Different hair colors result from different proportions of various forms of melanin. For example :. It also offers protection against UVB and blue light. Eumelanin protects the skin from UV light, whereas pheomelanin does not. As a result, people with more pheomelanin, such as those with blond or red hair and light skin, are more likely to experience sun damage.
Melanin also has protective effects against reactive oxygen species ROS. These are byproducts of cellular processes within the body. A review notes that when there is an accumulation of ROS in the cells, they can cause cellular damage and stress. ROS has links to aging , cancer , and diabetes. For example, a study on rats found that herbal melanin may be able to prevent the formation of stomach ulcers. This suggests that melanin could play a role in the protection of the gut.
Additionally, previous research also showed that melanin may contribute to the reduction of inflammation in the body, preventing injuries to the liver. It may also play a role in the immune system. The amount of melanin in the skin will vary from person to person. Melanocytes house melanin in cells called melanosomes.
The amount of melanin in the skin is a result of the quantity and distribution of melanocytes. A article notes that skin pigmentation differences are due to the number of melanocytes present in the skin, as well as the ratio of eumelanin to pheomelanin.
Typically, those with light skin have melanocytes that have clusters of two or three melanosomes. In contrast, those with dark skin generally have individual melanosomes that can also produce melanin for keratinocytes more quickly. Other factors that can affect the level of melanin in the skin include :. It is possible for a person to produce too much melanin within the body.
Experts call it hyperpigmentation. It can occur due to certain conditions or the presence of excess melanocyte-stimulating hormone. For example, daily application of sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher can help minimize the effects of UV light on the skin.
A person should consult a healthcare professional before using any topical treatments, as these could have side effects, such as increased sensitivity. Learn more about treatment for hyperpigmentation here. At times, a person can have too little melanin in the skin. This results in the skin becoming lighter.
Healthcare professionals may refer to this as hypopigmentation. Two examples of hypopigmentation are vitiligo and albinism. Vitiligo is a skin condition that results in white patches of skin due to the loss of melanocytes. Albinism is a genetic condition that causes people to have very little or no melanin pigment in the eyes, skin, or hair. Although tanning is an indication that the skin is releasing melanin, it is not a safe way to increase melanin levels.
The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that tanning increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Learn more about increasing melanin levels here. According to research , antioxidants may have the potential to increase the amount of melanin in the skin. Melanocytes create melanin through the process of melanogenesis, which is also an oxidative process that produces ROS.
Antioxidants are able to relieve this oxidative stress and reduce cellular damage. Foods high in antioxidants include :. Melanin is a substance that melanocytes produce in the skin surface, which results in skin pigment. The amount of melanocytes and the ratio of the forms of melanin in the skin dictate how much melanin is present.
Some conditions and environmental factors can decrease or increase the amount of melanin in the skin. Additionally, methods are available to either lower or increase melanin levels in the skin.
These melanosomes are the site of synthesis for both eumelanin and pheomelanin, which is then distributed to a variety of cells, such as keratinocytes skin cells. However, there are some other factors that can influence the production of melanin, such as:. In addition to providing pigmentation in humans and animals, melanin also plays an important biological role by providing protection against damage from the sun.
However, research on these potential benefits is scarce, so pigmentation and photoprotection remain the two primary benefits of melanin for humans. Despite the many variations in human skin, hair, and eye color, almost all human beings have roughly the same number of melanocytes. However, people with dark skin tones have melanosomes that are higher in number, larger in size, and more pigmented than those with light skin tones.
Interestingly, these melanosomes also seem to display specific distribution patterns based on skin color. These differences all contribute to the wide variety of skin colors and tones in human beings. Genetics generally determine the amount of melanin in your hair, skin, and eyes, but there are two conditions that can happen when your body lacks melanin:.
During sun exposure , harmful UV rays from the sun penetrate through the skin and begin to damage the DNA in the skin cells. In response to this cellular damage, the body attempts to produce more melanin to protect the cells.
However, once the skin begins to tan, this is an indication that cellular damage has already occurred. Over time, this cellular damage can potentially lead to skin cancer. Outside of tanning, there have been some reports that suggest certain vitamin or herbal supplements can increase melanin levels in the skin. Some of the more commonly recommended supplements are antioxidants, such as vitamin A and vitamin E.
In addition to providing pigmentation for the cells, melanin also absorbs harmful UV rays and protects against cellular damage from UV light exposure. Melanin levels are generally determined by genetics, but they can be influenced by outside sources, such as sun exposure, hormones, or even age. Learn more about how to get even skin tone.
Hyperpigmentation of the skin is an aesthetic rather than a medical concern for people most of the time. Well share 10 at-home treatments you can try…. How one dermatology appointment — and facing the statistics — helped me kick my tanning habit for good. Here are 16 of the best sunscreens on the market in spray, lotion, and solid forms, and for different needs.
They're tried and true. Everyone can benefit from a good facial cleanser, and many products are specially formulated for dry, sensitive skin.
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