| Skin Melanin Melanin is a naturally produced polymer found in a multitude of locations in the body, from the eye and ear, to the brain and skin. In humans, the two types of melanin present in the skin (eumelanin and pheomelanin) are responsible for different skin tone(which is induced by ultraviolet radiation), and the constituent of freckles. Eumelanin is a black or brown pigment, and is mainly concerned with the protection of the skin by absorbing incoming UV radiation. This protective ability warrants melanin to be termed a photoprotectant (a substance capable of providing protection against radiation from the sun). Pheomelanin is a reddish pigment, a very weak absorptive of UV radiation, further it also acts as a photosensitizer (makes your skin sensitive to light), where it increases sun sensitivity and skin ageing. Nutrition Vitamin D is naturally produced by the human body when exposed to direct sunlight. Season, geographic latitude, time of day, cloud cover and sunscreen affect UV ray exposure and vitamin D synthesis in the skin, and it is important for individuals with limited sun exposure to include good sources of vitamin D in their diet. Extra vitamin D is also recommended for older adults and people with dark skin. |
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