Melanotan 1: The Safer Tanning Peptide Nobody Talks About

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Alright, you guys asked for it let's talk about Melanotan 1 (MT1), also known as Afamelanotide. This is MT2's less famous sibling, and honestly, it might be the smarter choice for most people who just want a tan.

RESEARCH and EDUCATION PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.

What MT1 Actually Is

Melanotan 1 is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), just like MT2. Both were developed at the University of Arizona in the same research program. The key difference? MT1 is a LINEAR peptide while MT2 is CYCLIC.

That structural difference matters. A lot.

MT1 is what we call a "selective" melanocortin receptor agonist. It primarily hits MC1R - the receptor responsible for melanin production. It has minimal activity at MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R compared to MT2.

Translation: MT1 gives you the tanning effect without most of the other effects that come with MT2.

MT1 vs MT2: The Key Differences

MT1 (Afamelanotide):

Selective MC1R agonist
Primarily tanning effects
Minimal appetite suppression
Minimal sexual effects
Generally better side effect profile
Shorter half-life (requires more frequent dosing)
Actually FDA approved in Europe and Australia for specific conditions
More expensive per dose

MT2:

Non-selective melanocortin agonist
Tanning + appetite suppression + sexual effects
More side effects (nausea, flushing)
Longer half-life (less frequent dosing)
Not FDA approved anywhere
Cheaper per dose
More "bang for your buck" if you want multiple effects

The Effects People Actually Experience

Tanning: This is what MT1 does, and it does it well. You'll notice gradual darkening of skin, darkening of existing moles and freckles, and a more even tan compared to UV exposure alone. The effect builds over time and is dose-dependent.

What You WON'T Get:

Significant appetite suppression (maybe very mild, but nothing like MT2)
Sexual effects (minimal to none)
The intense nausea that MT2 can cause

What You Might Still Get:

Some nausea (but typically much milder than MT2)
Facial flushing (less common than MT2)
Darkening of moles and freckles (same concern as MT2)

Dosing Reality Check

MT1 has a shorter half-life than MT2, so you need to dose more frequently for the same effect.

Start LOW:

Initial dose: 0.25-0.5mg
Assess tolerance first
MT1 is generally better tolerated than MT2, but still start conservatively

Loading Phase:

0.5-1mg daily
Continue until desired color is achieved (usually 2-4 weeks)
Some people go up to 1.5mg, but that's higher end

Maintenance:

0.5-1mg 2-3x per week
More frequent than MT2 due to shorter half-life
Adjust based on how well you maintain color

Important Note: Because MT1 is more selective, you typically need slightly higher doses compared to MT2 to achieve the same level of tanning. But the trade-off is fewer side effects.

Can You Combine MT1 and MT2?

Yes, you can combine them, and some people do this strategically. Here's the logic:

Why You Might Combine Them:

Targeted Effects: Use MT1 as your base for tanning, add low-dose MT2 for appetite suppression or sexual effects
Side Effect Management: If MT2 gives you bad nausea at tanning doses, you can use MT1 for tanning and very low MT2 doses for other benefits
Maintenance Strategy: Use MT1 for consistent tanning, add MT2 occasionally when you want the other effects

How People Actually Do It:

Option 1 - MT1 Base + Low MT2:

MT1: 0.5-1mg 3x per week for tanning
MT2: 0.1-0.25mg 2-3x per week for appetite/sexual effects
This gives you tanning without high-dose MT2 side effects

Option 2 - Alternating:

MT1 one day, MT2 the next
Allows you to titrate each independently
Good for figuring out what works for you

Option 3 - Same Pin:

Some people mix both in the same injection
MT1 0.5mg + MT2 0.2mg for example
Simplifies dosing schedule

The Reality: Most people don't need to combine them. If you just want a tan, MT1 alone is probably your best bet. If you want the "full package" of effects, MT2 alone works fine. Combining is for people who want very specific effect profiles or are trying to minimize side effects while maximizing benefits.

What You Actually Need to Know About Safety

MT1 Has Better Safety Data: The big advantage of MT1 is that it's actually been through clinical trials and has regulatory approval in some countries (sold as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria - a rare light sensitivity disorder).

Common Issues:

Mild nausea (much less than MT2)
Facial flushing
Darkening of moles/freckles (same as MT2 - get a baseline skin check)
Headaches (less common)

Serious Concerns: The melanoma question still applies - does stimulating melanocytes increase melanoma risk? MT1's selectivity for MC1R might theoretically be safer than MT2's broader activity, but we still don't have definitive long-term data in healthy individuals using it for cosmetic tanning.

The same advice applies:

Get a baseline dermatology appointment
Document your moles with photos
Regular skin checks
If you have family history of melanoma or lots of atypical moles, reconsider

Sun Exposure - The Catch-22

Same deal as MT2: MT1 works WITHOUT sun exposure, but sun exposure enhances the effect.

The issue: People think "I'm using MT1 so I can tan safely" then go bake in the sun. That's missing the point.

Smarter approach:

MT1 stimulates melanin production
Minimal incidental sun exposure will darken that melanin
You're not eliminating UV damage risk, you're reducing the amount of UV needed for color
Don't use it as permission to roast yourself

Who Should Consider MT1 vs MT2?

MT1 is probably better for you if:

You ONLY want the tanning effect
You had bad side effects with MT2
You want the option with better safety data
You don't care about appetite suppression or sexual effects
Cost isn't your primary concern

MT2 is probably better for you if:

You want multiple effects (tanning + appetite + sexual)
You want less frequent dosing
Cost is a factor (MT1 is typically more expensive)
You tolerate MT2 well

Consider combining if:

You want tanning but only mild additional effects
You want to minimize MT2 side effects but still get some benefits
You're experienced with both and know how you respond

The Bottom Line

MT1 is the "cleaner" option for tanning. It's more selective, has better safety data, and causes fewer side effects. The trade-offs are higher cost and more frequent dosing.

MT2 is the "Swiss Army knife" - you get tanning plus other effects, but with more potential side effects and less safety data.

You can combine them if you want to dial in specific effects, but most people will be fine with one or the other.

Both still carry the same concerns about mole changes and potential melanoma risk. Neither is FDA approved for cosmetic tanning. Both require you to be smart about monitoring your skin.

If you're going to use either one: