The Effects of Melanin

Two types of melanin are produced in the skin, pheomelanin and eumelanin. Pheomelanin, referred to as red melanin, produces a noticeable red quality in skin and hair. Eumelanin is known as dark brown melanin, and produces a brown quality in skin and hair.

Skin Color

• Cells produce both kinds of melanin but the difference between the quantity of each determines your hair and skin color. Environmental and biological effects can also influence your skin color. However, genetic factors are the chief determinant of your melanin production, caused by a combination of melanin controls inherited from your parents' DNA.

Irregular Pigmentation

• Pigmentation irregularities can occur in people of all skin colors. They include the abnormal darkening or lightening of skin and often result in uneven areas, blotchy patches or freckles. Abnormal melanin levels are generally not serious but treatments exist for concerned patients. Absence of eumelanin causes an extreme condition known as albinism. Lack of melanin leads to problems in direct sunlight.

Sun Effects

• Melanin aids in protection against solar radiation and prevents damage to your skin by the sun, including skin cancer. Long-term exposure to direct or artificial sunlight causes higher melanin levels and overall darkening of your skin. This darkening, referred to as tanning, will return to normal over time. Additionally, high melanin levels will help prevent the occurrence of sunburn.

Eye Color

• Your eye color is also determined by your melanin levels, specifically melanin in your iris. A heavy concentration of melanin leads to brown eyes, while an underproduction leads to blue eyes. Green eyes are the result of a mix of melanin in your iris. Complete lack of melanin results in red or pink irises, commonly associated with the condition known as albinism. Other eye colors and variations exist as a mixture between different types of melanin which create multiple color options.