Melanin exists in the skin and produces pigment. The amount of pigment that exists is dependent largely on genetics. There are three forms of melanin in humans that scientists have identified. The first one being eumelanin, followed by pheomelanin and lastly neuromelanin. Eumelanin is black or brown pigment, pheomelanin is a reddish-yellow pigment, and neuromelanin is a dark pigment found in the brain.
Melanin exists in our skin and hair and serves as a protective shield for our eyes. It is beneficial for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, melanin absorbs UV light and protects the skin against harsh effects it can cause on the skin’s surface. It also offers protection against UVB and blue light. Additionally, melanin protects against reactive oxygen species. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are byproducts of cellular processes that exist within the body. Studies show that if there is an accumulation of ROS in the cells, they can cause cellular damage and stress. ROS has also been linked to aging, cancer, and diabetes.
Genetics play a major role on how much melanin there is in a person’s skin. Studies show that skin pigmentation differences relate to the number of melanocytes that are present in the skin, as well as the ratio of eumelanin to pheomelanin. Other factors such as age, UV light exposure, inflammation, and changes in hormone levels can also affect the level of melanin in the skin. There are several treatment options available for anyone looking to lower their melanin levels such as hydroquinone, L-ascorbic acid, azelaic acid, corticosteroid creams, retinoid creams, and glycolic acid. However, a skin care specialist must be consulted first when trying to lower melanin levels.
There are several types of skin discoloration that are linked with the amount of melanin that your skin produces. When it comes to sunspots, your skin produces excess melanin to protect it from UV rays. This excess pigmentation can form dark spots on your skin, called sunspots. Freckles, on the other hand, are determined by genetics. Freckles occur when your skin produces melanin in clusters of cells rather than evenly distribute throughout your skin. This results in the small areas of pigmentation on the skin that we call freckles.
There are no scientific studies that support that people can increase their melanin; however, there are nutrients that spike melanin levels in the skin. Nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Antioxidants can be commonly found in foods such as fish, grapes, berries, greens, green tea, beans, dark chocolate, beetroot, sweet potatoes, and red cabbage. It is important to learn how melanin affects you and your skin type directly to properly treat your skin and skin care needs.
