MT1 (Melanotan I / Afamelanotide)
Typical Dosing Protocols (Research/Compounded Use Only) – MT-1 (Melanotan I / Afamelanotide)
Common protocol: 0.5–1 mg subcutaneously once daily for 7–14 days (loading phase) until desired tan level is reached. Then reduce to 0.25–0.5 mg 1–2 times per week for maintenance.
Other reported ranges:
Loading: 0.25–1 mg daily for 7–14 days
Maintenance: 0.25–0.5 mg 1–2 times weekly
Some users stay at 0.5 mg daily for longer periods when targeting strong photoprotection.
Reconstitution example (for a typical 10 mg vial): Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water (yielding ~5 mg/mL).
0.5 mg = 0.1 mL (10 units on U-100 insulin syringe)
1 mg = 0.2 mL (20 units)
Administration: Subcutaneous injection (abdomen or thigh), often in the evening.
Dosing is highly individualized based on goals (tanning, photoprotection, skin health) and skin type—consult a qualified healthcare provider experienced with peptides for personalized guidance. This is for informational purposes only.
Key Potential Benefits of MT-1 (Melanotan I / Afamelanotide)
Effective Skin Tanning with Minimal UV Exposure
Stimulates melanocytes through selective MC1R activation, increasing eumelanin production for a natural, even, and longer-lasting tan.
Achieves noticeable skin darkening with significantly less sun or UV exposure compared to tanning without the peptide.
Provides a more gradual and controlled tan that develops steadily over days to weeks of use.
Strong Photoprotection Against UV Damage
Elevates melanin levels in the skin, offering robust natural protection against ultraviolet radiation.
Reduces the severity of sunburn, redness, and peeling while supporting safer sun exposure.
Helps prevent UV-induced DNA damage and supports overall skin resilience during outdoor activities.
Support for Photosensitivity Disorders
Clinically studied and approved in some regions (as Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), dramatically reducing painful phototoxic reactions.
Improves quality of life for individuals with extreme sun sensitivity by allowing greater tolerance to light exposure.
Provides targeted protection for skin conditions aggravated by UV light.
Improved Skin Pigmentation and Tone
Promotes uniform pigmentation and can help reduce the appearance of hypopigmented areas or uneven skin tone.
Supports a healthier, more radiant skin appearance through increased melanin without excessive darkening in some users.
Offers sustained tanning effects that fade more slowly than natural sun-induced tans.
Mild Libido and Appetite Effects
Produces milder stimulation of sexual desire and arousal compared to MT-2 due to higher MC1R selectivity.
May cause slight appetite suppression in some users through central melanocortin pathways.
Contributes to subtle improvements in mood and well-being during use.
Broader Skin Health and Resilience
Enhances the skin’s natural defense mechanisms and may support long-term photoprotection.
Supports aesthetic goals with a more natural-looking tan and improved skin durability.
Provides a gentler alternative to MT-2 for users seeking tanning and protection with fewer systemic effects.
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of α-MSH with higher selectivity for the MC1R receptor, resulting in strong tanning and photoprotective effects with a longer half-life than MT-2.
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