A man who claims to have spent nearly two decades using the controversial tanning substance Melanotan II has gone viral after sharing dramatic before-and-after photos showing the extreme transformation of his appearance.
Keep reading to learn more.
A man posting on Reddit under the username “Melanotan2,” has said he has been taking the synthetic peptide for approximately 17 years in an effort to achieve what he described as the perfect tan. His photos sparked widespread debate online, with many stunned by how dramatically darker his complexion had become over the years.
Melanotan II, which is referred to as the “Barbie drug” by some, is a synthetic hormone-like peptide designed to stimulate melanin production in the skin. It is often sold as a nasal spray or injectable product, although health authorities have repeatedly warned against its use. The substance is illegal to sell or supply in the UK and remains unapproved by regulators in both Britain and the United States.
Despite the warnings, the Reddit user openly discussed his long-term experience with the drug. He explained that he typically follows a “loading phase” before exposing himself to sunlight, claiming it takes roughly two weeks before the substance begins producing visible tanning effects.
He stressed that Melanotan II does not provide protection from sunburn.
“It doesn’t do anything to protect you,” he wrote. “What it does is trigger your body to make more melanin.”
The man also advised other users to closely monitor any moles or freckles while using the product, noting that changes can become difficult to spot once the skin darkens significantly.
According to his posts, he experienced several side effects throughout his years of use, including reduced appetite. He also described an unusual sensation that occurred after taking the substance.
“The most strange thing is that it feels really good to stretch, like when you first wake up,” he wrote, adding that the sensation typically appeared around 90 minutes after an injection.
While the user said he was pleased with his results and believed he had come close to achieving his ideal appearance, medical experts have raised serious concerns about the risks associated with Melanotan II.
Dr. Donald Grant, a GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, warned that the product remains unlicensed, unregulated, and largely untested.
“Unlike regulated medicines, these products have not been properly tested for safety, quality or effectiveness,” he said. “People often don’t know exactly what they are putting into their bodies.”
Health experts have warned that Melanotan II may increase the risk of skin cancer by darkening existing moles or causing new ones to appear. Other reported side effects include nausea, headaches, facial flushing, uneven skin tone, reduced appetite, and increased libido.
More serious complications have also been documented. Research published in the British Journal of Dermatology identified cases involving dysplastic naevi, which are unusual-looking moles, as well as renal infarction, a potentially life-threatening condition that disrupts blood flow to the kidneys and requires emergency medical treatment.
Additional risks listed by medical sources include prolonged painful erections, which can result in permanent damage, as well as melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
Plastic surgeon Terry Dubrow has also spoken out against the substance, describing it as experimental, unregulated, and unsafe.
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