A warning has been issued against the rising popularity of nasal tanning sprays, as the products were recently condemned as a ‘significant health risk’ by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
Last week Linda Stinson, CEO of Irish tan brand Bellamianta, joined the HPRA in vehemently denouncing the ‘dangerous and unsettling’ social media-driven sales trend that continues to captivate the attention of beauty enthusiasts worldwide. Nasal tanning sprays are promoted as a fast-track ticket to an authentic tan with minimal effort – so its initial allure is understandable.
But beneath the façade of glamour and convenience, lurks the active ingredient Melanotan 2, famously labelled ‘the Barbie drug’ due to its tanning and appetite-suppressing effects. It works by mimicking a hormone that tricks the body into producing excess melanin, the pigment that makes our skin darker when exposed to UV light.
“A substance like Melanotan 2 poses a threat to someone’s health,” said Grainne Power of the HPRA.
“There is no safety data to support its use, with no guarantees as to its quality, safety or effectiveness. If products advertised online seem too good to be true, it is likely that they are. Serious side effects of taking Melanotan 2 include the development of new moles, darkening of existing moles and freckles, potential loss of vision, muscle tremors, stroke and anaphylaxis.”
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