La Melanin is a substance found in the skin that produces pigment; each person has a different amount of melanin in their skin, due to genetics and other factors.
Indeed, melanin is the pigment responsible for our variety of skin tones and undertones, eye and hair color; not only provides pigmentation, but also protects against the negative effects of ultraviolet rays.
Let's find out everything there is to know about melanin!
What is Melanin?
It is a substance present in the skin that produces skin pigmentation; Scientists have identified three forms of melanin in humans:
- Eumelanin
- Pheomelanin
- Neuromelanin
The first two are present in the epidermis, while the last one is found in the brain. Melanocytes are the cells that produce eumelanin and pheomelanin; cells known as keratinocytes carry melanin to the skin's surface.
In people with dark skin, melanocytes produce more melanin than fair-skinned people.
Function
This substance has a number of biological functions, such as:
- hair pigmentation
- skin pigmentation
- protection of eyes and skin from sunlight
melanocytes produce melanin in the innermost layer of the epidermis; the keratinocytes then transport the melanin to the surface of the skin.
The different colors of hair, eyes and skin depend on different proportions between the various forms of melanin; for example black hair presages a large amount of eumelanin, blond hair indicates a very small amount of eumelanin and red hair indicates a greater presence of pheomelanin.
Benefits
This substance has a number of beneficial properties for the body, among which are:
- UV protection: it is an agent that absorbs UV rays and is able to protect the skin from the damage of the latter; it is eumelanin responsible for protection from UV rays, therefore people with higher levels of pheomelanin (like those with blond or red hair and fair skin) they are more likely to suffer solar damage
- protection from reactive oxygen species: these are by-products of cellular processes within the body; melanin is able to capture them when they accumulate in the cells, preventing oxidative stress and cellular damage
- gastric ulcer prevention: plays a role in the protection of the intestines
- reduction of organic inflammation: it can help reduce inflammation in the body, while also preventing liver injury and playing a role in the immune system.
Is it possible to increase melanin levels?
Although a tan indicates that the skin is releasing melanin, it is not a safe way to increase its levels.
La Skin Cancer Foundation notes, in fact, that tanning increases the risk of developing skin cancer; however, there are some nutrients that we can find through our diet, which help the skin defend itself against UV rays:
- garlic
- laurel
- cinnamon
- paprika
- pomegranate
these foods they contain powerful antioxidants, which can potentially increase the amount of melanin in the skin.
And you, did you know the properties of melanin? Let us know in the comments and remember to follow us on our telegram channel
SUBSCRIBE HERE TO THE TELEGRAM CHANNEL