What is melanin pigment?

Melanin pigment, also known as melanin, is a natural pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. It is produced by melanocytes, which are cells found in the skin's basal layer. Melanin protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

There are two primary types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for brown, black, or dark colors, while pheomelanin produces shades of red and yellow. The amount and type of melanin in a person's skin are determined by genetics and environmental factors, such as sun exposure.

Melanin plays an important role in the body's response to sunlight. When the skin is exposed to UV radiation, melanocytes produce more melanin to protect the skin from damage. This is why people who have darker skin tones tend to tan rather than burn when exposed to the sun.

Melanin also helps to determine eye color. People with high levels of melanin in the iris will have dark-colored eyes, while those with lower levels of melanin will have lighter-colored eyes.

In addition to providing color, melanin also helps to protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells. Melanin can scavenge free radicals and prevent them from damaging the skin's DNA.

Overall, melanin is a vital pigment that plays an important role in protecting the skin and giving it color.