Latest news with #nasaltanning
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I have permanent skin damage from using tanning nasal spray twice – it made me dizzy & nauseous too, says former Miss GB
THEY promise to give you a glowing, bronze complexion, but the new trend of nasal tanning sprays is packed with risks. So much so, former Miss GB Jen Atkins has issued a stark warning after using one of the sprays just twice left her extremely ill and with persisting hyperpigmentation on her face. 4 4 The 31-year-old, who won the Miss GB pageant in 2020, was offered a free nasal tanning spray in exchange for promotion through Instagram. But the unlicensed product came with a host of negative side effects and left her with permanent skin damage. Nasal tanning sprays contain a substance known as melanotan II which may stimulate melanin production when inhaled and transferred into the bloodstream. Most are not regulated by health authorities, meaning that the quality, safety and dosage of each product could vary, and some products may be contaminated or unsafe. As such, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is urging the public to avoid any tanning product that is 'inhaled or ingested'. It warns of side effects including nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and changes in mole shape and size. The sprays could also cause coughing, sneezing and nasal congestion due to irritation of the respiratory tract. Jen knows these nasty side effects all too personally - and it only took one use for her to suffer. 'I was naive and I just took the product,' the beauty queen, from Grimsby, revealed on This Morning. 'I used it twice. 'The first time, it made me feel so sick and dizzy. I was actually driving to work, so how incredibly dangerous was that? 'My face was bright red, itchy - it was just horrific. 'Silly me tried it again the next day and it was even worse. 'I thought I was going to throw up on the way to work. It was just awful.' Costing from £20 to £35, nasal tanning sprays are a hit with younger people and have become a social media phenomenon. However, the process is considered unsafe as melanotan II is illegal in the UK. Susanna Daniels, CEO 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.' 4
The Guardian
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Nasal tanning sprays linked to skin cancer, trading standards officers warn
Nasal tanning sprays linked to cancer and respiratory problems and other unsafe cosmetic products pose one of the biggest threats to consumers, trading standards officers have warned. Demand for these 'dangerous and unregulated' tan-enhancing sprays, which is being driven by influencers on social media, could mirror the rapid rise of youth vaping, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said. The sprays contain substances such as melanotan 2 – a synthetic hormone not approved for use in the UK – which can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and an increased risk of melanoma skin cancer. The sprays are designed to be applied to the nostrils, where they deliver melanotan 2 directly into the body. This chemical stimulates the production of melanin, which darkens the skin, and while it can supposedly work without UV exposure, its effects are enhanced when used alongside sun exposure or tanning sun beds. Trading standards officers also raised concerns over the rise of flavoured nasal tanning sprays, which include peach, bubble gum and lime, which may make them more attractive to young people. The self-tan market was valued at £582.2m and is projected to grow to £746.3m by 2027, according to THG Labs' Sunless Tanning Trend Report, raising concerns that nasal tanning sprays could capitalise on this booming demand, despite the health risks. Videos on social media show tanned users promoting the products. The CTSI said many of these 'unscrupulous sellers' are also marketing tanning drops and tanning gummies, designed to be ingested. Richard Knight, the lead officer for cosmetics and beauty at CTSI, urged consumers to question the claims made by influencers online, warning that many may not fully understand the risks themselves. He said: '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.' Although it is illegal to sell medicinal products containing melanotan 2 in the UK, the tanners are marketed as cosmetics, meaning they fall outside the regulatory remit. The products, which often have no ingredients list, are usually sold for about £20 each, with 'extreme flavoured nasals' marketed at £30 each and cheaper alternatives for as little as £25 for two. Users have reported severe allergic reactions to the products, and there have been cases of hospitalisation. Edith Eagle, from King's Lynn in Norfolk, was admitted to hospital after she suffered a serious reaction to a nasal tanning spray she bought online. She bought the product hoping that they would give her a quick and easy sun-kissed look ahead of her holiday in April 2023, but told the BBC she felt as if she was 'suffocating' and 'drowning inside her own body'. Knight said Eagle's story should be a cautionary tale of 'what can happen when putting unregulated products into our bodies'. Susanna Daniels, the 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.' The CTSI advised consumers to opt for safer self-tanning options, like lotions or sprays applied to the skin, which are regulated under the UK Cosmetics Regulation and come with clear user guidelines.
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.
