It sounds like something out a sci-fi film but, after 10 years of research, Harvard University researchers have discovered a way to make skin deepen in colour – and it doesn’t involve baking yourself in the sun or coating yourself in fake tan.
The breakthrough drug, applied as a cream, stimulates the cells which produce pigment, leaving the skin darkened for a few days.
Although melanin pills have long been around, helping the skin tan and maintain the glow for longer, this new cream would work differently as no UV rays are required in order to make it work.
However this drug has only been tested on mice and samples of human skin so further clinical trials are needed to work out if it’s actually safe for use.
The controversial Melanotan II, an injectable drug which works in a similar way to this new cream, appeared promising when discovered more than a decade ago although it has since been found to cause horrible side effects including nausea, vomiting and darkening of potential skin cancerous moles.
As such it was not approved for legal sale by the Therapeutic Goods Association so here’s hoping this new cream gets the all-clear.
As New Zealand has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world, early detection is essential to cure it.
More than 4,000 Kiwis are diagnosed with Melanoma every year – that’s around 13 people a day.
Undertaking regular self-skin checks is one of the most effective way of detecting melanoma early – but getting an annual mole check should be part of your regular health check ups.
At Claris Group for only $50 you can get a full body skin check in only 45 minutes, where they will thoroughly check you from head to toe.
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