Medics warn against use of popular nasal tanning sprays

The sale of nasal tanning sprays continues to soar across the UK, despite being illegal and unregulated.

They contain the chemical Melanotan II, an artificial hormone that enters the bloodstream and causes the body to produce more melanin.

But skin cancer experts have warned about the dangerous and life-threatening side effects associated.

Consultant plastic surgeon Kaz Rahman told STV News: “The general risks that everyone seems to report is nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, sexual dysfunction, problems with your palpations and anxiety.

“There are more severe complications as well so there have been documentations of kidney failure, sometimes related to muscle necrosis and brain swelling.”

Although not a new drug, the sale of Melanotan II has surged in recent years. Many people keen for a darker tan access it through nasal sprays promoted on social media platforms.

Demand for the chemical is growing despite the fact they are banned in the EU and unlicenced in the UK.

TikTok guidelines say they have banned a number of accounts and will continue to remove any videos promoting the product.

A tanning salon in Peterhead is among the many businesses warning against the use of illegal nasal sprays.

“I’ve had costumers coming in and saying they have used them, but I don’t promote them,” said Tracey Smith of Chloe’s Beauty and Tanning Salon.

“I do tell them there is a lot of side effects and I don’t advise them to use them. I felt like using them at one point myself. I read too many bad things about the side effects and decided against it.”

Health experts and the UK Government have warned people against buying the products and to consider the risks and implications.

Beth Vincent, UK health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Melanotan nasal sprays and injections are illegal in the UK. They have not been tested for safety, quality or effectiveness, so it is not known if using them causes side effects or how serious they might be.

“If you have used Melanotan, you should stop. We encourage everyone to own their natural skin tone, but if you really want a tan, it’s safer to use fake tan from a bottle or get a spray tan.”

A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: “Injectable or nasal tanning sprays must comply with safety regulations, which means those selling products, including online, must ensure they are safe before placing them on the market.

“Anyone with concerns about a product is urged to contact Citizens Advice or their local trading standards department.”