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Dangers of Employing Nasal Tanning Solutions: A Warning

Dangerous Consequences of Using Nasal Tanning Spray, Often Nicknamed "The Barbie Drug," Include Sun Hypersensitivity, Kidney Issues, and Potentially Fatal Health Problems.

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Aerosol sunless tanning product, popularly dubbed as "The Barbie drug," carries potential dangers...
Aerosol sunless tanning product, popularly dubbed as "The Barbie drug," carries potential dangers such as increased sun sensitivity, kidney damage, and severe health complications that could be life-threatening.

Dangers of Employing Nasal Tanning Solutions: A Warning

TikTok and social media influencers are peddling a controversial new tanning method, but it's a trend that comes with a long list of health risks.

Known as nasal tanning spray, this product contains a lab-created compound called Melanotan II, also called "the Barbie drug." Its proponents claim it can provide a permanent glow, but its illegal status in all 50 U.S. states, the United Kingdom, and Australia speaks volumes about its serious dangers.

Dermatologist Allison Vidimos, RPh, MD, explains how this spray works and why its use is so risky.

The makeup of nasal tanning sprays

Nasal tanning sprays are self-explanatory: They are sprays that, when inhaled, can trigger a temporary skin darkening effect that makes the user appear tanner. The main ingredient, Melanotan II, is completely synthetic, meaning it's manufactured in a lab.

Melanotan II mimics hormones already present in the human body. However, despite its seemingly harmless nature, Melanotan II is so dangerous that it's illegal to sell it in most countries.

How nasal tanning spray functions

Melanotan II imitates the body's natural melanocyte-stimulating hormone, responsible for skin pigmentation. When inhaled through a nasal tanning spray, it bypasses the skin's barrier and enters the bloodstream more quickly due to the mucous membrane lining the nose.

Once in the bloodstream, it stimulates the production of melanin, a pigment that gives color to the hair, eyes, and skin. However, it doesn't cause the skin to brown on its own; it requires exposure to harmful UV rays for its effect to take hold. After using the spray, the skin will tan faster and more intensely when exposed to sunlight.

The risks of nasal tanning spray

"Using anything other than what your doctor recommends and that's FDA-approved isn't wise," Dr. Vidimos advises. And, as we've mentioned, Melanotan II absolutely falls into that category.

While the long-term effects of Melanotan II are still being researched, immediate risks are well documented. These include:

  • Acne
  • Decreased appetite
  • Gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, vomiting)
  • Nausea
  • Facial flushing (redness)
  • Spontaneous erections

In addition to these unpleasant side effects, Melanotan II might actually increase sun sensitivity and the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, a highly aggressive and potentially life-threatening form of the disease.

Other potentially fatal health concerns associated with Melanotan II include priapism (prolonged, painful erections), renal infarction (reduced blood flow to the kidneys), and rhabdomyolysis (damage to muscle tissue that can lead to acute kidney injury or death).

Unpredictable contents and unknown adverse effects

Because Melanotan II products lack FDA regulation, consumers can't be certain of their contents, even if the label claims otherwise. One study found that the amount of Melanotan II in some vials varied significantly from the listed amount, while as much as 6% of some products contained unknown impurities.

Given that these chemicals can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the nasal passages, the potential risks are serious. "Any of these chemicals will go right into your body," Dr. Vidimos notes.

A safer alternative to achieve a tan

Instead of risking your health for a temporary tan, dermatologists recommend safer alternatives like self-tanning lotions or sprays, which change the color of only the top layer of the skin and don't enter the bloodstream.

In the end, the risks associated with nasal tanning sprays make them an extremely hazardous choice for those seeking a sun-kissed glow.

[Referenced Data:][1] Daniels, S. (n.d.). Melanotan Spray: What You Need to Know. Melanoma Research Alliance. https://mra.org/learning-center/skin-cancer-types/melanoma/melanoma-clinical-trials-registry/melanotan-spray-what-you-need-to-know/[2] Budd, T. (2018, March 28). Warning issued over potentially deadly tanning spray. The Sun. https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/4234961/melanotan-nasal-tanning-spray-warning/[3] Stokols, E. (2021, January 6). Melanotan sprays: What you should know. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/learn/girls/body-beauty/melanotan-sprays[4] TikTok warns users against dangerous products. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tiktok-dangerous-products-warnings/[5] Product Category Safety Assessment: Melanotan II. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). https://www.cir-safe.org/ingredient/melanotan-ii

  1. Dermatologist Allison Vidimos warns against using nasal tanning sprays, such as those containing Melanotan II, as they can lead to various health risks, including acne, gastrointestinal problems, nausea, facial flushing, spontaneous erections, increased sun sensitivity, and potentially life-threatening conditions like skin cancer, melanoma, priapism, renal infarction, and rhabdomyolysis.
  2. A safer alternative for achieving a tan is by using self-tanning lotions or sprays, which change the color of the top layer of the skin without entering the bloodstream and posing potential health risks.

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