Tanning Protocol with Melanotan-II

How Melanotan-II Works

Mechanism of Action

MT-II activates melanocortin receptors (primarily MC1R) in melanocytes, triggering:

• Increased melanin synthesis: Stimulates production of eumelanin (brown-black pigment)
• Melanocyte proliferation: Increases number of pigment-producing cells
• Melanosome distribution: Spreads melanin throughout skin layers
• Enhanced UV response: Amplifies natural tanning response to sun exposure

Tanning Timeline

• Days 1-3: No visible changes, peptide accumulating
• Days 4-7: Slight darkening, freckles may appear first
• Days 7-14: Noticeable tan development, especially with UV exposure
• Days 14-21: Full tan achieved, maintenance phase begins
• Maintenance: Tan persists 2-4 weeks after stopping, fades gradually

Skin Type Considerations

Best Results (Type I-III):

• Type I (Always burns, never tans): Most dramatic results, requires lowest doses
• Type II (Usually burns, tans minimally): Excellent results, standard dosing
• Type III (Sometimes burns, tans gradually): Good results, may need higher doses

Limited Results (Type IV-VI):

• Type IV-VI (Rarely/never burns, tans easily): Already have high melanin, minimal additional darkening

Melanotan-II Dosing Calculator

MT-II dosing is weight-based for optimal results and safety. Use this calculator to determine your personalized protocol:

Complete Tanning Protocols

Administration Guidelines

Reconstitution

1. Vial Size: Typically 10mg MT-II powder
2. Bacteriostatic Water: Add 2ml for 5mg/ml concentration
3. Mixing: Inject water slowly down side of vial, swirl gently (don't shake)
4. Storage: Refrigerate immediately, use within 30 days
5. Calculation: 5mg/ml = 5000 mcg/ml, so 0.1ml = 500 mcg

Injection Technique

1. Site: Subcutaneous in abdomen (pinch skin, inject at 45° angle)
2. Needle: Insulin syringe (29-31 gauge, 0.5-1ml)
3. Rotation: Rotate injection sites to prevent irritation
4. Timing: Evening preferred (reduces nausea, allows overnight melanin production)
5. UV Timing: 2-4 hours after injection for optimal melanin response

UV Exposure Guidelines

• Natural Sun: 10-20 minutes during loading, 10 minutes during maintenance
• Tanning Bed: 5-10 minutes, low-intensity beds preferred
• Timing: 2-4 hours post-injection for maximum effect
• Protection: Still use SPF 30+ on face, avoid burns
• Note: MT-II produces some tan without UV, but UV accelerates and deepens color

Side Effects and Management

Common Side Effects (50-80% of users)

• Nausea: Most common, peaks 1-2 hours post-injection
  • Management: Dose in evening, take with small meal, reduce dose by 50%
  • Usually resolves after 3-7 days of use
• Facial Flushing: Temporary redness, lasts 10-30 minutes
  • Management: Normal response, no action needed
• Increased Libido/Spontaneous Erections: Due to MC4R activation
  • Management: Expected effect, dose in evening if problematic
• Appetite Suppression: Mild to moderate
  • Management: Ensure adequate nutrition, may be beneficial for some
• Darkening of Existing Moles/Freckles: Very common
  • Management: Monitor all skin changes, photograph moles before starting

Serious Concerns

• New Mole Formation: MT-II may stimulate new mole growth
  • Action: Dermatology screening before and during use
  • Monitor for asymmetry, irregular borders, color changes
• Melanoma Risk: Theoretical concern, no long-term safety data
  • Action: Regular skin checks, avoid if family history of melanoma
• Cardiovascular Effects: Increased heart rate, blood pressure changes
  • Action: Avoid if cardiovascular disease, monitor BP

Safety and Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

• Personal or family history of melanoma
• Dysplastic nevus syndrome (atypical moles)
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Cardiovascular disease
• Uncontrolled hypertension

Relative Contraindications

• Large number of moles (>50)
• Fair skin with extensive sun damage
• History of severe sunburns
• Kidney or liver disease

Required Monitoring

• Before Starting: Full-body skin exam by dermatologist, photograph all moles
• During Use: Monthly self-skin checks, quarterly dermatology visits
• After Stopping: Annual skin checks indefinitely
• Blood Pressure: Weekly monitoring if history of hypertension

Optimizing Results

Maximizing Tan Development

• Hydration: Drink 3+ liters water daily (improves skin appearance)
• Exfoliation: Gentle exfoliation 2x per week (removes dead skin, evens tan)
• Moisturization: Daily moisturizer with hyaluronic acid
• UV Timing: 2-4 hours post-injection for peak melanin response
• Consistency: Regular dosing schedule maintains even color

Supplements to Consider

• Astaxanthin: 12mg daily (antioxidant, may enhance tan, UV protection)
• Beta-Carotene: 25,000 IU daily (adds golden undertone)
• Vitamin E: 400 IU daily (skin health, UV protection)
• Vitamin C: 1000mg daily (collagen synthesis, antioxidant)

Avoiding Uneven Tanning

• Exfoliate before starting protocol
• Ensure even UV exposure (rotate body positions)
• Moisturize dry areas (elbows, knees) more frequently
• Avoid tight clothing immediately after UV exposure

Troubleshooting

Not Tanning Fast Enough?

• Increase dose by 0.25 mg (250 mcg)
• Ensure adequate UV exposure (15-20 min daily during loading)
• Verify peptide quality (should be >98% purity)
• Check skin type - Type IV+ may see minimal results
• Allow full 14 days before assessing results

Severe Nausea?

• Reduce dose by 50% for 3-5 days
• Dose in evening with small meal
• Consider anti-nausea medication (ginger, Dramamine)
• Split dose (morning and evening) if tolerated
• Nausea typically resolves after first week

Uneven Tan or Splotchy Appearance?

• Exfoliate thoroughly and consistently
• Ensure even UV exposure
• Moisturize dry areas more frequently
• May take 2-3 weeks to even out

Tan Fading Too Quickly?

• Increase maintenance frequency to 3x per week
• Add weekly UV exposure (10 minutes)
• Ensure adequate hydration and moisturization
• Avoid excessive exfoliation

Discontinuation and Tan Fade

When stopping MT-II:

• Week 1-2: Tan remains at full intensity
• Week 3-4: Gradual fading begins
• Week 5-8: Tan fades to 50% of peak
• Week 8-12: Return to baseline skin tone

Extending Tan: Occasional maintenance doses (0.25-0.5 mg weekly) can extend tan for months.

Related Resources

• Complete Melanotan-II Guide
• MT-II Side Effects
• MT-II Safety Information
• MT-II Dosing Guide
• Sexual Wellness Protocol (MT-II)