Clinical studies have shown our oral Melatropin™ formula to be highly effective in promoting increased melanin production in response to UVR exposure. In the study below, researchers observed an increase in skin pigmentation of more than 340%, concluding that Melatropin™ was more than twice as effective in promoting a tan as a placebo pill.


Enhanced Skin Pigmentation Effects Observed in Subjects with 30-Day Melatropin™ Protocol

Introduction

A tanned skin appearance is commonly associated with health, vitality, and general attractiveness in modern culture. The mechanisms by which the skin naturally tans have been studied at length and are widely acknowledged. Further, it is well established that specific pathways and compounds are integral to the natural production of melanin, the skin pigment responsible for skin tanning, and may also promote skin cell health via photoprotective and antioxidant properties. Our aim was to rigorously determine if a proprietary oral tanning compound may enhance the appearance of and satisfaction with skin tanning activity in healthy adults.

Index

Methods

Melatropin™ is a novel [283.74mg/capsule] proprietary oral tanning compound. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involved 72 healthy subjects [33 males, 39 females; Caucasian/European ancestry; mean age = 42.5 ± 21.5 years; skin tone (Van Brundt Index) 2.2 ± 1.1]. Subjects were directed to swallow 2 capsules of tanning compound (Melatropin™) or an identical-looking placebo twice daily: first dose in A.M. 1 hour after waking and second dose in P.M. 1 hour before bed. Subjects were instructed to receive UVR exposure (sun or tanning bed) 3 days per week, every other day for the duration of the 30 day study. Each subject reported to the Inpatient Unit in 5 day intervals for 30 days. Skin tone index was recorded on days 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30. Subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire on day 1 regarding subjective normal tanning response. On day 30, subjects were asked to complete a second questionnaire regarding tanning experience during the 30 day study period.

Results

Results

Mean skin tone improved 7.2 shades (Van Brundt Index) over baseline after 30 days in group receiving tanning compound compared to a 3.3 shade mean increase in placebo control group. The mean improvement in skin tone was more than 342% over baseline in group receiving tanning compound, a more than 2-fold improvement in skin tone versus placebo group, demonstrating a statistically significant differential effect (P=0.01). Further, post-study questionnaire revealed a 3-fold mean increase in subjective tan satisfaction, perceived quality of skin tone, rapidity of desired tan onset, and confidence in tanning ability among subjects receiving tanning compound versus placebo control group. Overall, both skin tanning improvement and satisfaction levels were significantly higher (P=0.01) in tanning compound groups compared to placebo.

Conclusion

Study results indicate that a 30 day, twice-daily protocol of tanning compound (Melatropin™) may significantly enhance tanning effects in healthy men and women when used synergistically with sun exposure. Study data also indicates that tanning compound (Melatropin™) may improve subjective skin tone appearance, bronze color, time to achieve desired skin tone, and overall perception of tan quality. The absolute magnitudes of these results are somewhat difficult to compare among past studies, as there is a notable lack of study data available on similar proprietary formulas. Still, data gleaned from this study demonstrates that a statistically significant relationship exists between Melatropin™ administration and improved tan satisfaction. Further studies will examine whether administration of this tanning compound exerts similar effects without concomitant sun or UV exposure.