The hormone responsible for skin color is melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH). This hormone stimulates melanocytes, which are cells in the skin that produce melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. The more melanin you produce, the darker your skin, hair, and eyes will be.
While MSH is the primary hormone involved in skin pigmentation, other hormones also influence skin color. For example, estrogen can darken the skin, which is why some women may have darker skin than men. Progesterone can also affect skin color, although its effects are less well understood.
In addition to hormones, factors like genetics, sun exposure, and certain medications can also influence skin color.
