What is Melanotan II – MT2?
Human-made analogues of the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone have been made for human use. Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a man-made analogue of alpha-MSH. It is a linear 13 amino acid peptide created at the Arizona Cancer Centre at the University of Arizona to cause skin tanning as a protection against skin cancer (Dorr et al. 2000, Ugwu et al.). It was approved on May 5, 2010, by the Italian Medicines Agency as a medication to induce protective skin pigmentation in the disease erythropoietic protoporphyria. It has minimal effects on sexuality. Melanotan II is another analogue of alpha-MSH. It is a circular, shortened version of Melanotan I, also created at the Arizona Cancer Centre (Dorr et al. 1996, 2004). It is 1,000 times more potent than alpha-MSH. This hormone also provides a therapeutic tan to lower the risk of skin cancer (Lan et al. 1994, Abdel-Malek et al. 2006). There is evidence that it also decreases food intake and body fat mass (Choi et al. 2003). Like Melanotan I, it is administered by injection into the fat beneath the skin. It is a potent stimulant of sexual arousal in man and women. While Melanotan II was developed in the 1980’s, its use is still relatively new. Earliest reports of patient use dates back to 2003. It’s not possible to know the long-term side effects of any product until many individuals have used it over an extended period. However, reports and detailed logs from people using the product consistently for the past 5-6 years indicate that there are no documented adverse long-term side effects of Melanotan II usage. A search of thousands of users via blogs, online forums and social sites revealed that the overall response to Melanotan II was that it is safe. Users have reported no serious adverse consequences. Protecting our skin from the ravages of UV radiation and the resulting development of melanoma, should be priority with sun exposure. Regardless of skin type, and climate, Melanotan II is a viable solution, protecting those who use it from UV damage whilst offering an alternative tanning solution with far less risk and protective mechanisms.
Molecular Weight: 1024.180
Molecular Formula:C50H69N15O9
Sequence: Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2
Safe tanning and the use of Melanotan II – UV protection?
Having a healthy bronzed body makes most people feel attractive. Potentially their culture has led them to believe they are more appealing with a tan, but regardless of the whys.. there is a fine line between a healthy tan and the development of aged, leathery skin and melanoma. Excessive sun exposure over time has already been proven to cause premature ageing of the skin. Wrinkles, blemishes, decreased elasticity and moisture are common symptoms of this photo ageing. One’s tolerance to the sun varies between individuals, but this is heavily influenced by genetics. Fair-skinned people have been warned since childhood of their propensity to burn, peel and develop freckles and moles which they will have to keep a close watch on throughout life. Those with the more olive complexions can withstand more sunlight and will ordinarily suffer fewer consequences from overexposure. This is because darker complexions have more melanin residing in the skin to protect against damage. This is the basis for which Melanotan II has excellent value. Melanin is the pigment, which we can attribute to making one’s complexion darker, which consequently also protects the skin from sun damage. It does so by acting as a buffer, filtering out the harmful UV rays. It also minimises the amount of time it would take to develop a tan, which in turn reduces the exposure to the suns radiation.
A tan developed using Melanotan II lasts longer than an ordinary tan. A dark tan achieved during a beach holiday will fade over a month if there is no further sun exposure. If using Melanotan II, and continuing to obtain healthy sun exposure, the tan can be maintained.
Effects of Melanotan II – MT2
Analogue of the peptide hormone alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH)
Melanotan II plays a role in stimulating melanogenesis (tanning) ultimately providing a protective buffer against UV Rays
Melanocytes increase the production and secretion of the hormone melanin which is responsible for skin pigmentation.
Melanotan II side effects
Occasional side effects include:
Facial flushing
Mild nausea
Loss of appetite
Stretching
Yawning
May increase the darkness of moles and freckles. (This fades once the medication is ceased.)
Redheads produce a natural variant of melanin (pheomelanin) that is yellowish-red. They will achieve a different shade of tan.
These side effects usually only last for a couple of hours after the injection and typically only occur after the first few injections, after which they do not happen again unless a long break is taken. To reduce the occurrence of side effects
Take your dose just before bedtime
It is preferable to have eaten 1-2 hours before treatment (i.e. not on an empty stomach).
If you are sensitive, you could also take an anti-histamine two hours before the injection.
Positive Side Effects:
- Increases in sex drive for men and women
- Healthier erections for men, particularly in the mornings
- Women noticed stimulation throughout the day.
- Noticeable fat burning properties
- Deeper accelerated tanning but less risk of getting sunburn.