Have you ever wondered why your skin gets darker in summer, why some people tan more easily, or why pigmentation spots appear on the face? Behind all these processes lies melanin.
This natural pigment plays a bigger role in our bodies than we might think. In this article, we’ll explore what melanin actually is, how it’s produced, and how you can support its balance with proper skincare.
What is melanin and why is it important?
Melanin is a natural pigment produced by melanocytes – specialised cells located in the deepest layer of the epidermis. The amount and type of melanin determine the colour of your skin, hair and eyes.
But melanin isn’t only about appearance – it also plays a protective role. It helps absorb and scatter harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, reducing the risk of sunburn, premature ageing, and even skin cancer.
Melanin levels fluctuate depending on the seasons and your sun exposure. During the warmer months, when we're outdoors more often, melanin production increases – which shows up as a tan or dark spots. In the colder months, when sun exposure is reduced, melanin production slows down and the skin often appears lighter.
How is melanin produced?
Melanin is produced in melanocytes, where the amino acid tyrosine is converted into pigment through the action of the enzyme tyrosinase. The amount of melanin produced is largely determined by genetics, but it’s also influenced by hormones, sun exposure, and certain health conditions.
Sunlight stimulates melanocyte activity, serving as the skin’s natural defence mechanism. However, when melanin production becomes uneven, it can lead to dark spots or other types of hyperpigmentation on the skin’s surface.
Types of melanin
Melanin isn’t a single pigment – there are several types, each with its own colour, role, and location in the body:
- Eumelanin is the most common form. It gives skin and hair a dark brown to black colour and is characteristic of people with darker skin tones. It also provides strong protection against UV rays.
- Pheomelanin is found in people with red or very light hair. It has a yellowish to red hue and offers less protection from the sun than eumelanin.
- Neuromelanin is located in the central nervous system, particularly in specific areas of the brain. It doesn’t affect skin colour but plays an important role in brain function.
Melanin and skin health
Melanin acts as a natural shield, helping to defend the skin from harmful UV radiation. The more melanin the skin has, the better it absorbs UV light and reduces the risk of sunburn and long-term damage, such as premature ageing or skin cancer. People with lighter complexions generally have less melanin, making their skin more sensitive to environmental stress.
An imbalance in melanin production can lead to pigmentation disorders. Hyperpigmentation appears as dark spots, often triggered by sun exposure, inflammation or hormonal changes. In contrast, hypopigmentation causes the skin to lose pigment, resulting in white patches.
How to support or regulate melanin production
You can influence melanin production through proper skincare, diet and sun protection. A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, and minerals such as copper and zinc supports melanocyte function and healthy skin activity.
It’s also essential to protect the skin from excessive melanin production. The Hemptouch Mineral Shield Face Sunscreen SPF 30 offers effective protection against UVA and UVB rays while helping prevent the appearance of new dark spots.
Mineral Shield Face Sunscreen SPF 30, 50 ml
A mineral-based face sunscreen SPF 30 ensures effective UVA/UVB protection. A lightweight sun shield with invisible finish protect.. Details
€28.00
f you’re already dealing with hyperpigmentation, we recommend including the Hemptouch Skin Perfection Azelaic Serum in your routine. This gentle yet effective formula helps even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Skin Perfection Azelaic Serum 30 ml
This skin-perfecting serum clarifies uneven tone, reduces the appearance of redness, dark spots, breakouts, and hyperpigmentation,.. Details
€35.50
Regular hydration, the use of natural ingredients, and daily protection help the skin maintain its natural barrier and reduce the risk of melanin imbalance.
Disorders linked to melanin production
Notable pigmentation changes may result from disorders affecting melanocyte activity. In vitiligo, melanin disappears from specific areas of the skin, resulting in white patches. Albinism, a rare genetic condition, is characterised by a complete absence of melanin, leading to very light skin, hair and eyes and heightened sensitivity to sunlight.
On the other hand, excessive melanin production occurs in conditions like melasma and age spots. Melasma usually appears on the face during pregnancy or due to hormonal changes, while age spots result from prolonged sun exposure. In both cases, the condition can be managed with regular skincare and proper UV protection.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22615-melanin
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-melanin
https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/benefits-of-melanin
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111%2Fpcmr.13165
Posted by Barbara Novak on date , updated on .
