MELANOTAN II AND MELANIN PRODUCTION

Melanotan II (MT2) is a stimulating peptide which induces skin tanning. Melanocyte Stimulating Hormones (MSH) are a class of peptide hormones produced in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulate pigment cells (melanocytes) in the skin and hair to produce and release melanin which leads to darker skin and hair. Melanotan II increases melanin production via stimulation of skin pigment cells called melanocytes.

What is Melanin?

Melanin is the skin pigment produced that protects our skin from sun’s UV radiation and damage. It could be considered our body’s own natural sunscreen. Low levels of melanin mean that the skin is highly susceptible to DNA damage with excess sun exposure. This lack of melanin and its protection against UV radiation means that those individuals with fair skin have a propensity to burn and risk more DNA damage. It also means that a lot of time is invested their ability to develop a tan safely without burning.

Receiving an adequate supply of vitamin D from the sun without being at risk of developing melanoma is somewhat of a balancing act. Studies have already discovered that staying out of the sun to prevent melanoma can cause vitamin D deficiency.

Stimulate Melanin Production with Tanning Peptides

To get a safe tan, we need to stimulate the melanocyte stimulating hormone responsible for increasing melanin production.

Scientists discovered the use of a “tanning peptide” when investigating possible ways to treat skin cancer. They hypothesized that by inducing the body’s natural pigmentary system through the process of melanogenesis, a protective tan could be produced before UV exposure, thereby reducing the potential for skin damage.

With just a little UV exposure, the release of a- Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone stimulates a natural increase in the production of melanin from the melanocytes in the skin. Use of the tanning peptide provides more a-MSH which results in more melanin being produced and greater tanning potential (skin pigmentation) regardless of your skin type.

Clinical trials have shown that use of Melanotan II may hold the potential to promote melanogenesis, with minimal side effects. The primary role of melanogenesis is to protect the hypodermis, which is the layer under the skin from the UV-B light that causes damage. It works by absorbing all of the UV-B light, which blocks its passage into the skin layer. 

Benefits of a Melanotan 2

• Darker tan with less exposure to UV radiation
• Tanning without sunburn, even for fair-skinned individuals
• Possible reduction in the risk of Melanoma (skin cancer)
• Possible reduction in the incidence of sun-damaged skin
• Possible reduction in body fat
• No sunburn or tan lines
• No sunless tanning streaks or fake tan removal
• Possible increase libido

During clinical trials for its use as a tanning agent, melanotan II was found to be a potent stimulator of male erections. It has also been shown to increase female sexual desire in patients with sexual arousal disorder).

Side effects of melanotan II

Short term side effects after administration include:

• Facial flushing
• Reduced appetite, nausea and vomiting
• In males, spontaneous erections 1-5 hours after administration (priapism), associated with yawning and stretching complex

Long term, there is concern that melanotan II may increase the risk of:

• Melanoma – a potentially serious form of skin cancer
• Deepening of the color of moles, new moles and atypical melanocytic naevi
• Melanonychia – brown to black discoloration of one or more nails

Suggested usage: daily for 1 - 2 weeks then one to two times weekly for maintenance.

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