What are the dangers of using nasal tanning sprays?

Nasal tanning sprays, which often contain the chemical melanotan II, can lead to dangerous side effects like nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and even changes in mole shape and size. Studies have also shown a potential link between these products and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected young Britons' tanning habits?

According to the article, some young people in the UK have turned to risky tanning methods like sunbeds and nasal sprays as a way to cope with the stress and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, feeling that the dangers of a sunbed are "small by comparison" to the challenges they've faced.

What is the current legal status of sunbeds in the UK?

While it has been illegal for under-18s to use tanning beds in the UK since 2010, the article mentions that some salons were not properly staffed, allowing younger customers to access the beds. Experts are now calling for a complete ban on sunbeds in the UK, similar to the bans implemented in countries like Australia and Brazil.

Home / Health / Tanning Obsession Puts Young Brits at Grave Risk: Sunbeds, Sprays, and Injections Fuel Dangerous Skin Cancer Epidemic

Tanning Obsession Puts Young Brits at Grave Risk: Sunbeds, Sprays, and Injections Fuel Dangerous Skin Cancer Epidemic

5 Aug

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Summary

28% of UK adults use sunbeds, rising to 43% among 18-25 year olds
Younger generation using risky methods like nasal sprays and injections to darken skin
Experts warn of increased skin cancer risk, including 59% higher chance for those who used tanning beds before age 35

Tanning Obsession Puts Young Brits at Grave Risk: Sunbeds, Sprays, and Injections Fuel Dangerous Skin Cancer Epidemic

As of August 5th, 2025, a concerning trend has emerged among young Britons, who are increasingly turning to risky methods to achieve a tanned appearance. A recent survey found that 28% of UK adults use sunbeds, with this figure rising to 43% among those aged 18 to 25.

The younger generation is going to extreme lengths to darken their skin, including using unregulated nasal tanning sprays and injections. These products, which contain a chemical called melanotan II, can lead to dangerous side effects like nausea, vomiting, and even changes in mole shape and size. Experts have warned of a potential link between these products and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Despite the well-documented risks, many young people remain undeterred. Some even plan their breaks around times when the UV index is highest, deliberately exposing themselves to the most dangerous levels of radiation. One 23-year-old from Leeds admits she was "more bothered about getting a tan" than the potential health consequences when trying a nasal spray.

Skin cancer experts are urging the UK government to consider banning sunbeds, as has been done in countries like Australia and Brazil. They argue that the cosmetic use of tanning beds is driving down the age at which skin cancer first appears and increasing the incidence of the disease. For those who have used a tanning bed before the age of 35, the risk of developing melanoma is 59% higher than for those who have never used one.

While the allure of the "instant fix" of a tanned appearance is strong, particularly for young people immersed in social media, the long-term health consequences are severe. As one 26-year-old content creator who was diagnosed with stage three melanoma at just 21 warns, "OK, it hasn't happened yet, but it could happen. And when it does happen, it is far, far worse than anything I could ever describe and you could ever imagine."

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