Abstract
Socio-cultural emphasis and value on having bronzed skin, perceived to equate to wealth, investment in body work, attractiveness and health in Western cultures has contributed to the rise in online and black-market sale, and off label prescription via general practitioners and dermatologists of synthetic-tanning agents known as Melanotan I and II. These synthetic tanning agents are synthetic analogues of the naturally occurring melanocyte-stimulating hormones (αMSHs) which stimulate melanogenesis or pigmentation of the skin. This chapter provides a concise and clear overview of sunless synthetic tanning products, and describes societal consumerism of synthetic tanning agents, the contribution of online information exchange, user groups, acute side effects, adverse health consequences, and implications for public health policy and practice.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Human Enhancement Drugs |
Publisher | Routledge |
Number of pages | 13 |
Edition | First |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781315148328 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 12 Jun 2019 |