Do Melatonin Pills Make You Tanned?

Do melatonin pills make your skin tanned?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

The current body of research presents mixed results regarding the effect of melatonin on skin tanning. While some studies suggest that melatonin does not significantly change skin color1 3, others indicate that it might contribute to tanning through its interaction with melanocortin receptors2. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of melatonin as a tanning agent and its broader implications for skin health.

Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, is widely known for its role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. However, its effects on skin pigmentation have also been a subject of scientific inquiry. This article explores whether melatonin pills can induce tanning or alter skin color based on findings from various research studies.

Effects of Melatonin on Skin Color

Several studies have investigated the impact of melatonin on skin pigmentation with varying results. One study examined the effects of prolonged ingestion of melatonin (1 g per day) on skin color in individuals with hyperpigmented skin. The results indicated that melatonin lightened the hyperpigmented skin of one patient with untreated adrenogenital syndrome but had no effect on the skin of other patients with idiopathic hyperpigmentation or treated Addison’s disease1.

Another study aimed to determine the effect of melatonin on human skin color by monitoring patients over an extended period. The study concluded that there was no significant change in skin color among patients receiving melatonin compared to controls, suggesting that melatonin does not affect human skin pigmentation3.

Melatonin and Tanning

Contrary to the findings that melatonin does not significantly alter skin color, another study reported that melatonin peptides bind to melanocortin MC1 receptors, which can increase eumelanin production. This process can contribute to tanning, although the study also noted the possible induction of lentigines and naevi as side effects2.

Mechanisms and Implications

The mechanisms by which melatonin might influence skin pigmentation are complex and not fully understood. Melatonin has been shown to possess strong antioxidative properties and can counteract UV-induced solar damage, which is a significant factor in skin aging4. However, its role in directly altering skin pigmentation remains inconclusive.

Do melatonin pills make you tanned?

Christian Surber has answered Extremely Unlikely

An expert from University of Zurich in Dermatology

Systemic melatonin does NOT tan the skin. Melatonin is sometimes confused with Melanotan. Melanotan-II is given to produce erections in men with erectile dysfunction, tan the skin, and prevent skin cancers caused by sun exposure.