BBC News Latest News Picks, Toxic tanning "I didn't think I'd get skin cancer" Viral 'Barbie drug' for tanning can cause brain swelling and even cancer, experts warn Say NO to tanning injections and nasal sprays. They are illegal in the UK and have serious, harmful side effects Melanotan & Tanning Injections: Safe or Risky? Melanotan is not a tan. It's an unregulated peptide with real risk. As a dermatologist, here's the reality: It has been linked to new and changing moles including cases of