Human skin color is determined by the amount and type of melanin present in the skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by cells called melanocytes, and it's the primary factor influencing the skin color of individuals with darker skin.
Melanin is a substance that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes. It's produced in special cells called melanocytes, which are located in the basal layer of the skin.
- Eumelanin is a type of melanin that produces brown and black pigmentation.
- Pheomelanin is a type of melanin that produces red and yellow pigmentation.
The amount of melanin we inherit from our parents determines our skin color. People with more melanin have darker skin, while people with less melanin have lighter skin.
Skin color is a complex trait influenced by several factors, including genetics, geography, and exposure to sunlight.
