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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [HEALTH]

2 clusters · 4 sources · 18 days · First seen · Last updated

Melanotan II synthetic peptide use trends

Overview

The use of Melanotan II, a synthetic peptide used to induce artificial tanning, has gained attention due to its popularity in certain online subcultures. The substance, sometimes called the ‘Barbie drug’ or ‘Barbie peptides’ on social media, works by stimulating pigment cells to produce more melanin.

Reports indicate that individuals are using these unregulated injections to maintain a tanned appearance year-round, a trend linked to the ‘looksmaxxing’ internet subculture. While users have shared testimonies regarding long-term use, medical professionals warn that these substances are not approved for cosmetic tanning in the United States.

Health experts caution that because these products are sourced from unregulated markets, there are significant risks regarding their safety and composition. Additionally, the peptide does not provide protection against sunburn.

Entities

World Health Organization · Melanotan · International Agency for Research on Cancer · Hunter Neely · Cancer Research UK

Timeline

  1. 1 day ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Melanotan use rises among men seeking artificial tans

    Doctors warn of a dangerous trend where men use unregulated synthetic peptides like Melanotan to artificially darken their skin as part of the ‘looksmaxxing’ beauty movement.

  2. 19 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Melanotan II use highlighted by man injecting illegal tanning peptide for 17 years

    A man has detailed his 17-year use of Melanotan II, an illegal synthetic peptide used to induce artificial tanning through melanin stimulation.

Sources

emefka.sk · letribunaldunet.fr · topky.sk · topsante.com