Health Experts Urge Caution Over New Tanning 'Drug' After Brain Swelling and Cancer Concerns

Every summer, millions chase the perfect tan. For some, it's a matter of lying poolside or booking regular spray tans. But in the age of influencers and instant gratification, a new shortcut has emerged, raising serious concerns among doctors and public health experts.

Melanotan II, commonly referred to as the “Barbie drug,” is being marketed online as a miracle tanning solution. Sold as a nasal spray, it's packaged in eye-catching pink and heavily promoted across social media by beauty influencers promising a bronzed, beach-ready look with minimal effort.

The idea is simple: skip the sunburn and head straight for that golden glow. However, this so-called beauty hack may conceal some real dangers beneath the surface.

Melanotan II is a synthetic version of a hormone called α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which triggers melanin production in the body. That’s the pigment responsible for darkening the skin. So, yes, it can create the appearance of a tan. But it doesn’t stop there.

According to multiple medical experts, this peptide hasn’t been tested or approved by the FDA. This means it’s essentially being used without proper oversight or quality control. In other words, what’s inside those vials or sprays is not guaranteed.

Dr. Jennifer Levine, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, explained the drug’s appeal in a recent interview: “People always want to be tan, especially during the summer. The Barbie movie has also added to the ‘beach’ trend.” But that desire comes with risks.

Every year, thousands of Americans die from skin cancer.

Reported side effects range from facial flushing and nausea to vomiting, abdominal pain, and chest discomfort. More seriously, it’s been linked to brain swelling, cancer, and rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle fibers break down and release harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which can trigger kidney failure.

There’s also a concerning effect on skin moles. Melanotan II can cause moles to change color, grow in size, or appear where none existed before. This complicates the early detection of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Men face a unique risk: priapism, a painful and prolonged erection not caused by sexual arousal. If left untreated, it can result in long-term damage.

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Then there’s the question of quality. Because Melanotan II is not legally approved, there’s a high chance users are getting products with inconsistent dosages or contaminated ingredients.

Some batches may contain bacteria or undeclared compounds. Edith Eagle, a user who spoke to the BBC, learned this the hard way.

After using a nasal spray before a holiday in the Canary Islands, she ended up in the emergency room on her second day, struggling to breathe. “I felt like I was suffocating inside,” she recalled. “Like I was drowning in my own body.”

Health Risks of Melanotan II

Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine expert, cautions against the use of Melanotan II, highlighting its potential to cause severe health issues such as brain swelling and increased cancer risk.

His research indicates that the drug can stimulate melanin production in ways that bypass the body's natural protective mechanisms, potentially leading to skin damage. Hyman emphasizes that while a tanned appearance may seem appealing, the detrimental health effects far outweigh the cosmetic benefits.

Instead of resorting to such unregulated substances, he recommends safe and effective alternatives like self-tanning lotions or gradual sun exposure with SPF protection.

This spray could be harmful if not used properly.

Eagle now calls for a zero-tolerance approach to these unregulated products and hopes others will think twice before using them. Warnings have already been issued in the US, UK, Australia, and several other countries.

TikTok has banned hashtags like #melanotan and #tanningnasalspray to curb their spread. However, that hasn’t stopped the underground market. Sellers have switched to alternative hashtags or rebranded the product to avoid detection, making it even harder for casual users to identify what they’re buying.

A 2023 study showed that social media has played a significant role in the drug’s rise. Despite platform crackdowns, the product is still promoted through influencer posts and word-of-mouth in beauty communities.

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And while many dismiss the risks as overblown, the numbers tell a different story. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma claims the lives of around 8,000 people in the United States every year. It’s not just a scare tactic; it’s a documented threat.

Melanotan II might offer a shortcut to a sun-kissed look, but at what cost? With the science unclear and the side effects stacking up, chasing that glow could turn into something much darker.

Public health experts are sounding alarms about the dangers posed by the so-called 'Barbie drug.' A leading dermatologist, Dr. Ava Shamban, points out that the unregulated sale of Melanotan II online exacerbates risks, as many users are unaware of its origins and potential side effects.

Shamban advocates for education on safe tanning practices, including the importance of sunscreen and regular skin examinations for early detection of skin changes. She encourages consumers to prioritize skin health over aesthetics, suggesting that true beauty comes from healthy skin, not harmful shortcuts.

Clinical Perspective & Next Steps

In conclusion, while the allure of a quick tan might be tempting, the emerging health risks associated with products like Melanotan II cannot be ignored. Experts emphasize the importance of understanding the potential dangers and opting for safer alternatives.

By educating ourselves and others about these risks, we can make informed decisions that prioritize our long-term health. As Dr. Hyman and Dr. Shamban suggest, embracing safe tanning practices is crucial in safeguarding our skin and overall well-being.