What is melanin?
Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its colour. People with dark skin have more melanin than people with light skin.
Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes in the epidermis (layers of the skin).
Melanin is found in the hair, skin, eyes. Melanin determines skin colour in humans.
Important melanin facts
- The amino acid tyrosine is a precursor of melanin
- Freckles are literally little spots (or concentrations) of melanin
Why melanin is important
Melanin may give some protection against ultraviolet light damage, which is why lighter-skinned people get burnt after minimal exposure to the sun, while darker-skinned people do not suffer sunburn after short sun exposure.
