Mother Urges Caution After Daughter’s Death Linked to Tanning Sprays

Paige Roberts, a 24-year-old woman from Trowbridge, Wiltshire, tragically lost her life on March 2, 2024, after being diagnosed with melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Just months earlier, Paige had been using nasal tanning sprays, a practice her mother, Deborah Phillips, now warns others against.

During a caravan holiday, Paige revealed to her mother that she had started using nasal tanning sprays in conjunction with her sunbed sessions. “She showed me a little brown bottle and said it enhanced her tan,” Deborah recalled. “At the time, I didn’t know what was in it or how harmful it could be.”

Despite Deborah’s concerns, Paige continued to use the product, which she purchased from her tanning salon for £47. Tragically, four months later, she discovered a lump in her mouth. Following her diagnosis, Paige believed the nasal sprays were the cause of her cancer, stating this during her consultations with medical professionals.

Deborah shared, “She was convinced from the start that it was because of using nasal tanning sprays. It was the first thing she told the consultant when she was diagnosed.” While it is impossible to definitively link the sprays to her illness, the emotional toll on Deborah has been profound. “My message to others is simple: avoid at all costs. Don’t use the sprays. Don’t use sunbeds,” she urged.

Nasal tanning sprays, which contain the illegal substance melanotan II, have gained popularity, especially among young people. These products are marketed as tanning accelerators and are often sold outside of stringent regulatory frameworks as cosmetics rather than medicines. According to the Melanoma Fund, inhaling melanotan II can stimulate melanin production, potentially leading to abnormal skin cell changes when exposed to UV rays.

Deborah highlights that many young individuals are purchasing these sprays through social media channels, unaware of the associated risks. “More needs to be done to make people realize the dangers,” she stated. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute recently warned against inhaled or ingested tanning products, citing potential side effects such as high blood pressure and nausea.

The journey of Paige’s illness began with a visit to the dentist after she noticed swelling in her mouth. Initially dismissed as an inflammation, the situation escalated when the dentist confirmed the presence of melanoma. “Neither of us even realized you could get it in the mouth,” Deborah said, recounting the devastating moment she received the news.

As Paige’s condition deteriorated, she endured multiple surgeries, including a radical operation to remove affected tissue in her mouth. By the end of her treatment journey, the cancer had spread to her brain and lungs. Despite this, Paige remained resilient, continuing to enjoy life until the final stages of her illness.

Deborah hopes that sharing her daughter’s story will serve as a deterrent to others. “I’ve lost my best friend, and I wouldn’t wish that on any parent,” she expressed. She is now advocating for stricter regulations on sunbed use and nasal tanning sprays, supporting a campaign led by Alyson Hogg, founder of tanning brand Vita Liberata, to implement public health warnings similar to those on cigarette packaging.

Melanoma is currently one of the most common cancers in the UK, diagnosed approximately 16,000 times yearly, resulting in 2,340 deaths. The increase in melanoma cases highlights the importance of awareness and prevention. Experts recommend sun safety practices, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding sunbeds altogether.

Paige’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers associated with tanning products and the importance of making informed choices about skin health. As Deborah continues to grieve the loss of her daughter, she remains determined to ensure that others do not suffer the same fate.