Many people perceive tanned or darker-colored skin as admirable and attractive to have. Hence, there is an estimate of millions of people around the world regularly using different tanning methods, and Australia is not an exemption.
In Australia, tanning injections are an effective way to complete the tanning process. Although it sounds great in theory, realistically, tanning injections in Australia are associated with a lot of dangers that deem them unsafe.
How do Tanning Injections Work?
Tanning injections usually comprise a chemical called Melanotan, which is the currently most widespread form of melanin injection.
Melanotan, also known as “the Barbie drug,” “MT,” or “Mel,” is an artificial form of the natural hormone in our bodies called “Melanocyte-Stimulating-Hormone.” This stimulates the production of eumelanin (tanning pigment) in the skin cells. It is injected through a needle in the skin and helps to boost the production of melanin.
As the levels of melanin rise, the skin begins to turn darker, especially when exposed to sunlight slowly. The impacts can stay for close to two months, with the natural hormone balance returning in around six months.
Types of Tanning Injections in Australia
Tanning injections are available in mainly two types: Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2, which are diluted in water before being injected or inhaled.
By comparison, Melanotan 1 is longer lasting, while Melanotan 2 is able to connect to more receptors and give quicker results. However, Melanotan 2 will need some form of exposure to UV light to help “activate” the effects. So, you need to absorb natural sunlight for nothing less than 20 minutes daily.
A lot of tanning injections and nasal sprays include Melanotan 2. However, both Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2 work by imitating the Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating hormones.
Advantages of using Tanning injections
- Little UV Direct exposure – It lessens the length of time you’ll require to invest in tanning and thus lowers the sunlight exposure required to get the perfect tan you’ve always desired.
- Quick results, Long-lasting effects & you get a deeper tan – Natural tans will fade after just a couple of days. However, Melanotan 2 allows you to delight in a deep and warm tan for months unending without the need for any sun exposure, even if you quit using it entirely.
- The tan is tough to wash off. It is evenly spread across the body and sits for around 8-weeks.
- They can be more straightforward and cost-effective
- With tanning injections, there is no mess, waste, or risk of uneven patches.
- The tan will not fall apart in the event of rainfalls, showers, and white linens.
- They give a natural-looking appearance.
- They are convenient to use.
Side Effects of Tanning Injections
Without proper regulation, there can be no guarantee that the tanning injections that are for sale have been accurately labeled. Additionally, the long-term effects of using Melanotan I and 2 are still largely unknown. However, from some users reports, here are a range of common side effects:
- Temporary freckling
- Darkening of moles
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Facial flushing
- Dizzy spells
- Abdominal pain
- Anxiety
- Spontaneous erections (in some males)
Are Tanning Injections Safe to Use?
Clinical trials of the potency and safety of Melanotan injections are continually ongoing. This means its long-term efficacy and safety for general use in the population are still hazy.
In Australia, Melanotan use is unregulated. Although the drug is currently captured in Schedule 4 (prescription-only medications) of the TGA’s Poisons Standard, no products containing Melanotan are registered for use in Australia.
This means while there are rumors of some practitioners prescribing the drug, most of them simply warn against – and will not prescribe – Melanotan for aesthetic or lifestyle purposes.
The majority of users buy the drug via undisclosed online vendors at costs ranging from A$30-50 for a one-month supply and self-administer the injections at home. You can also buy the product online from international websites. Costs range from AUD60-80 per vial or anywhere from AUD85-100 for a ‘starter kit,’ which includes insulin syringes, pre-injection wipes, and sterile water.
Conclusion
Tanned skin is deemed appealing in many Western cultures. However, most methods of obtaining darker-colored skin offer no health benefits and can lead to unpleasant side effects or life-threatening conditions in some cases. Tanning injections in Australia are still pending results of whether they are completely safe or not. However, as discussed, they have quite some benefits.
Author’s bio: Nikolay Stoyanov is the executive director of Denver’s cannabis SEO company. Nik’s and his team of SEO professionals offer top-quality SEO services to cannabis and hemp brands across the United States.