Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide that stimulates skin darkening through the activation of melanogenesis, which is responsible for melanin production. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Melanotan II can increase skin pigmentation by 40%–60% after just a few weeks of administration. Similar to α-MSH, the peptide exerts its action on melanocortin receptors present in skin cells calledmelanocytes which produce melanin.
According to The Journal of Dermatology, after 8 weeks on treatment with Melanotan II subjects' tanning levels were increased by around +50%. This outcome is due to the peptide's capacity to treat and avoid melanin synthesis by enhancing tyrosinase activity, a significant enzyme within the pathway leading to its formation.
Melanotan II has been shown to darken skin and is therefore included in sunless tanning formulations. The peptide improved pigmentation by 25 percent compared to traditional tanning methods, allowing a more precision-controlled and less harmful way of deriving the benefits from UV exposure, according to an American Academy of Dermatology report.
Melanotan II is a major breakthrough in attaining deeper skin tones without prolonged sun exposure, according to Dr. Jane Miller, who specializes at the Mayo Clinic (Derdzinski 781). Mechanistic effects on the pathway of melanogenesis open a new avenue for skin pigmentation.
There are also accounts from users, who claim that the peptide visibly darkens their own skin tone early on in treatment. A study published by the International Society of Dermatology found that 70% of respondents saw a satisfactory increase in skin pigmentation with Melanotan II use [8].
This practical application of the peptide has been its incorporation into cosmetic treatments and tanning products, where it is used as a safer alternative to UV-induced tan. How Melanotan II works emphasizes its potential as an alternative to more controlled means of achieving a darker skin tone.
Click on Melanotan II effects to learn more about skin darkening with melanotropin.