Guide to Melanotan
by]
The Science]Melanin production occurs during a process known as melanogenesis that occurs within melanin-producing cells called melanocytes found in the epidermis. Most humans have similar concentrations of these malanocyte cells, but the activity of these cells and/or the activity of the MC1R vary dramatically among populations resulting in dramatic differences in melanin production and skin pigmentation. In individuals with albinism, for whatever reason, no melanin is produced from the melanocyte cells. In the basal state, inactivated, or antagonized state, the MC1R causes melanocytes to produce a melanin pigment known as pheomelanin, responsible for the production of yellow and pink to red hues. In response to DNA damage from UVB rays, signals are sent causing a release of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), particularly a-MSH, in regards to pigmentation. a-MSH activates MC1Rs which results in an increased production of either black or brown eumelanin from melanocytes, the pigment associated with skin tone and skin color. The increased coloring produced from melanogenesis and UVB rays is a long lasting tan, and occurs after some degree of DNA photodamage.
A more immediate tanning effect occurs following the production of melanin, or with pre-existing melanin. In response to the less penetrating UVA rays, melanin stored in the keratinocytes combines with oxygen, causing oxidation. The oxidized melanin offers some immediate protection against UV damage, but this tan also quickly fades when the skin is not continually exposed to UV rays, this oxidation creates the golden coloring effect most commonly associated with tanning.

[b]Melanotan Peptides] Analogs of the a-MSH hormone have been developed primarily for research in different types of skin related diseases and cancer, as natural a-MSH has a short active life of only several minutes making in therapeutically useless. The melanotan peptides work in a similar manner as a-MSH to increase melanogenesis but with far-greater binding capabilities and longer active lives, presumably one to two hours. The two most commonly used are the Melanotan-1 and Melanotan-2 peptides. Both create similar effects, with MT2 being the consumer preference of the two. This is most likely a result of greater availability, lower costs, and stronger effects. MT2 also agonizes a larger range of various melanocortin receptors thus hosting a stronger effect of libido, lipolysis, but unfortunately also the potential for side effects. Side effects seem to be slightly greater with MT2 over MT1 administration and include flushing of the face and body, nausea, lethargy, hypersexuality, and darkening of moles and freckles, and hyperpigmentation, with the degree of effect being largely dependant on dose and susceptibility.

[b]Safety] The melanotan peptides are considered quite safe with no known carcinogenic properties and no long-term or short-term health problems yet associated with its administration, in vivo or in vitro. Many studies have been performed to assess its safety and its benefits in those susceptible to skin cancer and other skin related diseases, with only positive results. The greatest risk comes from the purchase of unlicensed, illegal and potentially counterfeit or fake melanotan products online and overseas.

[b]Moles and Freckles] Random spots of skin with high melanocyte and or MC1R activity will be seen as freckles. The appearance of freckles is entirely genetic and cannot be created by melanotan administration by any mechanism without somehow altering the genetics. Rather these areas already naturally experience large degrees of melanogensis activity, more so than the rest of the skin. Just like UVB rays, but in a much more potent manner, melanotan triggers an even greater increase in melanogenesis causing the darkening of freckles that may have previously only been barely visible with natural levels of melanogenesis.
Moles are lesions with a high density of melanocytes. Melanotan has never been demonstrated to cause an increase in melanocytes, but because moles have so many melanocytes they are essentially hyperactive melanin-producing factories. Obviously melanotan administration will cause a great increase in melanin production in these moles causing an increase in darkness and size even in mole too small to be seen or previously mistaken for freckles. The good news is, is that those individuals with more moles are generally at a greater risk for melanoma and skin damage from UV rays. Melanotan can greatly reduce the possibility of causing or progressing skin cancer.

[b]The protocol]

Melanotan 1
Once or twice weekly
.5 mgs - 1 mg within ONE hour of tanning for a length of time safe for your skin type.
*start low, but increase dose if desired

Melanotan 2
Once or twice weekly
.25 mgs - .5 mgs within ONE hour of tanning for a length of time safe for your skin type.
*start low, but increase dose if desired

* DO NOT DO A LOADING PERIOD FOR MELANOTAN. IT IS UNNECESSARY, ONLY USE ON DAYS OF TANNING.
* Protocol will vary depending on skin type and response to melanotan. For those susceptible to freckling, moles, or at risk to burning or skin cancer; start with a low dose of melanotan and short tanning sessions (as low as a minute or 2 if you must), as melanin density increases, tanning for longer periods will become safer with a lesser risk of freckling or burning.

Benefits of pre-tan melanotan administration
- Increased melanin production over tanning or melanotan alone.
- Immediate oxidation of newly created eumelanin, creating that glowing “suntan”.
- Minimal tanning.
- Minimal Melanotan use.
- Reduced experiences of freckling, discoloring, uneven pigmentation, nausea, etc…
- More control of “degree” of tan.

[b]Shelf-life] After reconstitution, refrigerated melanotan is said to remain potent for only 3-4 weeks. While I believe some (possibly significant) degradation has likely occurred after 1 month, I have successfully used melanotan for much longer (over two months!), while still seemingly experiencing strong effects. If potency becomes problematic, attempt to increase the dosage. Nevertheless, because of the instability of melanotan, I again suggest the use of melanotan 1, as the larger doses will allow the user to use more of the product over a shorter period of time.