Paying through the nose: Nasal tanning spray investigation deemed 'terrifying'
After hearing our exclusive investigation into unregulated Melanotan II products, politicians are calling for the Scottish Government to step in
Politicians are calling the findings of Hits Radio's investigation into illegal nasal tanning sprays 'deeply concerning'.
Our exclusive investigation has discovered the sprays, which contain Melanotan II, are openly being sold on social media.
Melanotan II is a synthetic hormone which stimulates the body to produce more melanin when it enters the bloodstream.
When inhaled, the drug causes temporary darkening of the skin - but the drug is unregulated and illegal to sell in the UK, the USA and Australia.
This means it is often made in "underground labs", and can contain up to "100 chemicals in a vial", compared to the one stated on the ingredients list.
READ MORE: We reveal health risks from popular nasal tanners
'Terrifying'
Conservative health spokesperson and GP, Dr Sandesh Gulhane said the findings of the investigation are "terrifying".
He said: "I am deeply concerned about the use of Melanotan II products, and the dangerous side effects that come with nasal tanning sprays.
"As a GP, I am frankly terrified of the amount of people using these dangerous products and my sympathies go to those who use it without knowing their lethal side effects.
"Taking them really is akin to playing Russian roulette.
"The Scottish Government needs to take urgent action to regulate these products and do everything within its power to stop Scots from using them.
"I'll be demanding a meeting with Minister Jenni Minto to push her to take more action on this issue, which is placing Scots at risk."
'Extremity is being normalised'
Experts say the rise in popularity of Melanotan II products can be attributed to a wider societal issue in the UK which sees people go to extreme measures to alter their appearance.
Dr Fabiola Creed is an expert in tanning culture in the UK, and has written a book on the topic.
She said: "Extremity is being normalised and I think that's helped popularise the tanning culture around Melanotan II products.
"That goes in trend with Botox, steroids, tattooing and piercing.
"Younger generations in particular don't have this fear to change beauty in a way that was seen as clinical in the past.
"This internet consumerism on Instagram on Tik Tok, paired with role models promoting these things, is pushing that narrative.
"I just don't understand why people can go onto the internet, buy these products and how they aren't shut down. I really think more needs to be done to shut them down."
I'd strongly urge people not to use them
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: "It's clear that these nasal sprays are not safe to use, they haven't been tested for safety, quality of effectiveness.
"I'd strongly urge people not to use them.
"There could be harmful chemicals in them that aren't on the label, and the medicines regulator has received a number of suspected adverse reaction reports in relation to the use of Melanotan II.
"It is banned in the UK and it is unlicensed in the EU and it shouldn't be used under any circumstances.
"If anyone is using it, they should stop and speak to the doctor if they have any concerns."
Public Health Scotland refused to comment on the investigation.