The injectable tanning peptide, Melanotan II is popularly used to gain a tan without being exposed to the ultraviolet solar radiation, sexual drive and to reduce appetite. Melanotan 2 is basically a peptide that’s freeze dried and it comes in a sterile vial that can be used multiple times. It was created to provide protection from cancer through tanning to the fair skinned people.
What is Melanotan 2 and how it works?
The Melanotan 2 is the analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that are produced in the pituitary gland. The tanning peptide Melanotan 2 works by stimulating the melanin production by acting on melanocytes that are present in the skin. The melanin is responsible for producing skin tanning and increase in melanin causes an increase in pigmentation and tanning.
The protective amino acid structure of tanning peptide Melanotan 2 influences sexual functions, energy, appetite, inflammation and pigmentation by binding to the Melanocortin 1, 3, 4, 5 receptors. The potency of Melanotan 2 is 1000 times greater than natural α-MSH. The half life of Melanotan 2 is one hour.
Uses of Melanotan 2
The Melanotan 2 is used to gain natural tan for people with Fitzpatrick skin type 1 and 2 that have fair skins and a tendency of not tanning and getting burned from being in the sunlight. It’s used by bodybuilders and athletes to gain an enhanced rate of tanning, for suppressing appetite and increasing the sexual function and libido.
How to use Melanotan 2?
Preparation – 1 to 2ml of Bacteriostatic water is used to preserve and reconstitute the tanning peptide Melanotan 2. 1ml or 100 unit syringe of Melanotan 2 requires 1ml Bacteriostatic water for reconstitution. The volume of Bacteriostatic water can be increased to improve the accuracy of doses. The needles typically used to administer insulin are suggested for mixing and injecting Melanotan 2.
Dosage for tanning – The first dosage should be taken after dinner, before the bedtime. It should be very small in the range of 250mcg or 0.25mg. If the user feels nothing then they can proceed with the loading dose of 0.5 to 1mg once every day. Exposure to UVR should be done gradually, it takes 3 days f9r tan to set post UVR exposure.
Maintenance dosing – Once the desired level of tanning is achieved, the daily dosage changes to maintenance dosing. It involves reducing the frequency of doses to maintain the tan and prevent getting darker.
To lose weight – The use of Melanotan 2 causes adipocyte lipolysis. Low to the moderate dosage of Melanotan 2 between the meals increases the oxidation of fatty acids and energy. It also suppresses appetite.
Side effects of Melanotan 2
Melanotan 2 is safe to use with potential short term side effects. These short term side effects include an increase in libido, appetite suppression, nausea and facial flushing. These side effects may be visible during the initial few days, but they gradually taper off.
The tanning effects of Melanotan 2 are long term compared to natural tanning. It takes 2 to 3 weeks for a visible change in tone. The most effective method of administering Melanotan 2 is through injections.
