Doctors warn: Melanotan II, promoted on TikTok as a quick solution for tanning, is a danger to skin health.

A new trend on TikTok, promoting melanotan II as a quick solution for tanning, raises concerns among dermatologists.

This injectable substance, not approved for cosmetic use, can lead to the appearance of new moles or changes in existing ones, complicating the detection of melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanotan II is not authorized in several countries, including the USA and the UK, but continues to be sold online.

Experts emphasize that its promotion on social media rarely includes the associated risks. Melanotan II acts by stimulating melanocytes, but can also cause severe side effects, such as priapism. Dermatologists are concerned about the impact on moles, as the substance can stimulate the proliferation of pigment cells, complicating the observation of changes that could indicate melanoma.

Additionally, the myth that tanning obtained with melanotan II protects against skin cancer is being debunked, highlighting the importance of using sunscreen.