Skin color is determined by the amount of melanin, a pigment produced by cells called melanocytes located in the deep basal layer of the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. This means skin color is indeed "skin deep" as it is determined by the pigmentation of the epidermis.
While skin color is a surface characteristic, it can be influenced by factors that go beyond the skin itself, like:
- Genetics: The amount of melanin produced is determined by our genes, inherited from our parents.
- Sunlight Exposure: Sunlight stimulates melanin production, leading to tanning and darkening of the skin.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions can cause skin color changes, like vitiligo, which causes patches of depigmentation.
It's important to remember that skin color is a complex trait with a long history and diverse social implications.
