I want to be Ubertan

In reference to my first ever blog, my advice was to use fake tan instead of sunbeds because of the obvious health risks. However, whilst reading BBC news I came across an article (http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/14344727) for a new kind of fake tan that has emerged on the internet commercial market. However, this I would NOT be recommending as a sunbed alternative - I found it quite amusing to learn that this fake tan product came in the form of a nasal spray! It is called ‘Ubertan’ and the more forums I visited, the more ridiculous it became. 

           Forums and websites have been buzzing with comments and questions about Ubertan by all kinds of people searching for the quickest way to get tanned. After some research, I found out that Ubertan contained a plant substance that the website said increased the body’s melanin production in order to help a person develop a natural tan. Ubertan is not the first of its kind for another form of ‘chemical tan’ exists called ‘melanotan’ that may use a similar formula but comes in the form of an injection (ouch). What’s more, is that this fake tan nasal spray can cost up to £50, with very little information about ingredients list or safety of use. Many people had reported bad side effects of dizziness and heart arrhythmias whist using Ubertan. 

           Fortunately, alarm bells were ringing and it emerged that the product Ubertan has not been FDA approved and could even contain illegal ingredients. It is not surprising that the nasal spray has not been through any appropriate clinical tests either.  The website no longer exists and hopefully not too many people have lost money to this scam. Ubertan was clearly targeting vulnerable people feeding their desire for a perfect tan.