“Tanfluencers” have been promoting melanotan II—referred to as the “Barbie peptide”—as a method for achieving a tan without sun exposure. Before you decide to “Barbie-cue” your skin this way, consider the significant risks, including rhabdomyolysis and melanoma, associated with this drug, which has not received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Photo: Getty)
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You may have encountered “tanfluencers” on social media endorsing melanotan II, known as the “Barbie peptide,” as a quick tanning solution without the need for sunlight. Prior to considering this approach to darken your skin, be aware of the potential dangers, such as rhabdomyolysis and melanoma, associated with this unapproved medication by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, consider the experience of a 41-year-old Scottish man who injected melanotan and endured a painful erection lasting 22 hours. Yes, 22 hours.
How Does The ‘Barbie Peptide’ Work
Melanotan II is nicknamed the “Barbie peptide” partly because it is a peptide—a short chain of amino acids serving as a body messenger—and partly because it is promoted as a way to achieve the lean, tanned appearance of a Barbie doll without exposure to ultraviolet light. While the allure of a Barbie-like figure might be tempting, given its impossibly narrow waist and elongated neck, melanotan II is far from natural. This synthetic peptide mimics alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone or α-MSH, which is naturally present in the body. α-MSH stimulates melanocytes in the skin to produce melanin pigments, which define skin color. When α-MSH binds to melanocortin 1 receptors, it enhances the production of melanosomes in melanocytes, generating pigments like eumelanin and pheomelanin. Injecting melanotan II under the skin is believed to replicate this effect.
The ‘Barbie Peptide’ Has Become Part Of ‘Tanmaxxing’
This is why some “tanfluencers”—a blend of “tan” and “influencers”—are advocating for melanotan II as part of the “tanmaxxing” toolkit. This social media trend, which I discussed in Forbes back in May, encourages achieving deeper, darker tans. Proponents argue that a darker tan can make one appear leaner and more muscular, akin to a rotisserie chicken. However, prolonged exposure to UV light in pursuit of a tan brings substantial risks, such as skin damage and an increased risk of cancer. At first glance, using the “Barbie peptide” might seem safer since it theoretically allows for tanning without UV exposure. Some influencers claim melanotan II provides a “base tan” offering sun protection. However, the reality may be less than ideal.
The ‘Barbie Peptide’ Could Raise Your Risk Of Melanoma
Manipulating your melanocytes in this manner could be risky. Case reports reveal that individuals injecting melanotan experienced their moles darkening or even developing melanoma. While these reports do not conclusively link melanotan to cancer or quantify the risk, insufficient studies exist to verify its safety. Consequently, no melanotan II forms, including injectables or nasal sprays, have received U.S. FDA approval. Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology involving 29 Melanotan II users documented some individuals experiencing their skin turning a dull gray. Unless following a #koalamaxxing trend, this is likely not the desired outcome. The study also noted side effects such as nausea, flushing, and fatigue.
The ‘Barbie Peptide’ Could Lead To Rhabdomyolysis Or Renal Infarction
While turning the color of a pigeon might not worry some, rhabdomyolysis should. This condition causes muscle breakdown or disintegration, which is life-threatening, as explained in Forbes. Muscle fiber breakdown releases components like potassium and phosphate into the bloodstream, potentially overwhelming and damaging the kidneys, resulting in kidney failure. Another concern is renal infarction, as highlighted in a CEN Case Reports publication. This condition involves blocked blood flow to the kidney, causing tissue death and potentially life-threatening outcomes depending on the extent of tissue loss.
The ‘Barbie Peptide’ Led To A 22-Hour Painful Erection
A notable case involves a painful 22-hour erection, reported in BMJ Case Reports under the title, “Melanotan-induced priapism: a hard-earned tan.” Priapism, in this context, refers to an erection lasting over four hours without sexual desire, where blood becomes trapped in the penis, constituting a medical emergency. The Scottish man in question had previously experienced one-to-two hour prolonged erections following melanotan injections in his abdomen, but this was his first painful episode lasting around 22 hours—longer than the entire Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. In the emergency room, repeated phenylephrine injections resolved the issue.
Clearly, the use of melanotan is not a “Come on, Barbie, let’s go party” scenario. This unapproved medication carries significant risks and potential severe consequences.
