Use This Peptide At The Beach

Happy Sunday!

Tonight at 8 PM EST, Jay and I will be hosting a live stream with Mark Bell and Joe Binley on all things related to the sugar diet.

People around the planet are experiencing insane amounts of fat loss FAST with this diet.

We will delve into the science and some best practices that we have all discovered while experimenting on ourselves over the last few weeks.

Don’t forget to bring your questions, as we will be taking them live!

I received a great question from a reader this week, and thought it would be appropriate to answer in an email as everyone heads to the beach over the next few weeks.

If you’ve spent any time in the peptide world, you’ve probably heard of Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2.

I get this question every spring, but most people don’t know just how much more there is to Melanotan 1 than meets the eye.

So, let’s dive in: what it is, where it came from, the benefits beyond tanning, what you can actually expect, and exactly how I dose it for best results.

(BTW, you can snag Melanotan 1 from BLL at 35% retail price until midnight PST using code HUNTERW).

What is Melanotan 1?

Let’s start with the basics. Melanotan 1, known by its generic name afamelanotide, is a synthetic version of a natural hormone in your body called alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH).

This hormone is what tells your skin cells (melanocytes) to ramp up production of melanin.

Melanin, of course, is the brown-black pigment that gives you a tan.

When you use it Melanotan 1, it latches onto the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) on your skin cells, activating the entire tanning process… even if you hardly get any sun.

Unlike Melanotan 2 (which I’ll touch on later), Melanotan 1 is much more selective.

It primarily affects the skin, with fewer side effects elsewhere.

The History and Development of Melanotan 1

Melanotan 1 was originally developed by scientists in the 1980s and 1990s at the University of Arizona.

The goal?

Find a way to safely induce tanning without needing to bake yourself under UV rays.

The researchers tweaked the α-MSH molecule, creating a 13-amino-acid peptide that was over 1,000 times more potent and had a much longer half-life in the body.

This was a huge breakthrough: suddenly, it was possible to get the “protective tan” benefits without burning.

But the researchers soon discovered something unexpected.

Melanotan 1’s ability to protect the skin went far beyond its appearance.

It was eventually developed under the brand name Scenesse, got fast-tracked by the FDA, and was approved for treating a rare condition called erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)—a brutal disease that makes sunlight feel like acid for those who have it.

So, while the aesthetics of a tan brought Melanotan 1 into the spotlight, its therapeutic power is what’s kept it there.

The Benefits of Melanotan 1

If you think Melanotan 1 is just a “vanity peptide,” think again.

This stuff is a true Swiss Army knife.

First, the obvious: yes, Melanotan 1 will give you a darker, richer tan with less sun exposure.

But beyond that, here’s what else is on the menu:

• Photoprotection: By boosting your natural melanin, Melanotan 1 literally helps protect your skin cells from UV damage. Eumelanin (the good, dark type) absorbs UV rays and neutralizes free radicals, acting as an internal sunscreen. That means less sunburn, less photoaging, and lower risk of skin cancer.

• Quality of Life for EPP and Light Sensitivity: In clinical trials for EPP, Melanotan 1 not only allowed people to tan but also enabled them to return to outdoor activities. We’re talking people who couldn’t handle 5 minutes of daylight now spending hours outdoors pain-free.

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory, helping lower levels of TNF-α and IL-6, and triggering the release of protective molecules like IL-10. Some users with autoimmune issues (think lupus, psoriasis) or chronic skin inflammation have reported fewer flares and less pain.

• Faster Healing and Acne Relief: There’s early evidence it can help skin heal more quickly and even reduce the severity of acne lesions. Clinical trials in Europe showed people with moderate acne had fewer breakouts and better skin quality while using it.

• Enhanced Mood and Energy: This one’s mostly anecdotal, but worth mentioning—many users (especially those who suffered from light sensitivity or chronic inflammation) report a real boost in mood and confidence. And if you’re someone who’s always felt sluggish or drained in the summer heat, you might notice you feel more energetic outdoors with Melanotan 1 in your system.

Bottom line? This peptide is therapeutic in the truest sense.

What Can You Expect to Gain from Using Melanotan 1?

If you’re considering Melanotan 1 to get a tan for the summer, here’s what you can expect:

• A gradual, natural-looking tan—even if you’re fair-skinned or prone to burning. It works best with some sun exposure (think a few minutes a day, not hours).

• Less risk of burning and skin damage, since your skin will have more natural protection.

• Possible improvements in skin texture and resilience, thanks to both the increase in melanin and the anti-inflammatory effects.

• For those with skin conditions or light sensitivities: you may notice fewer flares, less discomfort, and more freedom outdoors.

• No weird “hypersexual” side effects—unlike Melanotan 2, which hits MC4R and can cause spontaneous erections or intense libido spikes, Melanotan 1 stays focused on the skin.

It takes a week or two to ramp up, and your tan will be your natural color, just enhanced.

But it’s consistent, subtle, and looks great—think “I just came back from a healthy beach vacation” year-round.

How I Dose Melanotan 1

I get asked about this all the time, so let’s break it down.

Here’s my favorite way to dose a 10mg vial of Melanotan 1:

1. Reconstitution: Add 2ml of bacteriostatic water to the vial. This makes the math super easy: every 10 units on a standard U100 insulin syringe = 0.5mg (500mcg) of Melanotan 1.

2. Dosing: Start with 250mcg (that’s 5 units) per day, injected subcutaneously (just under the skin, typically in the belly). Some people go up to 500mcg per day (10 units), but I suggest starting lower and seeing how you respond.

3. Schedule: Do this daily for 2-3 weeks, or until you reach your desired shade. After that, you can maintain your tan with just 1-2 injections per week, or as needed.

4. Pro tip: For the best results, pair with a few minutes of sun each day (think 10-20 minutes).

Why Melanotan 1 is One of My All-Time Favorite Peptides

Look, I’ve used a lot of peptides.

However, Melanotan 1 is in my top tier for one reason: it delivers real-world results with minimal side effects.

I’ve seen it change lives for people with medical conditions, and I’ve seen the way it gives a natural, healthy glow to anyone who wants to look and feel their best, without the risks of traditional tanning.

The side effect profile is mild, the dosing is straightforward, and the benefits are legit.

If you want to tan for summer, Melanotan 1 is the way to go.

Not just my opinion, but the science backs it up.

So as you gear up for the beach this season, remember: you don’t have to choose between a killer tan and healthy skin. With the right tools (and a little knowledge), you can have both.

Best,

Hunter Williams