Experts are warning against a dangerous and illegal beauty product that's being spruiked on social media. Nasal tanning sprays are easily accessible and marketed to young people as a quick way to get a lasting tan without spending hours in the sun. But Australia's medical regulator says they can cause serious side effects.
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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.
00:52But there have been reports of kidney dysfunction and swelling of the brain.
00:56But the most concerning factor is the risk of skin cancers.
01:00Personally I wouldn't use them. I do know some people that have tried them and they have been effective.
01:05But I think it's going to end up pretty bad in the future if all of this continues.
01:12I think that young people think that they're bulletproof and that it won't happen to them.
01:16And the products are easily accessible.
01:18A simple online search reveals dozens of websites selling nasal tanning sprays.
01:23And if you didn't do your research you might think the products are safe.
01:27Some websites list the only side effect as being a loss of appetite.
01:31Others list no symptoms at all.
01:34And young people are being fed social media ads selling the sprays.
01:38The TGA says it's working with social media platforms but policing the illegal tanning trade is a challenge.
01:45Those who market or sell the products could face jail time.
01:49If anybody is either advertising them or providing them without a prescription
01:53then absolutely they're breaking the law in Australia.
01:56It's not worth risking your health to get a tan.