The pigment present in skin is melanin. Melanin is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes located in the skin. The amount of melanin produced determines the color of your skin, hair, and eyes.
Here's a breakdown of how melanin works:
- Production: Melanocytes produce melanin, which is a natural pigment.
- Color: The more melanin your body produces, the darker your skin, hair, and eyes will be.
- Protection: Melanin plays a crucial role in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
Interesting facts about melanin:
- Types of melanin: There are two main types of melanin: eumelanin (brown to black pigment) and pheomelanin (red to yellow pigment).
- Sun exposure: Sun exposure stimulates the production of melanin, which is why people tan.
- Skin pigmentation disorders: Disorders affecting melanin production can lead to changes in skin color, such as vitiligo (loss of pigment) or melasma (dark patches).
