Skin color is primarily determined by the pigment melanin, produced by cells called melanocytes located in the basal layer of the epidermis. Melanin exists in two forms: eumelanin, which gives brown to black coloration, and pheomelanin, which contributes to red and yellow hues. The amount and type of melanin produced by melanocytes influence an individual's skin color.
Other factors that contribute to skin color include:
- Carotene: A yellow pigment found in plant foods that accumulates in the skin, contributing to a yellowish tone.
- Oxygenated Hemoglobin: The red pigment in blood, which gives the skin a pink or reddish hue when it is close to the surface.
- Local Blood Flow: Increased blood flow to the skin can lead to temporary redness, while decreased blood flow can make the skin appear pale.
The distribution and concentration of these pigments vary significantly among individuals, leading to the wide range of skin colors observed in humans.
