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Melanotan 1: How It's Dosed for Tanning and Vitiligo

Melanotan 1 stimulates melanin production, producing tanning without the same UV exposure. It is also used for vitiligo. Two protocols exist: a long-term maintenance dose of 0.25 mg once or twice weekly, or a tanning protocol of 10 ticks twice daily for three days, increasing on day four. For a holiday, start ten days ahead.

Dawn Westrum, Nutritionist and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Published 11 August 2023 · Last reviewed 13 August 2026

Cellular and molecular editorial artwork for the VIGEO Peptide Education Series
Original Melanotan 1 dosing guideline

What is it used for?

  • Tanning
  • Increased awareness
  • Helps with vitiligo

Melanotan 1 is the peptide closer to the pharmaceutical form, afamelanotide, which is approved in some countries for erythropoietic protoporphyria, a condition causing severe light sensitivity.

Side effects

Generally minor: skin darkening, moles, freckles, nausea, vomiting, flushing, yawning. Effects fade after stopping use. Possible diarrhoea at higher doses.

Before you start: the mole question

Dawn's side effect list includes moles and freckles, and that entry deserves more than a passing mention.

Melanotan compounds darken existing moles and can cause new ones to appear. That matters for a practical reason: darkening and changing moles are also how melanoma presents. A compound that changes every mole on your body makes the one that matters harder to spot.

What to do about it:

  • Get a skin check before you start, so there is a baseline
  • Photograph any moles you already have
  • Do not use this if you have a personal or family history of melanoma without a dermatologist's involvement
  • Any mole that changes shape, bleeds, or looks different from the others needs assessment regardless of what you attribute it to

This is not a reason nobody should use it. It is a reason to have a dermatologist who knows you are using it.

Do your own research.

Sourcing and quality

Peptides sold outside compounding pharmacies are labelled "Not For Human Consumption and For Research Use Only." Always ask for batch-specific third-party testing.

VIGEO Health does not sell injectable peptides. Third-party vendors can be recommended on request: email dawn@vigeohealth.net.

What this page does not tell you

  • Melanotan 1 is not an approved medication in this form. The related pharmaceutical afamelanotide is approved for a narrow indication and is not the same product.
  • Tanning is not the same as sun protection. Melanin offers limited UV protection and this is not a substitute for sunscreen.
  • Skin monitoring is not optional with this compound.
  • Long-term safety data does not exist.

Related

Questions and Answers

Q: What is Melanotan 1 used for? A: Tanning, increased awareness, and helping with vitiligo. The related pharmaceutical form, afamelanotide, is approved in some countries for erythropoietic protoporphyria.