There are people so obsessed with getting brunette in summer who are turning to something

Every summer, the desire to wear a golden skin is imposed again. In that race to reach the perfect tone, many people are looking for shortcuts. From whom They forget (deliberately) of the sun cream To “take more color”, to those who follow absurd remedies how to eat excess carrots. But now, in social networks It has viralized again A trend that promotes the use of MelanoTan II, popularly nicknamed as “the Barbie Malibu drug.”

The Barbie drug? Better known as MelanoTan II is a synthetic peptide developed for medical purposes. Specifically, to protect the skin of people with rare diseases such as Erythropoietic protoporphyria. In essence, it helps the body produce more melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, without the need for sun exposure.

The compound I mimic natural hormone: Alfa-Mshresponsible for activating tan or melanocortine receptors in the body. However, it also causes other physiological responses: loss of appetite, increased libido and, in some cases, priapism.

However, it is not necessary to confuse it with its safer version: the melanote I, which remains under clinical study with the commercial name Scenesse. That is being investigated under medical supervision.

But is it legal? No, it is not authorized by any security control agency, or by the European Medication Agency of Europe (EMA), Ni United States Food and Medicines Administration (FDA) and nor the administration of therapeutic products of Australia (TGA). It is neither marketed in pharmacies nor has approved clinical indications.

In spite of this, its distribution is done irregularly through the Internet and social networks, where it is offered in presentations such as subcutaneous injections and nasal aerosols. Not being subject to health controls, there is a total lack of guarantees about its composition, concentration and possible pollution.

Again in networks. On platforms such as Tiktok or Instagram, MelanoTan II has returned to circulate under hashtags like #tanning or #summerlow, despite the restrictions imposed on labels such as #melanoTan. Influencers and users promote it as a shortcut to the perfect tan, feeding an aesthetic that associates perpetual brunette with health, attractive or success.

This type of content usually omit the possible side effects and legal risks. As He has warned the pharmacist “Fernández Pharmacist” on his Instagram account: “You inject something that is not approved, you do not know well what it takes … but everything is for being Moreno in March.”

The price of tanning without sun. Far from being an innocent supplement, Melanotan II has serious side effects. According to various medical studies and health warningscan cause:

• Nausea, vomiting, tachycardia.
• Hormonal alterations and humor changes.
• Priapism (prolonged and painful erections).
• Changes in moles and appearance of new (some suspects).
• Increased risk of melanoma, more aggressive skin cancer.
• Hypertension, renal and muscular damage.

Some studies They also mention Changes in the appearance of Nevus, something especially delicate in dermatology. There are no conclusive studies on long -term effects.

Beyond being Moreno. Why does a person decide to inject an illegal substance to be more brunette? The answer can be more than an aesthetic desire. In an article for minutes They have explained That many consumers present dysmorphophobia, a psychological disorder that leads to excessive concern for imaginary defects of the body.

In addition, as explained by Dr. José María Ricart, dermatologist at the Ricart Medical Institute (IMR), In statements to Xataka: “The tan is nothing more than a defensive response of the body. It is its way of saying: ‘I am damaging.” In addition, the specialist adds that many people continue to believe in the “healthy tan”, when in reality each without protection exposure is a cumulative aggression to the skin.

The skin does not forget. The obsession with the tan has led many to make hasty decisions, without knowing the risks. The use of MelanoTan II shows how certain aesthetic practices can extend beyond regulated medical channels. Its illegal use, deregulated and promoted by social networks is a real threat. “The tan lasts a summer. The skin, all life”, The pharmacist Fernández concludes.

Image | Unspash and Tiktok

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