The allure of a tan is leading some people to turn to black market nasal tanning sprays, despite serious health risks associated with these substances. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warns that these sprays contain Melanotan-II, a molecule that mimics the body's natural tanning hormones. While initially researched as a medication, Melanotan-II was abandoned due to severe side effects. The TGA reports cases of skin cancer, kidney failure, brain swelling, and neurological issues linked to these sprays. Despite these warnings, the popularity of the 'tan line' trend is driving a surge in demand for these illegal products, raising concerns among health experts.
Since using black market nasal tanning spray, Harper has experienced facial flushes, acne, and an increase in freckles. The illegal spray can have serious side effects, according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration ( TGA ) — some of the most common ones are what Harper has experienced, but there's also the risk of skin cancer including melanoma.
'I was thinking, it's either I lay in the sun and burn and not ever tan, or I use this and can actually finally tan in the sun,' said Harper, who's in her early 20s. Nasal tanning sprays claim just a spritz up each nostril every day for two weeks, then a lower maintenance dosage after that, achieves a natural tan that can last up to six months. According to some marketing, the user only needs 'a very minimal amount of sun' to see results 'within weeks'. 'Nasal tanning sprays are not the harmless alternative to a tan that some of the illegal advertising is claiming they are,' Professor Robyn Langham, the TGA's chief medical adviser, said. The sprays contain Melanotan-II, molecules which mimic the body's natural hormones that control how our cells express pigment, Professor Langham said. Melanotan-II was researched decades ago to be used as a recognised medication, but didn't progress past the experimental phase because of its side effects and is not approved by the TGA. 'The way the specific molecules work, they attach to receptors in the brain, and because of that, there can be some neurological side effects as well,' said Professor Langham. The TGA says users could also see a change in the size and pigmentation of existing moles, and an increase in new ones. There have also been rare cases of kidney failure and brain swelling linked to the use of melanotans. Consumers not only risk the associated side effects of the product, but also those posed by undeclared ingredients or other potential contaminants. Harper began using nasal tanning sprays after seeing its effect on her friends; buying it off a seller she found through Instagram. She said she did a little bit of research on Google, but in the end still felt it was safer than sunbaking. She also liked how non-threatening the product looked. Policing the illegal tanning trade Harper buys her tan on the black market, but a simple search online reveals dozens of websites selling nasal tanning sprays in Australia. The halter neck bikini tan line appears to have become the ultimate summer accessory, prompting concern from sun safety experts. The TGA said it's working with social media platforms so they are aware of their legal requirements, but policing the illegal tanning trade is a challenge. 'I think everyone's aware of just how quickly data and new information moves on social media and how quickly sites can be established,' Professor Langham said. The TGA has issued 4,800 different enforcement notices for websites displaying incorrect or illegal products in Australia in the last year, including for nasal tanning sprays. The TGA is concerned people who don't do their research could be misled into thinking these products are safe and legal.One website selling nasal tanning spray seen by the ABC lists only 'loss of appetite' as a symptom. Others list none at all. Some of the sites attempt to find a loophole by advertising their products as 'for research purposes only'. 'If anybody is either advertising them or providing them without a prescription, then absolutely they're breaking the law in Australia,' Professor Langham said. The Cancer Council said the resurgence of the 'tan line' trend is a driving factor behind more people sunbaking. 'I think that everybody wants kind of a tan line. I also think sun protection is important. 'I think it just kind of gives that glow, it gives that you've been out in the sun, you've been enjoying the day, you've been living life, so I enjoy that part of it,' the 21-year-old said.'I think it's because of the whole 90s fad has come back. 'I know some people who have tried them, and they have been effective. But I think it's going to end up pretty bad in the future if all of this continues,' Ms Gehrke said. 'I think that young people think that they're bulletproof and that it won't happen to them,' Cancer Council Queensland's Sharyn Chin Fat said. The organisation is urging Australians to 'love the skin they're in' and if the risk of skin cancer isn't terrifying enough, to think about the effects of premature aging. 'If all you care about is how you look, then it's worth using sun protection every day,' Ms Chin Fat said.
BLACK MARKET TANNING NASAL TANNING SPRAY MELANOTAN-II TGA SKIN CANCER SIDE EFFECTS HEALTH RISKS TAN LINE SUN SAFETY
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