“An In-Depth Case Examination of an Exotic Dancer’s Experience of Melanotan”, 2014-05 ():
Background: Cultural values placed on tanned skin equating with perceived health and attractiveness in the Western world have stimulated the development, sale and use of synthetic tanning agents. These agents are synthetic analogues of the naturally occurring melanocyte-stimulating hormones (α-MSHs) which stimulate melanogenesis or pigmentation of the skin. There is a lack of research on prevalence of use, user experiences and outcomes, despite evident ‘health marketability’ and diffusion of use via the Internet.
Method: We present a unique, intensive, holistic and exploratory single case study analysis of an active user’s experiences of synthetic tanning product’s labeled as melanotan, with rich description of the case’s meanings and identities attached to being tanned, motives for use, injecting experiences and practices, sourcing routes, outcomes and future intentions to use.
Results: The case, a [24yo Irish] exotic dancer, had no prior drug injecting experience and did not identify as ‘injecting drug user’. Introduction to injecting of synthetic tanning products occurred with peer assistance. She was conscious of safe injecting practices, which were described as not using needles twice, keeping the product refrigerated, disinfecting and rotating injecting sites, and using sterilised water to dissolve the product. She was aware of synthetic tanning products being unlicensed, unregulated and possibly contaminated. She appeared assured in the self-administration of double dosage and self-management of nausea with benzodiazepines and by injecting before sleep.
Experiences of synthetic tanning were positive, with reported feelings of enhanced self-confidence and perceived attractiveness grounded in her confidence in the product’s effectiveness to achieve a desired darkened skin tone.
No long term or chronic negative outcomes were reported. Development of tolerance and awareness of dependence on synthetic tanning agents was described.
Conclusion: We discuss her expert account as it relates to the synthetic tanning product outcomes, risk heuristics, sourcing routes and make recommendations for policy.
[Keywords: melanotan, melanogenesis, tanning agent, image enhancement, exotic dance]
…Web purchasing was described as problematic when sourcing from the UK, as her credit cards were declined. She had experience of purchasing online from the US, but was dissatisfied with the product as it arrived without needles or sterile water. At present she was sourcing via a local network of dancers and bodybuilders in the city.
Bodywork: The case described the importance of ‘being tanned’ for her personal and work self-image. ‘Being tanned’ was defined as looking more attractive, appearing toned and feeling confident. The case described her self-image when ‘untanned’ as being ‘red haired, pale and freckly’ with ‘horrible white skin’. Dark skin contributed to enhanced self-confidence and perceived attractiveness. Synthetic tanning was part of her repertoire of body enhancement practices adopted during her career as dancer. She reflected on her control of her body with strict diet, exercise and tanning, and had invested considerably in her outer appearance.
Not sure what I spend each month. . . but €3,500 for my breast implants, which will need to be replaced after a number of years at a similar cost. €200 for my eyebrows which I had tattooed. €250 for my lips which I had collagen injected into, I will get this done twice a year or more. €150 for my hair extensions every two months. €50 on melanotan per month. I don’t pay for sunbeds as I have my own, which cost €800. I spend around €60–100 a week on makeup, false eyelashes, nails and various cosmetics
…Per course the product was described as costing: ‘€50 for needles, sterilised water, melanotan and postage’. Products were used solely for tanning purposes (and not for slimming or sexual stimulation), with the resulting melanogenesis boosted by use of tanning beds 2–3× per week. The avoidance of burning when using melanotan was described as a motivating factor, as well as the convenience of not needing to use spray tan to achieve a tanned look.
By using melanotan, I can be out in the sun and not have to worry about burning. I can go to work in Ibiza without bringing loads of tan or having it on me in the sun and I can enjoy myself more.
…She remarked that her income had not increased as a result of her synthetic tanning.
I am dancing for 3 years, one year without melanotan and two with. I am making the same money I think. If I am making any more, I would put that down to being more experienced and confidant in my body.
The case described preoccupation with her appearance as also being grounded in the esthetics of club dance culture.
It’s important to me to look funky and attractive. There mightn’t be much material so it looks better with a tan. Whereas day to day during the week I wouldn’t mind so much if people saw me without make-up’.
…No reports of sexual risk taking were made, with the case preferring a monogamous relationship.
It definitely does have an effect on sex drive [see 2005], it is like a form of female Viagra. Even though you feel sick at the same time, you would still be horny. I don’t know of any people that are using it for the increased sex drive. They are using it for tanning.
…Injecting of melanotan II: The case had no prior drug injecting experience or intentions to inject illicit drugs.
It is bad enough to inject the melanotan, I cannot ever imagine injecting into a vein or anything like that. I wouldn’t have the nerve or the stomach. I don’t see myself as a deviant drug user. I am a recreational drug user like a lot of people, most people actually.
She did not report attempting to source the nasal spray version of melanotan. She was concerned about injecting the product, and in early stages asked her initial source to inject her at his house. She did not report sharing the injection. The transition to self-inject occurred when this acquaintance was unavailable. Injections were administered into the stomach area, and the case described her injecting site as confined to one side so that she could inject with the same hand each time.
I was terrified. I am afraid of injections anyway. It took ages for me to get the courage and I got somebody else to do it for me. Then after that I just didn’t have anyone there to do it for me so I just had to get brave and do it myself. You find a piece of fat on your stomach, pull it out a little bit and inject the injection down into it, as if you are holding a pencil to write. I am still using the same place to inject, obviously not exactly the same spot but around there.