There are two primary types of melanin found in mammals: eumelanin and pheomelanin.
- Eumelanin is responsible for the dark colors in skin, eyes, and hair. It comes in two forms: black and brown.
- Pheomelanin produces reddish-yellow colors and is found in red hair, freckles, and light skin.
The ratio of these two types of melanin determines the final color of our hair, skin, and eyes. For example, people with a high concentration of eumelanin will have darker skin and hair, while those with a higher concentration of pheomelanin will have lighter skin and hair.
The MC1R gene plays a crucial role in determining which type of melanin is produced by melanocytes.
