Illegal tanning nasal spray not a 'harmless alternative' to sunbaking, says TGA

Experts are warning against the nasal tanning spray, which is marketed to young people as a quick way to get a lasting tan.

Transcript

00:00Some Australians are going to extreme lengths to get a tan, even if it's putting their health at risk.

00:07Nasal tanning sprays hit the social media scene a few years ago.

00:12They're pitched as the perfect product, a simple spritz to achieve a tan that lasts months without spending hours in the sun.

00:20Nasal tanning sprays contain molecules that mimic the body's natural hormones that control how cells within the skin express pigment.

00:32They're sort of hacking the body's approach to how your skin can display a tan or a bit of colour.

00:39But they're illegal.

00:41These nasal tanning sprays are not safe. They're not as harmless as the advertisements might say.

00:47Side effects can include chest pain, nausea and vomiting and facial redness.

00:51But there have been reports of kidney dysfunction and swelling of the brain.

00:55But the most concerning factor is the risk of skin cancers.

00:59I think that young people think that they're bulletproof and that it won't happen to them.

01:03And the products are easily accessible.

01:06A simple online search reveals dozens of websites selling nasal tanning sprays.

01:11And if you didn't do your research, you might think the products are safe.

01:15Some websites list the only side effect as being a loss of appetite.

01:19Others list no symptoms at all.

01:22And young people are being fed social media ads selling the sprays.

01:26The TGA says it's working with social media platforms, but policing the illegal tanning trade is a challenge.

01:33Those who market or sell the products could face jail time.

01:37If anybody is either advertising them or providing them without a prescription, then absolutely they're breaking the law in Australia.

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