People have long used foams, drops and lotions to achieve a bronzy glow from home, especially during the winter months. But now, some are opting for tanning nasal sprays.
The viral beauty trend works how it sounds: You spray the product into your nose for an almost immediate, darker tan.
"Tanning nasal sprays contain a compound called melanotan, which mimics a natural hormone in our bodies known as melanocyte stimulation hormone. When inhaled, it tells our skin cells to increase pigment production to cause skin darkening," explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
But is it safe? Experts warn that despite its popularity, particularly on TikTok, this fake tanning method can pose serious risks.
Watch:See Kate Hudson's hilarious, relatable spray-tan fail
Lily Talakoub, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Derm to Door, says most tanning nasal sprays contain tyrosine and melanotan, which increase the production of melanin to darken skin pigmentation. But unlike most self tanners, nasal sprays are meant to be inhaled for quicker results.
"The inside of the nose is very absorbent. There's no skin layer over it, so anything that gets exposed to it gets absorbed into the bloodstream very fast," Talakoub explains.
Experts warn it's "very risky and incredibly dangerous" to use tanning nasal sprays because its their ingredient, melanotan, is not FDA approved, and there is limited research about its efficacy or risks.
"We just don't know the full effects on our bodies," Zeichner says. According to Australia's Department of Health, potential side effects include nausea, increased blood pressure, dizziness and vomiting.
"If someone wants to become tanner and they keep using it, that's a lot of chemicals being absorbed into the bloodstream. People could go and use this in an uncontrolled way and absorb too much, which can cause dangerous health consequences," Talakoub says.
Tanning beds and exposure to direct sunlight can increase one's risk of developing skin cancer, but experts say there are some safe ways to self tan.
"I tell my patients that the only way to get a tan safely is when it comes out of a bottle. Self tanning creams are safe and effective and approved by a dermatologist," Zeichner says.
Additionally, Talakoub advises people to be careful when using spray tan booths, because inhalation of the chemicals in large quantities can cause respiratory issues.
"I recommend covering your nose or using a nose plug when getting a spray tan," she says.