Abstract:
In some example embodiments, there is provided a method for sunless tanning. The method may include applying a sunless tanning solution to the skin and applying, during a drying stage of the sunless tanning solution, a powder to at least dry the tanning solution. Related compounds and methods may also be disclosed.

Description:
REFERENCE TO PRIORITY DOCUMENT 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/670,351, entitled “DRYING, ANTI-SMEAR, AND ANTI-ODOR AGENT FOR SPRAY TANNING,” filed Nov. 6, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/557,868, entitled “DRYING AGENT FOR SPRAY TANNING,” filed on Nov. 9, 2011. The subject matter of all of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Tanning of the human skin may occur by various methods including the sun bathing, artificial light, or via the use of tanning agents, such as compounds based on, for example, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), erythrulose, and the like. In the case of tanning agents, the tanning agent may be applied by a sprayer, such as for example, a handheld, airbrush sprayer or a booth. The sprayer may apply the tanning agent onto the skin of a subject undergoing a tanning treatment. For example, the handheld sprayer may be used to apply the tanning agent directly onto the skin of the subject undergoing the tanning treatment. The operator of the handheld sprayer may control the application of the tanning agent to induce the desired tanning effect on the subject. Once the operator completes the application of the tanning agent, the subject waits until the tanning agent dries to avoid smearing the tanning agent. When smearing occurs, the subject&#39;s tan appears uneven. Once the tanning process is complete, the subject may get dressed and resume normal, day-to-day activities, but with a tan obtained without having to be exposed to the harmful ultraviolet light of the sun or artificial light sources. 
     SUMMARY 
     In some example embodiments, methods, apparatus, and compounds are provided for a drying agent to enhance the drying of a tanning agent, to reduce the smearing of the tanning agent during the drying process, and/or to reduce, or eliminate, odor. 
     In some example embodiments, there is provided a method for sunless tanning. The method may include applying a sunless tanning solution to the skin; and applying, during a drying stage of the sunless tanning solution, a powder to at least dry the tanning solution. 
     In some example embodiments, there is provided a compound for drying a sunless tanning solution applied to the skin, the compound comprising a powder. 
     The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, 
         FIG. 1  depicts a process for applying a drying agent. 
     
    
    
     Like references may be used where possible. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject matter described herein relates to a drying agent to enhance the drying process of a tanning solution (e.g., an agent) applied to the skin of a subject undergoing a spray tanning treatment. Although the application of a tanning agent enables a subject to obtain a tan without being exposed to harmful ultraviolet light from the sun or artificial light sources, once the tanning agent is applied, the subject may have to wait a considerable amount of time to ensure the tanning agent is dry. Otherwise, the subject risks damaging or smearing the tanning agent applied to the skin, which would result in a re-application of the tanning agent and thus further prolong the duration of the tanning treatment. To enhance the drying time of the tanning agent applied during the tanning treatment, the subject matter described herein provides, in some example embodiments, a drying agent to reduce the drying time of the tanning agent, to reduce the smearing of the tanning agent during the drying process, to reduce, or eliminate, odor during the drying process, and/or reduce stickiness of the skin during the drying process. 
     After the tanning agent is applied to the skin with a sprayer, such as a handheld, airbrush sprayer or an electronic tanning booth, the drying agent may be applied to reduce the overall drying time of the tanning agent, reducing thus the overall time required for a tanning treatment of a subject. The use of the drying agent as part of the tanning treatment may make the subject undergoing the tanning process feel dryer (i.e., less “sticky”) after the application of the tanning agent. Moreover, the use of the drying agent as part of the tanning treatment may provide a fragrance to reduce any unpleasant odors associated with the tanning agent. 
     In some example embodiments, the drying agent may be implemented in powder form, although other types of implementations may be used as well. The drying agent powder may be applied with, for example, a brush, a powder puff, and/or any other type of applicator. For example, the drying agent may be applied as a powder by lightly applying the drying agent on the skin to avoid smearing the tanning agent on the skin. In some embodiments, the powder tray also be applied using a spray mechanism, such as an airbrush sprayer or an aerosol sprayer. 
     In some example embodiments, the drying agent may be implemented as a powder comprising one or more of the following: talc, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, cornstarch, tapioca starch, fragrance, silica, and clay (e.g., kaolin), and magnesium carbonate. 
     In some example embodiments, the drying agent may be implemented as a powder comprising one or more of the following: talc and fragrance. 
     In some example embodiments, the drying agent may be implemented as a powder comprising one or more of the following: silk powder, chlorphenesin, sodium Benzoate, mica, titanium dioxide, fragrance, and iron oxides. 
     In some example embodiments, the drying agent may be implemented as a powder comprising one or more of the following: about 42.55% talc, about 20% aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, about 10%  zea mays  starch, about 10% tapioca starch, about 6% fragrance, about 5% silica, about 4% kaolin, about mica, iron oxides and/or titanium dioxides, about 0.01% silk powder, about 0.29% chlorphenesin, about 0.15% sodium benzoate. 
     In some example embodiments, the concentration of the talc varies from about 0 to about 90% of the overall composition of the drying agent. 
     In some example embodiments, the concentration of the aluminum starch octenylsuccinate varies from about 5% to about 75% of the overall composition of the drying agent. 
     In some example embodiments, the concentration of the  zea mays  starch varies from about 5% to about 70% of the overall composition of the drying agent. 
     In some example embodiments, the concentration of the tapioca starch varies from about 4% to about 80% of the overall composition of the drying agent. 
     In some example embodiments, the concentration of the fragrance varies from about 0% to about 15% of the overall composition of the drying agent. 
     In some example embodiments, the concentration of the silica varies from about 0% to about 20% of the overall composition of the drying agent. 
     In some example embodiments, the concentration of the kaolin varies from about 0% to about 30% of the overall composition of the drying agent. 
     In some example embodiments, mica, iron oxides, and/or titanium dioxides vary from about 0% to about 10% of the overall composition of the drying agent. 
     In some example embodiments, the concentration of the silk powder varies from about 0% to about 10% of the overall composition of the drying agent. 
     In some example embodiments, the concentration of the chlorphenesin varies from about 0% to about 1% of the overall composition of the drying agent. 
     In some example embodiments, the concentration of the sodium benzoate varies from about 0% to about 1% of the overall composition of the drying agent. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a process for applying a drying agent. 
     At  110 , the tanning agent is applied to the skin. For example, a sprayer may be used to apply the tanning agent on the areas of the skin of a subject. 
     At  120 , the drying agent powder is applied to the skin. For example, once the operator completes applying the tanning agent to the skin of the subject, the tanning agent is allowed to dry briefly (e.g., for about two minutes). After this brief drying, the drying agent is applied. For example, the operator may use a brush, powder puff, and the like to apply the drying agent. The drying agent may be in powder form, in which case the operator may lightly apply the drying agent powder over the skin areas that were the target of the tanning agent. The operator may also apply the drying agent powder to any creases, crevices, and folds of the skin that may be vulnerable to tanning agent smearing. In some implementations, the operator may apply the drying agent powder using, for example, a brush or a powder puff using gentle, light patting to avoid smearing the tanning agent on the skin. Next, the powdered skin of the subject is allowed to dry for an additional period of time, such as about 2 to 3 minutes, before the subject&#39;s tanning treatment is complete. When complete, the subject can, for example, resume normal activities, such as get dressed and the like, without smearing the tanning agent applied to the skin. 
     The subject matter may be implemented in systems, methods, and compounds. Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above may be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and subcombinations of several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flow depicted in the accompanying figures and/or described herein does not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims.