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Tanning Peptides

Melanotan peptides stimulate melanocortin receptors to increase melanin production, producing a tan without requiring UV exposure. Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is FDA-approved for erythropoietic protop...

Overview

Melanotan peptides stimulate melanocortin receptors to increase melanin production, producing a tan without requiring UV exposure. Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Melanotan 2 additionally affects appetite and sexual function through broader melanocortin receptor activity. Both produce real, lasting pigmentation changes.

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Melanotan 1

MT-1, Afamelanotide, Scenesse

Mechanism

Selective MC1R agonist. Stimulates melanocytes to produce eumelanin (brown/black pigment). FDA-approved for EPP (erythropoietic protoporphyria).

Benefits

  • ✓UV-independent tanning
  • ✓Photoprotection
  • ✓Approved for EPP
  • ✓Minimal systemic effects vs MT-2

Dosing

250–500mcg daily or every other day. Start low (250mcg) to assess response.

Reconstitution

10mg + 2mL BAC = 5,000mcg/mL.

Cycle Length

Loading phase 2–4 weeks until desired color, then maintenance 1–2x/week.

Timing

SubQ evening (nausea less noticeable during sleep).

Stacks Well With

N/A — typically used alone

Cautions

Causes darkening of existing moles — monitor for changes. Nausea during loading. Avoid if high-risk for melanoma.

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Melanotan 2

MT-2, Melanotan II

Mechanism

Non-selective melanocortin agonist (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R). Produces tanning, libido increase, appetite suppression, and potential fat loss.

Benefits

  • ✓Rapid, deep tan
  • ✓Libido enhancement (MC4R)
  • ✓Appetite suppression
  • ✓Tanning with minimal UV needed

Dosing

Start very low: 100–250mcg. Work up to 500–1000mcg as tolerance allows.

Reconstitution

10mg + 2mL BAC = 5,000mcg/mL.

Cycle Length

2–4 week loading, then maintenance doses 1–2x/week.

Timing

Evening SubQ. Go to bed after injection to sleep through nausea.

Stacks Well With

N/A

Cautions

Nausea and facial flushing very common at first. Spontaneous erections in men. Darker moles — monitor carefully. Start at 100mcg maximum.

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Frequently Asked Questions