Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMelanin and Skin ColorHaving More MelaninHaving Less MelaninSupplements
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Melanin and Skin Color
Having More Melanin
Having Less Melanin
Supplements
Generally speaking, pale skin has less melanin and less active melanocytes than darker skin or skin that tans more easily.Melanin also determineseyeand hair color and performs other biological functions.
This article will discuss how melanin is associated with skin, people with more melanin, people with less melanin, and the uses of melanin supplements.
Melanin and Skin: The Link
Melanin determines the tone and color of skin, hair, and iris of the eyes.Melanin also helps protect cells' hereditary material, DNA, fromsun damage. Melanin production increases with sun exposure to help protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
It is also found in the retina (light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) and plays a role in normal vision.
Production
While the MC1R gene plays an important role in human pigmentation, other genes are also believed to play a part. Some of these genes are involved in the production of melanin in hair, including ASIP, DTNBP1, GPR143, HPS3, KITLG, MLPH, MYO5A, MYO7A, OCA2, SLC45A2, SLC24A5, TYRP1, TYR, ERCC6, GNAS, HERC2, IRF4, OBSCN, SLC24A4, TPCN2, and MITF.
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone produced in thepituitary glandregulates melanin production in the skin.
Both the amount and type of melanin determine skin and hair color.
Melanocytes produce two forms of melanin:
People who produce mostly eumelanin tend to have:
People who produce mostly pheomelanin tend to have:
Melanin derives from the amino acidL-tyrosine, but its chemical structure at the atomic level is not yet understood.
A Note on Gender and Sex TerminologyVerywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
Hair and skin melanocytes may work independently, for example, it is possible to have light skin and dark hair.
Gray hairhappens when melanocyte activity slows down and eventually stops producing melanin.Gray hair is more common in older ages, but may be a result of a vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid imbalance.
Melanin and Other Pigmentation Roles
Melanin in the skin helps protect against ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and visible blue light. It acts as a shield preventing direct UV action on the DNA of epidermal cells. It indirectly scavenges reactive oxygenated molecules that are formed on the skin due to UV radiation.These molecules could further damage DNA.
The amount of UV protection depends on the type and amount of melanin present, but it is usually not enough for full protection, especially in the summer sun. Sun protection, such as sunscreen, is advised regardless of skin tone.
Melanin also helps support:
Conditions Affected By Melanin
Pigmentation disorderscan cause hyperpigmentation (increased skin color) and hypopigmentation (reduced skin color). These changes can be localized (in certain areas) or generalized (all over).
People With More Melanin
People With Less Melanin
People with light skin produce mostly pheomelanin.Less eumelanin makes light skin more vulnerable toUV damage and skin cancer.
Melanin and EvolutionThe diversity in the amount and type of melanin produced in people of different geographical and racial backgrounds occurred through genetic changes over thousands of generations.Moving to a certain geographical area will not change your genetic makeup regarding melanin production.
Melanin and Evolution
The diversity in the amount and type of melanin produced in people of different geographical and racial backgrounds occurred through genetic changes over thousands of generations.Moving to a certain geographical area will not change your genetic makeup regarding melanin production.
What Does “Melanin Deficient” Mean?
An absence of melanocytes results in a loss of pigmentation. A loss or reduction in the synthesis of melanin can result in conditions such asvitiligo, albinism, andphenylketonuria(causes a buildup of an amino acid calledphenylalanine).
Amount of MelaninGenerally speaking, the darker your skin, the more melanin you have.In simple terms:High eumelanin and low pheomelanin tend to produce brown or dark skin/brown or black hair.High pheomelanin and low eumelanin tend to produce light skin and freckles/red hair (very high pheomelanin) or yellow hair.No or very little eumelanin or pheomelanin (albinism) tends to produce pale skin/white hair.These are generalizations. Other factors also play a role in pigmentation.
Amount of Melanin
Generally speaking, the darker your skin, the more melanin you have.In simple terms:High eumelanin and low pheomelanin tend to produce brown or dark skin/brown or black hair.High pheomelanin and low eumelanin tend to produce light skin and freckles/red hair (very high pheomelanin) or yellow hair.No or very little eumelanin or pheomelanin (albinism) tends to produce pale skin/white hair.These are generalizations. Other factors also play a role in pigmentation.
Generally speaking, the darker your skin, the more melanin you have.
In simple terms:
These are generalizations. Other factors also play a role in pigmentation.
Melanin Supplement Uses
Tanning shots:
Tanning accelerators:
The Hidden Dangers of Tanning Nasal Sprays That You Should Be Aware Of
Sunless Tanning Products
Sunless tanning products are cosmetics that are not thought to be harmful when they are used properly. They include:
Tanning sprays carry a concern for inhaling the product or the product getting in the eyes, nose, or mouth. DHA is approved for external use only.
These products do not offer sun protection unless they include proper sunscreen ingredients. Ones that contain sunscreen are only effective for a couple of hours, and moresunscreen or other preventive measureswould be needed for sun exposure after that.
Other Supplements
Some supplements are marketed to support melanin production, such as slowing hair graying. However,supplements and dietary changes to increase melanin productionhave not been extensively studied.
A healthy diet high in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables can support skin health.Avitamin B12 deficiencycan affect melanocytes.Discuss any supplementation with a healthcare provider.
Melanin vs. Melatonin
Summary
Eumelanin produces brown to black pigment. Pheomelanin produces red or yellow pigment. Generally speaking, the more eumelanin you produce, the darker your skin will be, but other factors also play a role. Pigment disorders, such asalbinism, can occur when too much or too little melanin is produced.
Melanin supplements, such as tanning shots or tanning accelerators, are not effective or approved and may be dangerous. Cosmetic sunless tanners, such as bronzers and sunless tanner lotions, are considered safe when used appropriately.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Mount Sinai.Skin - abnormally dark or light.
Britannica.Melanin.
MedlinePlus.MC1R gene.
Britannica.Melanocyte.
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McGill University.Major advance in research on melanin, the pigment that colours skin, eyes, and hair.
Jablonski NG.The evolution of human skin pigmentation involved the interactions of genetic, environmental, and cultural variables.Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2021;34(4):707-729. doi:10.1111/pcmr.12976
American Academy of Dermatology.Sunscreen FAQs.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hyperpigmentation.
Palomar College.Skin color adaptation.
Nemours KidsHealth.What’s melanin?
American Cancer Society.Tanning pills and other tanning products.
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