Nasal tanning spray, the latest viral TikTok trend, has triggered another warning from health professionals who have pointed out the different risks of using the unregulated self-tanning product. The experts are aware that social media influencers have been peddling the trend to improve one's appearance.
According to reports, there have been more than 3.4 million views for videos with the hashtag #nasaltanningspray on TikTok. The search term "nasal tanning spray" also generated more than 100 million views on the video-sharing platform.
Nasal tanning sprays are widely available at various beauty product retailers in the U.S. for under $29, but it has yet to receive approval from Food and Drug Administration. As the name suggests, this popular beauty fad is inhaled through the nose instead of a topical application on the skin to deliver a beautiful bronze glow.
"Die Hot than Live Ugly"
In February, beauty influencer Hannah Tayy received much attention for promoting the nasal tanning spray and said that she uses the product because she would rather "die hot than live ugly." Another video from Sasha Woodx showed her changing to different outfits, snorting the nasal tanning spray, and encouraging her followers not to delay getting this product.
While some of the influencer videos have since been taken down, the controversial beauty advice has prompted responses from the experts.
Using the same medium, Virginia dermatologist Dr. Lily Talakoub posted a TikTok video to warn her young audience of the dangers to their health if they use the product. She said that inhaling tanning sprays may result in "nausea, vomiting, very bad side effects."
@drlilyt #greenscreenvideo have you heard of nasal tanning spray? #nasaltanningspray #dermatologist #sunsafety #skincare #nasaltanning #tanning ♬ rich girl x material girl by altegomusic - ALTéGO
George Washington University School of Medicine dermatology chairperson Dr. Adam Friedman told WebMD that self-tanners have several harmful ingredients that could bring long-term damage to one's health, aside from nasal irritation. He said that the promotion of the product is dangerous and could put one in jail.
Dangerous Ingredients of Nasal Tanning Spray
A nasal tanning spray contains melatonan, a lab-created chemical that's actually banned in countries like the U.S. and Australia.
Skin doctor Ava Shamban said that the nose might absorb melatonan quite efficiently in the body's mucous membranes, which is likely why the product was developed. However, she also said that mixed with other tanning spray chemicals; this chemical can harm the organs.
Yale Medicine rhinologist Dr. R. Peter Manes said that substances inhaled through the nose should be carefully studied because they can lead to postnasal drip and toxicity in the cilia of the nose. Anything inhaled through the nose is also considered a drug or medication and thus must go through the proper government approval.
Yet there are not enough studies to suggest that this product is safe to use. Aside from nausea and vomiting, melatonan may trigger loss of appetite, increased moles and freckles, as well as spontaneous erections in young men. At worst, nasal tanning spray may contribute to the increased risks of cancer.
