Latest news with #Melanotan2
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Danger of nasal tanning sprays that can cause skin cancer
Experts have warned about Nasal tanning sprays that have been linked to deadly skin cancer. The unregulated sprays - which claim to accelerate tanning - may also trigger nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure according to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The CTSI is now urging the public to avoid any tanning product that is 'inhaled or ingested'. The sprays claim to work by delivering a substance known as Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation and which is banned in the UK. While this creates a tan it 'may also encourage abnormal skin cell changes in response to UV exposure', according to the Melanoma Fund. It's these changes that can potentially lead to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. However, as the sprays are marketed as a cosmetic product rather than a medicine, they are not as tightly regulated and have surged in popularity. According to the British Beauty Council, the self-tan market is set to hit $990million by 2027. The CTSI also raised the alarm on the growing trend of people using flavored nasal tanning sprays, drops and gummies. They warned that 'unscrupulous' sellers on Facebook and TikTok were posting pictures of the products available in child-friendly flavors such as peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry and lime. The regulator said it feared they could become the latest 'must have' products among young people 'leading to a youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes'. Susanna Daniels, chief executive of the skin-cancer charity Melanoma Focus, said: 'We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. 'These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviors, particularly among young consumers. 'We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether.' Gary Lipman, chairman at the Sunbed Association, added: 'Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. 'We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them.' Some British patients have already been harmed by the products. Jen Atkin, a former Miss Great Britain winner from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, said she has been permanently scarred after using a nasal tanning spray she bought on Instagram. 'Unfortunately, I decided to go to extra lengths and fell into the trend of nasal tan,' she said. Atkin used the product twice and a dark brown mark appeared 'out of absolutely nowhere' on her forehead. She added: 'It scared the life out of me. It made me feel so nauseous and weird.' Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, cells found in the upper layer of skin that produce melanin, which gives skin its color. While less common than other types of skin cancer, it is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage. Around 17,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year, according to the latest figures published on the Cancer Research UK website. Almost nine in ten people diagnosed with melanoma survive ten years or more. There is an annual average of 2,300 deaths from the skin cancer, according to the charity, with it accounting for around 1 per cent of cancer deaths.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent cancer warning over popular tanning product: 'It's dangerous', say experts
Nasal tanning sprays that have been linked to deadly skin cancer are being widely sold across social media platforms, experts have warned. The unregulated sprays–which claim to accelerate tanning–may also trigger nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure according to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The CTSI is now urging the public to avoid any tanning product that is 'inhaled or ingested'. The sprays claim to work by delivering a substance known as Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation and which is banned in the UK. While this creates a tan it 'may also encourage abnormal skin cell changes in response to UV exposure', according to the Melanoma Fund. It's these changes that can potentially lead to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. However, as the sprays are marketed as a cosmetic product rather than a medicine they are not as tightly regulated and have surged in popularity. According to the British Beauty Council, the self-tan market is set to hit £746.3 million by 2027. The CTSI also raised the alarm on the growing trend of people using flavoured nasal tanning sprays, drops and gummies. They warned that 'unscrupulous' sellers on Facebook and TikTok were posting pictures of the products available in child-friendly flavours such as peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry and lime. The regulator said it feared they could become the latest 'must have' products among young people 'leading to a youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes'. Susanna Daniels, chief executive of the skin-cancer charity Melanoma Focus, said: 'We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. 'These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers. 'We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether.' Gary Lipman, chairman at the Sunbed Association, added: 'Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. 'We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them.' Some British patients have already been harmed by the products. Jen Atkin, a former Miss Great Britain winner from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, said she has been permanently scarred after using a nasal tanning spray she bought on Instagram. 'Unfortunately, I decided to go to extra lengths and fell into the trend of nasal tan,' she said. Ms Atkin used the £25 product twice and a dark brown mark appeared 'out of absolutely nowhere' on her forehead. She added: 'It scared the life out of me. It made me feel so nauseous and weird.' Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, cells found in the upper layer of skin that produce melanin, which gives skin its colour. While less common than other types of skin cancer, it is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage. Around 17,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year, according to the latest figures published on the Cancer Research UK website. There is an annual average of 2,300 deaths from the skin cancer, according to the charity, with it accounting for around 1 per cent of cancer deaths.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Public warned to avoid ‘dangerous' nasal tanning sprays going viral on TikTok
The sprays can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure and even changes in mole shape and size, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said. Nasal tanning sprays are designed to be sprayed into the nostrils and claim to work by administering a substance known as Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation. Unlike cosmetic products, nasal tanning sprays are unlikely to have had expert safety assessment, and use of relevant health warnings and instructions for safe use are rare Richard Knight, CTSI It is illegal to sell medicinal products containing Melanotan 2 in Ireland and the UK, but as the tanners are sold cosmetically they fall outside that remit. The HSE and the HPRA have previously issued warnings over use of the so- called 'barbie drug'. 'The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) reminds the public that the unregulated substance Melanotan 2 is not safe for use and may cause serious, long-term damage to your health. "Often described as a self-tanning aid, the product is also referred to as Melanotan, Melanotan II or MT2. It is commonly sold as an injectable powder or in the form of drops and nasal sprays. 'The HPRA is also concerned that products containing Melanotan 2 are increasingly being targeted towards young people by using bright colours, flavours, and branding. The HPRA will take action against individuals using social media and e-commerce to advertise and supply Melanotan 2 containing products, including the removal of content and accounts, and prosecution activity when there is significant risk to public health,' the HPRA said in a previous statement on the risks of the chemical. While the long-term health impacts of using the sprays were not yet known, studies had shown a potential link to melanoma, a type of skin cancer, the CTSI warned. Inhaling sprays can irritate the respiratory tract, with potential symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and nasal congestion, and repeated exposure can lead to chronic respiratory issues. The CTSI also flagged an emerging trend for flavoured nasal tanning sprays, drops and gummies, with 'unscrupulous' sellers on Facebook and TikTok posting pictures of the products available in child-friendly flavours such as peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry and lime. The CTSI said it feared they could become the latest 'must have' products 'leading to a youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes'. Nasal tanning sprays are growing in popularity thanks to their promotion by influencers and the products being widely available online. One woman, Edith Eagle, told the CTSI that she was in hospital 'unable to breathe' after suffering a severe reaction to an unlicensed nasal tanning spray she bought online. When explaining her symptoms, Ms Eagle said: 'I can't even explain it, but I was suffocating inside. It was as if I was drowning within my own body.' The CTSI has urged the public to avoid any type of tanning products that are ingested or inhaled and instead use safer options such as creams and sprays bought from reputable retailers. Richard Knight, CTSI lead officer for cosmetics and beauty, said: 'Edith's story is a sobering one, and an example of what can happen when putting unregulated products into our bodies. 'Unlike cosmetic products, nasal tanning sprays are unlikely to have had expert safety assessment, and use of relevant health warnings and instructions for safe use are rare. 'This means that no-one, including influencers, can truly know the risks of using these quasi-medical potions.' Susanna Daniels, chief executive of Melanoma Focus, said: 'We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. 'These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers. 'We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether.' Sunbed Association chairman Gary Lipman said: 'Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. 'We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them. The end goal must be to eradicate access to these illegal and unregulated products.'
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Consumers warned to avoid ‘dangerous' nasal tanning sprays and gummies
Dangerous and unregulated nasal tanning sprays that have a potential link to the skin cancer melanoma are being widely sold across social media platforms, Trading Standards has warned. The sprays can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure and even changes in mole shape and size, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said. Nasal tanning sprays are designed to be sprayed into the nostrils and claim to work by administering a substance known as Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation. It is illegal to sell medicinal products containing Melanotan 2 in the UK, but as the tanners are sold cosmetically they fall outside that remit. However, they are not covered by UK cosmetics regulations, meaning they are not subjected to the same scrutiny as other over-the-counter beauty products. While the long-term health impacts of using the sprays were not yet known, studies had shown a potential link to melanoma, a type of skin cancer, the CTSI warned. Inhaling sprays can irritate the respiratory tract, with potential symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and nasal congestion, and repeated exposure can lead to chronic respiratory issues. The CTSI also flagged an emerging trend for flavoured nasal tanning sprays, drops and gummies, with 'unscrupulous' sellers on Facebook and TikTok posting pictures of the products available in child-friendly flavours such as peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry and lime. The CTSI said it feared they could become the latest 'must have' products 'leading to a youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes'. Nasal tanning sprays are growing in popularity thanks to their promotion by influencers and the products being widely available online. According to British Beauty Council, the self-tan market is set to hit £746.3 million by 2027. One woman, Edith Eagle, told the CTSI that she was in hospital 'unable to breathe' after suffering a severe reaction to an unlicensed nasal tanning spray she bought online. When explaining her symptoms, Ms Eagle said: 'I can't even explain it, but I was suffocating inside. It was as if I was drowning within my own body.' The CTSI has urged the public to avoid any type of tanning products that are ingested or inhaled and instead use safer options such as creams and sprays bought from reputable retailers. Richard Knight, CTSI lead officer for cosmetics and beauty, said: 'Edith's story is a sobering one, and an example of what can happen when putting unregulated products into our bodies. 'Unlike cosmetic products, nasal tanning sprays are unlikely to have had expert safety assessment, and use of relevant health warnings and instructions for safe use are rare. 'This means that no-one, including influencers, can truly know the risks of using these quasi-medical potions.' Susanna Daniels, chief executive of Melanoma Focus, said: 'We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. 'These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers. 'We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether.' Sunbed Association chairman Gary Lipman said: 'Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. 'We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them. The end goal must be to eradicate access to these illegal and unregulated products.' Consumers can report any suspicious cosmetic product or adverse reaction to Trading Standards immediately by calling the free Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. Consumers in Scotland can contact Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or Consumerline in Northern Ireland on 0300 123 6262. A recent survey of Trading Standards officers found that unsafe cosmetic products were the biggest emerging threat to UK consumers. CTSI has launched its latest '#CostofBeauty' campaign, which raises awareness about the safety issues associated with three key cosmetics – nail glue, 'professional use' lash lift and tint kits, and the nasal tanning sprays.
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Warning over ‘dangerous' nasal tanning sprays with cancer risk sold online
Unregulated nasal tanning sprays, touted across social media, are raising alarms with Trading Standards due to potential health risks, including a possible link to melanoma skin cancer. These sprays, which contain Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation, are being sold outside current UK regulations. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a warning about these products, highlighting potential dangers beyond skin cancer. Users have reported nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and even changes in mole size and shape. While marketed as cosmetics, bypassing regulations applied to medicinal products containing Melanotan 2, these sprays aren't subject to the same scrutiny as other beauty products. This regulatory gap raises concerns about long-term health consequences, with studies suggesting a potential link to melanoma. Furthermore, the act of inhaling the spray can irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Repeated use could lead to chronic respiratory problems. The CTSI also flagged an emerging trend for flavoured nasal tanning sprays, drops and gummies, with 'unscrupulous' sellers on Facebook and TikTok posting pictures of the products available in child-friendly flavours such as peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry and lime. The CTSI said it feared they could become the latest 'must have' products 'leading to a youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes'. Nasal tanning sprays are growing in popularity thanks to their promotion by influencers and the products being widely available online. According to British Beauty Council, the self-tan market is set to hit £746.3 million by 2027. One woman, Edith Eagle, told the CTSI that she was in hospital 'unable to breathe' after suffering a severe reaction to an unlicensed nasal tanning spray she bought online. When explaining her symptoms, Ms Eagle said: 'I can't even explain it, but I was suffocating inside. It was as if I was drowning within my own body.' The CTSI has urged the public to avoid any type of tanning products that are ingested or inhaled and instead use safer options such as creams and sprays bought from reputable retailers. Richard Knight, CTSI lead officer for cosmetics and beauty, said: 'Edith's story is a sobering one, and an example of what can happen when putting unregulated products into our bodies. 'Unlike cosmetic products, nasal tanning sprays are unlikely to have had expert safety assessment, and use of relevant health warnings and instructions for safe use are rare. 'This means that no-one, including influencers, can truly know the risks of using these quasi-medical potions.' Susanna Daniels, chief executive of Melanoma Focus, said: 'We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. 'These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers. 'We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether.' Sunbed Association chairman Gary Lipman said: 'Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. 'We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them. The end goal must be to eradicate access to these illegal and unregulated products.' Consumers can report any suspicious cosmetic product or adverse reaction to Trading Standards immediately by calling the free Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. Consumers in Scotland can contact Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or Consumerline in Northern Ireland on 0300 123 6262. A recent survey of Trading Standards officers found that unsafe cosmetic products were the biggest emerging threat to UK consumers. CTSI has launched its latest '#CostofBeauty' campaign, which raises awareness about the safety issues associated with three key cosmetics – nail glue, 'professional use' lash lift and tint kits, and the nasal tanning sprays.
