The epidermis is the layer of skin that produces melanin. Specifically, melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes that reside in the basal layer of the epidermis.
Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving skin its color. The amount of melanin produced determines how dark or light a person's skin is. When exposed to sunlight, melanocytes produce more melanin to protect the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Here are some additional details about melanin and the epidermis:
- The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.
- It protects the body from harm, keeps it hydrated, and produces new skin cells.
- Melanocytes are specialized cells that produce and distribute melanin.
- Melanin is transferred from melanocytes to surrounding skin cells called keratinocytes.
- The higher the concentration of melanin, the darker the skin.
