Hunter Neely wanted to achieve a tan during the winter months. He had tried tanning beds, but they left him burned instead.
His goal? Simply to appear more attractive. The 22-year-old mentioned that a good tan can accentuate eye color and make teeth look whiter while also evening out skin tone by reducing redness.
Neely discovered a solution online: an injectable peptide called melanotan (MT). This allowed him to avoid tanning beds altogether and achieve the look he desired.
“When everyone else was pale, I turned to MT2 to look tanned and stand out,” he recalled, noting how people frequently asked about his sun-kissed appearance. “I was making a name for myself. I was known around the university as a peptide expert.”
Neely is part of a growing trend of individuals using grey market peptides to enhance their appearance, including darkening their skin from within.
What are Melanotan (MT1 and MT2)?
Melanotan, often referred to as Tan Jab or Barbie Peptide, is a synthetic hormone injected to boost melanin production and darken the skin.
While effective even without sun exposure, many users seek out sunlight for enhanced results.
Both MT1 and MT2 stimulate melanin production by attaching to melanocortin receptors. Dermatologists note that MT1 binds to specific receptors, whereas MT2 connects to all of them, making MT2 work more quickly and produce a deeper tan.
However, both versions are not FDA-approved for tanning; MT1 is permitted for rare skin conditions, while MT2’s safety in humans is still under scrutiny, according to health organizations.
Despite the lack of regulation, both peptides can be found on the grey market, often sold with disclaimers like “for research purposes only.”
Who uses tanning peptides and why?
Melanotan is commonly included in a “stack” of peptides aimed at improving various aspects of health and appearance, from muscle growth to wrinkle reduction. The popularity of peptides has surged lately.
Some users believe these substances hold the key to enhanced health, weight loss, and longevity, while for others, it’s about maximizing their appearance.
“I think that’s a big part of why people are trying Melanotan 2. We’re all a bit competitive. We want to look good,” Neely remarked.
Jusik Dillon, another user, shared his positive experiences. The 22-year-old noted that MT helped him feel more attractive, especially as he seeks to make a name for himself in New York’s modeling scene.
“People have said things like, ‘You look glowing,’ and ‘You look better.’ I can’t pinpoint the change, but I do feel different,” he said.
In addition to detailing his experiences with MT1 and other peptides, Dillon also offers grooming tips and product recommendations online.
For him, it all hinges on one’s willingness to take shortcuts.
“If there’s a way to reach my goals faster, why not?” he added.
Be cautious of risks and side effects
A significant risk of MT is the false sense of security it provides. Both Dillon and Neely discussed feeling “immune” to burns and a resistance to sun exposure. Many MT users mistakenly believe tanning can protect them from burns and, by extension, skin cancer.
However, experts caution against this. “This may lead to longer sun exposure, or forgetting to reapply sunscreen,” warned Dr. Mazza.
Both individuals reported short-term effects, like facial flushing. Dillon experienced intense redness that resembled an allergic reaction for about half an hour post-injection, while Neely felt anxious during similar flushing episodes.
They also mentioned hyperpigmentation, with Dillon observing dark spots where acne had once been.
Medical professionals advise caution: a change in a mole could indicate a need for removal.
Is year-round tanning worth the risk?
Melanotan is available in powdered form, requiring users to mix it with sterile water and self-administer injections, often following guidance from online forums.
The lack of regulation means there’s uncertainty about the actual dosage in these products, which poses additional risks.
Despite such warnings, the peptide market is booming, with estimates suggesting it could be worth around $100 million.
“People often dismiss peptides as ‘bad.’ Most aren’t harmful, but the grey market carries significant risks,” Dillon explained.
Neely acknowledged these dangers but argued that they might not be any more concerning than traditional self-tanners. A dermatologist had previously stated that self-tanners are generally safer than UV exposure.
Mazza hears similar sentiments from her patients, stating, “It’s your body and your decision. You need to feel comfortable with your choices.”
However, she emphasized the importance of knowing exactly what you’re injecting into your body and ensuring it’s been thoroughly studied and produced safely.
Neely continues to use MT2, citing its benefits for highlighting his muscles, which supports his career as an online fitness coach. “The more tan you get, the more defined you appear,” he noted.
And for creators like him, selling peptides can also be financially rewarding.
“We earn a commission on peptide sales, but we also offer coaching,” he concluded. “My aim is to help others improve their lives, just as peptides have done for me.”
