Another contributing factor may have to do with the longevity of the melanosomes. A study found that melanosomes in dark-skinned people are more resistant to cellular degradation when cells become too unstable in an organism, resulting in its ultimate death than they are in white-skinned individuals. You may wonder whether different ratios of eumelanin to pheomelanin exist in different races. Eumelanin is the type of melanin that dark-skinned individuals have more of, while no differences have been detected for pheomelanin all races have it.
Intriguingly, melanosomes are physically longer in black-skinned individuals than they are in white-skinned ones. Scientists are currently interested in the idea that black skin is more protected from the harmful effects of light in part because melanin is better distributed in these elongated melanosomes, while melanosomes in white-skinned people are shorter and more clustered.
Melanin, like sunscreen , has an SPF or sun protective factor. That might not sound like very much, but an SPF 2 represents doubling the amount of protection from the sun. Following DNA damage or repair from UV light exposure, we increase the production of melanin and this creates a tanning effect.
In mammals, it is known that more than genes have a role in pigmentation. There is evidence that in addition to its photoprotective qualities, melanin can also be toxic to cells grown in culture dishes after UV exposure. Specifically, melanin can produce reactive oxygen compounds that can lead to a break in a single strand of DNA, and pheomelanin can generate hydrogen peroxide which may cause mutations. Whether this happens in human skin and whether it impacts cancer is unknown at this time.
In recent years, melanin research has expanded from studies aimed at understanding how melanin protects us from UV light to a variety of applied disciplines including materials science, drug delivery, and electronics. By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our privacy policy. We never sell or share your email address. All rights reserved.
Always consult your doctor about your medical conditions. There are two different types of melanin that melanocytes produce: eumelanin, which is dark brown in color, and pheomelanin, which can have a red or yellow tint. Melanin production is regulated by a peptide hormone that's located in the pituitary gland and known as the melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Pituitary tumors and spiked estrogen levels that occur during pregnancy cause the pituitary gland to produce more of this hormone.
But melanocytes don't always function as they should. Vitiligo, for example, is a skin condition in which the immune system attacks melanocytes. The melanocytes cease producing melanin, resulting in white, oval-shaped patches of skin that gradually grow larger. The lack of melanin also turns the hair in the affected area s white.
Other conditions that are affected by a lack of melanin include albinism and phenylketonuria. The color of human skin varies. Its exact shade is determined by the blood that flows through it, diet, and the melanin produced by melanocytes.
Humans generally have the same amount of melanocytes; the amount of melanin that those melanocytes produce, however, is what varies. Melanin protects the skin by shielding it from the sun.
When the skin is exposed to the sun, melanin production increases, which is what produces a tan. It's the body's natural defense mechanism against sunburn. Everyone looks better with a glow, but it comes at a cost. Spending extended amounts of time in the sun or in a tanning bed is dangerous.
Take a sunburn, for example. It takes time for melanocytes to produce melanin and protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. When melanocytes can't work quickly enough to create a tan, the UV rays from the sun can burn the skin and leave it looking pink or bright red.
Sun damage also accumulates over time, which can lead to skin cancer. The lighter your skin, the greater your risk of developing skin cancer. So make sure that you see a dermatologist regularly for a skin exam. Direct sunlight isn't all bad, however.
The skin uses sunlight to make vitamin D, which absorbs calcium and is essential for bone strength and growth. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Unfortunately, the negative effects of UV rays don't stop with skin cancer. In addition to sunburn, UV rays can lead to eye problems like vision impairment and cataracts and even a weakened immune system. If you're wondering, "Can darker-skinned people get skin cancer?
While those with darker skin may not see or be as aware of the warning signs, the risks are very real. Melanin is your built-in protective system, but there are some smart steps you can take to reduce the risk of skin cancer and dangerous sun exposure.
These include:. The sun is not entirely unhealthy and can actually be a great source of Vitamin D , but it's important to be smart and safe about spending time outside. But if you still have questions about sun safety and how to stay safe with our UV apparel, email us. We'll reach out with answers and assistance.
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