While many holidaymakers come home hoping to look sun-kissed, others are chasing a permanent bronzed look and are turning to something that’s been nicknamed the ‘Barbie drug’.
The risks linked to tanning methods such as sunbeds are widely reported. According to Melanoma Focus, using sunbeds before the age of 35 is said to raise the risk of developing melanoma by 59 percent.
However, another tanning alternative that’s less well known has been gaining traction: Melanotan II, also referred to as the ‘Barbie drug’.
It has been described as “a synthetic hormone-like peptide that mimics part of the body’s natural melanocyte-stimulating hormone”.
Speaking about the substance, Dr Donald Grant, a GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said there has been a “worrying rise” in people using the unregulated product.
“Organisations such as Cancer Research UK have already issued warnings against its use, as they are not approved for UK residents,” he said.
“Nor are they actively allowed in the US, highlighting potential long-term risks associated with this synthetic peptide.”
Dr Grant explained that the drug works by “stimulates melanocytes”, which are “pigment-producing skin cells that give our skin its darker tone”.
Melanotan II is most commonly sold as either an injection or a nasal spray.
“There are plenty of risks associated with Melanotan II, which is why it currently remains an unauthorised and unapproved product for general use in the UK (and America),” warned Dr Grant.
“Unlike regulated medicines, these products have not been properly tested for safety, quality or effectiveness, and people often don’t know exactly what they are putting into their bodies.”
He continued: “Like other tanning methods, this product carries a risk of skin cancer, as it can darken pre-existing moles or cause new ones to appear.
“People who do take this synthetic peptide often report moderate to severe side effects, ranging from nausea to kidney or muscle damage.”
Dr Grant’s message was clear: people should steer clear of Melanotan II. He also said that anyone who has already used the peptide and is suffering side effects should get urgent medical help.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Terry Dubrow has also raised concerns, telling Women’s Wear Daily (WWD): “It’s neither safe nor has it progressed beyond purely experimental.”
Dr Dubrow, known for appearing on the reality TV series Botched, added: “It’s unlicensed, unregulated and basically illegal.”