A Reddit user has sent social media into a frenzy after sharing striking before-and-after photos documenting almost two decades of using Melanotan II, an unregulated synthetic substance colloquially known as the "Barbie drug," in his relentless pursuit of the darkest tan possible.
The unnamed man, who posted under the username Melanotan2, claims to have been injecting the substance for roughly 17 years, following a strict routine that involves a loading phase before spending time in the sun. He explained that it takes around two weeks before noticeable results begin to appear and stressed that despite the darkening effect, the substance offers no protection against sunburn whatsoever.
Melanotan II is a synthetic hormone-like peptide that works by stimulating the body's production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Cancer Research UK describes it as something that "stimulates the pigment cells in your skin to produce more melanin," while also warning clearly that these products are "not safe to use." The sale and supply of Melanotan II is illegal in the UK, and the substance remains unauthorised and unapproved in the United States.
The Reddit user said he had experienced several side effects over the years, including a noticeably decreased appetite. He also described what he called a particularly unusual reaction: roughly 90 minutes after each injection, he would feel an intense, pleasurable urge to stretch, similar to the feeling of waking up and having a long stretch in the morning. Despite these experiences, he insisted he was happy with his results, describing them as "amazing."
Health experts, however, are deeply concerned about the growing popularity of the substance online. Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, warned that the product carried serious risks, including a chance of skin cancer as it can darken pre-existing moles or cause new ones to appear, as well as potential nausea, kidney damage and muscle damage. He also noted that because the substance is unregulated, users often have no idea exactly what they are putting into their bodies.
A study published by the British Journal of Dermatology found commonly reported side effects included nausea, reversible darkening of moles and an increase in libido. More seriously, the study highlighted two potentially dangerous complications: dysplastic naevi, which are unusual but non-cancerous moles, and renal infarction, a medical emergency caused by interrupted blood flow to the kidneys.
The man urged anyone considering the drug to monitor their moles closely, warning that changes in size or shape become harder to spot against darker skin. As plastic surgeon Dr Terry Dubrow put it bluntly: "It's neither safe nor has it progressed beyond purely experimental. It's unlicensed, unregulated and basically illegal."
