprayed alone, being introduced through the second inlet. The sunless tanning composition may be introduced through: the third inlet and sprayed in combination with the 'atomising' vaporised liquid.

Alternatively, a two-port nozzle may also be used. In this case, the vaporised liquid pressure forces the nozzle to open and atomise. However, generally speaking, less successful results are achieved using a two-port spray nozzle, since the spray operation relies upon the action of a stainless steel spring inside the nozzle. A compressor is provided, being a silent running compressor with a maximum hold of 25 litres. The compressor is capable of generating pressures of up to 5 bar or more. The compressor may have an oil filter, which should be checked and the oil replaced regularly. The compressor is preferably housed outside the machine in a well ventilated area. An extractor fan 25 is provided. Extraction takes place via a grille 26 in the spine of the apparatus.

Warm air driers 27 are provided.

In use, a person 13 undresses, enters the cabinet 11 and closes the door 12, the apparatus 10 having been readied to ensure that the steam and air are at the appropriate pressures. A button is pressed to initiate the treatment cycle. Pressurised air is introduced into the spray nozzles 16 at around 2 bar to open the nozzles 16. The steam produced by the boiler is supplied to the nozzles 16 via the plenum tube 19 at a pressure of around 2 bar and is sprayed from the spray nozzles 16 into cabinet 11. The steam is typically at a temperature of around 110°C as it exits the nozzles 16.

However, the safety guard 17 is positioned around 15cm from the nozzle tips, at which distance the steam delivered from the nozzles 16 has cooled to around 80°C. A temperature-sensitive cut-out switch is also provided to halt the treatment if the temperature of the steam delivered from the nozzles 16 is too high. The steam contacts the skin of the user 13 at around 50 to 60cm from the nozzles 16, where the steam temperature is between around 40°C to 50°C. The steam warms and cleanses the user's skin for around 30 seconds.

The supply of sunless tanning composition is then commenced, typically automatically although the apparatus 10 may be configured to require user intervention at this stage. The steam atomises the sunless tanning composition, flash boiling the sunless tanning composition, and carries it from the nozzle to contact the skin of the user 13. The output of spray from the nozzles 16 overlaps to some extent at or around the distance from the nozzles 16 at which the spray contacts the skin. This ensures a generally even coverage of spray along the substantially vertical plane of the nozzle array and reduces the risk of any areas of skin being left untouched during operation of the apparatus 10. The user 13 rotates or is rotated within the cabinet 11 to ensure all-round coverage. The arrangement of spray nozzles 16 may cover a vertical height of around 7 feet to ensure that the user 13 is adequately covered by the application of sunless tanning composition. The treatment time may be varied depending upon a number of factors, including in particular the concentration of active component in the sunless tanning composition. Treatment with 12% DHA solution for 10 seconds has been found to give particularly good results. The output from the spray nozzles 16 is then ceased and the extractor fan is activated to remove the steam and any excess sunless tanning composition from the cabinet 11. The warm air driers are also activated to dry the user's skin. A drying time of around 3 to 10 minutes is typically sufficient.

The effects of the sunless tanning composition will become -apparent in due course as the active component(s) take effect. The warming and cleansing effects of the steam provide for a relatively deep and long-lasting tan as the active component(s) are able readily to penetrate the skin. Typically, the sunless tanning composition contains DHA as the active component. Other components may be included, such as, for example, pigments, perfumes, slimming agents or skin toning agents. Figures 4 and 5 show a particularly preferred embodiment of this aspect of the present invention which differs slightly from the embodiment of the preceding figures. In this embodiment, the spine 14 of the apparatus 10 is around 400mm square and houses the various functional parts of the apparatus. Five spray nozzles 16 are provided, covering a spray area of around 7 feet in height. The boiler 18 is housed in the uppermost part of the spine 14. Also in the spine 14 are solenoids 31 and an electrical board 32 which control the various functions. A heater 33 and fans 34 are housed in the lower part of the spine 14.

The spine 14 is connected to the cabinet 11 such that the spray nozzles 16 are disposed to deliver the spray output into the cabinet 11. The centre point of the cabinet 11 is around 700mm from the spray nozzles 16. A safety guard 17 is disposed between the spray nozzles 16 and the interior of the cabinet 11. The apparatus 10 is assembled by connecting the spine 14 to the cabinet 11 and then fixing the roof section 36 in place. In the alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the steam is delivered to the cabinet 11 via a mixing chamber 41. When the sunless tanning composition is introduced via a spray nozzle 16, it is mixed with the steam in the mixing chamber 41. The user 13 is coated electrostatically with the spray output. The spray nozzle 16 is negatively charged and the user stands on a positively charged electroplate 43. In the alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 7, a mixing chamber 41 is provided into which the steam and sunless tanning composition are sprayed from spray nozzles before it is delivered to a second chamber 45 in which the user 13 stands. The mixing chamber 41 has a fan 47. A plurality of outlets 46 connect the two chambers, and the steam, with or without the sunless tanning composition depending upon the stage in the treatment process, passes into the second chamber 45 via the outlets 46. The steam and sunless tanning composition may pass into the second chamber 45 passively or may be jetted through the outlets 46 to contact the skin of the user 13. The sunless tanning solution may be gravityor pump fed from a reservoir 22. The second chamber 45 is provided with extraction 25. Figure 8 shows a still further embodiment in which a single rotatable spray nozzle 51 is provided to deliver the sunless tanning composition. Thus, the spray nozzle 51 is preferably moveable up and down and rotatable though substantially 360° in order to ensure complete coverage. An electrostatic spraying system may optionally be employed, for example a system in which the spray nozzle 51 is negatively charged and the user 13 stands on a positively charged electroplate. A pump 52 is provided to deliver the sunless tanning composition from a fluid reservoir 22. The steam may be delivered via a plurality of steam outlets 53. A fan 54 with filter 55 is provided. A compressor 56 is also provided. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, a plurality of fine spray nozzles 16 delivers a fine

'blanket' of steam covering the whole body evenly. The apparatus 10 includes a liquid reservoir/pump 22, a steam generator 18 and a compressor 56.

Figure 10 shows a hand-held apparatus 100 according to an aspect of the present invention. The apparatus is essentially a conventional spray gun adapted to spray steam supplied from a steam generator 101 via a connecting pipe 102. The various features of conventional spray apparatus will be apparent to the skilled person. The apparatus has a trigger-operated spray valve. An infra red distance finder 103 is provided to allow a user of the apparatus to maintain a safe distance between the spray nozzle 106 and the skin of a recipient of a sunless tanning treatment. In use, the trigger 108 is pressed to operate a switch 120 and steam is delivered to the spray gun 100 under pressure and sprayed from the spray nozzle 106 to contact the skin of the recipient of the treatment. A compressor 105 is provided. The user of the gun 100 ensures that the skin is evenly exposed to the steam. Once the skin has been steam-treated, the sunless tanning composition is introduced under pressure from a reservoir thereof via a connecting pipe 109. The sunless tanning composition is mixed with the steam and is flash boiled thereby and carried from the spray nozzle 106 to contact the skin. Again, the user of the spray gun 100 ensures that the skin coverage is even. Figure 11 shows an alternative hand-held apparatus 100 wherein the sunless tanning composition is supplied to the spray gun 100 from a gravity feed pot 111 and mixed with steam within the spray gun 100. the spray gun 100 has a trigger 108 with a return spring 112. The steam is generated by a boiler 113 with a heating element 114. A thermal switch 115 is provided. It is to be understood that the above disclosed embodiments are by way of example only. Many modifications and variations are possible.

Claims

1. A method of applying a sunless tanning composition to skin, the method including a step of warming the skin.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of warming the skin is carried out before application of the sunless tanning composition.

3. A method according to either of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the step of warming the skin is carried out simultaneously with application of the sunless tanning composition.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of warming the skin comprises exposing the skin to a liquid at a temperature above room temperature.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the skin is exposed to a liquid at a temperature above around 35°C.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the skin is exposed to a liquid at a temperature between around 40°C and around 60°C.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the skin is exposed to a liquid at a temperature between around 4O⁰C and around 50°C.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid is water or water-based.

9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid is a vaporised liquid.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the vaporised liquid is delivered through at least one spray nozzle.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the spray nozzle has three inlets including an inlet for an air supply operative to open the spray nozzle, an inlet for the vaporised liquid and an inlet for the sunless tanning composition.

12. A method according any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a step of applying the sunless tanning composition comprises exposing the skin to the sunless tanning composition in conjunction with the vaporised liquid.

13. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein steam is delivered under pressure from at least one spray nozzle towards the skin.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein a step of applying the sunless tanning composition comprises exposing the skin to the sunless tanning composition in conjunction with the steam.

15. A method according to either of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the steam is delivered from the spray nozzle at a pressure of around 2 bar.

16. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, -wherein the steam is delivered from the spray nozzle at a temperature of around 110°C.

17. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the steam is at a temperature of around 42⁰C at or around the skin.

18. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the vaporised liquid is delivered from the spray nozzle through a safety guard.

19. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of warming the skin is carried out for between around 20 seconds to around 1 minute.

20. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the sunless tanning composition comprises DHA.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the DHA is present in the sunless tanning composition at between around 6% to around 12%.

22. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein the sunless tanning composition is delivered from for around 10 seconds.

23. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further includes a step of drying the skin.

24. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method is carried out in a spray cabinet.

25. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the method is carried out using a hand-held spray gun.

26. An apparatus for applying a sunless tanning composition to skin, said apparatus being operable to deliver a vaporised liquid above room temperature and a sunless tanning composition.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the vaporised liquid is steam.

28. An apparatus according to either of claim 25 or claim 26 suitable for carrying out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

29. An apparatus according any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one spray nozzle for delivery of the vaporised liquid optionally in conjunction with the sunless tanning composition.

30. An apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the spray nozzle includes a first inlet for the vaporised liquid and a second inlet for the sunless tanning composition.

31. An apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the spray nozzle includes a third inlet for an air supply operative to open the spray nozzle.

32. An apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein the spray nozzle is moveable.

33. An apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of spray nozzles.

34. An apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 33, wherein the apparatus comprises a spray cabinet.

35. An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the apparatus further comprises extraction means operable to extract vaporised liquid from within the spray cabinet.

36. An apparatus according to either claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the apparatus further comprises drying means operable to dry the skin.

37. An apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 36, wherein the apparatus comprises a safety guard.

38. An apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the safety guard comprises a non-conductive mesh through which the spray nozzles deliver the vaporised liquid optionally in conjunction with the sunless tanning composition.

39. An apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein the apparatus is adapted for electrostatic spraying.

40. An apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 39, wherein the apparatus comprises a mixing chamber into which steam and optionally the sunless tanning composition are delivered from at least one spray nozzle before delivery to a second chamber to contact the skin.

41. An apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the apparatus comprises a spray gun.

42. An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the spray gun comprises a distance finder in the form of a guide rod extending from the spray nozzle and operative to indicate a safe distance from the nozzle at which the temperature of the vaporised liquid is safe for contact with the skin.

43. An apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 42, wherein steam is delivered from the spray nozzle at a pressure of around 2 bar.

44. An apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 43 wherein steam is delivered from the spray nozzle at a temperature of around 110°C.

45. An apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 44, wherein steam delivered from the spray nozzle is at a temperature of around 42°C at or around the skin.

46. An apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 45, wherein the apparatus further comprises a boiler for generating the vaporised liquid.

47. The use of an apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 46 in the application of a sunless tanning composition to skin.

48. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.