Study wrapper · #951
Insights into Tanning Biology and Tanning Products.
Resnick G, Khajeh-Afzaly M, Yousefian F, et al. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2026.
DOI: 10.5555/jcad-tanning-2026PubMed: 41890775
Editor's note
This PRISMA-guided review of 68 studies covers several tanning agents, with melanotan among the dominant ones discussed. It catalogs serious adverse effects associated with unregulated melanotan use and notes limited long-term safety data across the literature. A useful safety-oriented reference for the melanotan risk profile.
Plain-language abstract
A systematic review of self-tanning agents reports that unregulated melanotan use has been associated with serious adverse effects including rhabdomyolysis, renal infarction, and priapism.
Related coverage
Weak / none
Five primary melanomas in situ in a patient with recent tanning bed use, melanotan exposure, and anabolic hormone use.
JAAD case reportsn=——2026
Weak / none
Unregulated Melanotan Use Promoted via Social Media: Emerging Dermatologic and Public Health Risks.
International journal of dermatologyn=——2026
Weak / none
Depigmented Facial and Neck Patches Following Melanotan Use in a Patient With Atopic Dermatitis and Alopecia Areata.
Clinical and experimental dermatologyn=——2026