Tanning, fake tan and Melanotan

Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds can cause skin cancer. If you want to look tanned, there are safer ways to do it than sunbathing or using sunbeds. You could try fake tans – these usually come in a bottle as a cream or can be sprayed onto the skin. But Melanotan nasal sprays and injections are illegal in the UK and shouldn’t be used.

It’s important to remember that having a fake or natural tan does not protect your skin from UV radiation. Even if you have a tan, you still need to think about protecting your skin when the sun is strong. Be safe in the sun by seeking shade, covering up with clothes and a hat, and using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars.

Find out more about UV and skin cancer, and how to stay safe in the sun.

Fake and spray tans

Fake tan is a cream or oil product in a bottle that can be used at home to give skin a tanned appearance. Spray tan is a thin mist that is sprayed onto skin and uses specialist equipment, so is usually done by a technician.

If you want a tan, using a fake or spray tan is safer than sunbathing or using sunbeds. Too much UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds can cause skin cancer. 

Chemicals in fake and spray tans

Using fake tan and spray tans does not cause cancer. The UK has strict rules for the ingredients in cosmetics to make sure that they are not harmful to human health. Make sure you buy fake tan products from a reputable UK retailer and use them according to the manufacturer instructions.

Both fake tan and spray tan contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the top layer of your skin to change its colour.  

In 2020, experts at the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety found that fake tan products containing DHA are not a health risk. They will continue to monitor the evidence.

What is Melanotan?

Melanotan is an artificial substance. It stimulates the pigment cells in your skin to produce more melanin, and this makes the skin look darker.

Melanotan is made in different forms, including as a nasal spray and as an injection (‘tan jab’ or ‘tanning injections’). All forms of Melanotan are illegal in the UK.

Are Melanotan nasal sprays and injections safe?

Melanotan nasal sprays and injections are not safe to use. Melanotan products have not been tested for safety, quality or effectiveness. So it is not known if using them causes side effects and how serious they are.

Also, Melanotan products could have harmful chemicals in them that aren’t listed on the label.

If you have used Melanotan, you should stop. Talk to your GP if you have shared needles with someone or if you have any concerns about side effects.