Tanning Nasal Spray: Please Don't Use It

glamour.com:

, tanning nasal spray is probably the one to sit out.For those blissfully unaware: Yes, there really is a nasal spray being marketed as the new way to fake tan, and it's being advertised—and seemingly used by consumers—all over social media.At the time of writing, the phrases “” and “” have a combined 86 million views on TikTok, where users are sharing their “real results" from various tanning nasal sprays. “No filters just straight science and results,” captioned a video showcasing her newly bronzed skin. “I was told it takes about two weeks this is just ONE WEEK of using the spray.”If it sounds too good to be true, that's because it is.

Dermatologists do not recommend tanning nasal spray under any circumstances, and more importantly, caution that it's not safe to use.To explain the risks, we asked board-certified dermatologists to break down how tanning nasal spray actually works.

Here's everything doctors want you to know about the controversial trend.Tanning nasal spray is exactly what it sounds like: Nasal spray formulated with ingredients that make .“The active ingredient in many nasal sprays is melanotan II, which is is a synthetic version of a hormone produced by the body called alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)," says , board-certified dermatologist at New York City's . "This hormone stimulates melanogenesis, or the production of melanin pigment in melanocytes, which in turn makes skin appear darker." These effects are temporary, of course, as they fade when you discontinue usage of the product.Melanotan II is often self-administered through nasal sprays or injections, adds , MD., board-certified dermatologist at Southern California's .