How does melanin protect the body

However, once the skin begins to tan, this is an indication that cellular damage has already occurred. Over time, this cellular damage can potentially lead to skin cancer. Outside of tanning, there have been some reports that suggest certain vitamin or herbal supplements can increase melanin levels in the skin. Some of the more commonly recommended supplements are antioxidants, such as vitamin A and vitamin E.

In addition to providing pigmentation for the cells, melanin also absorbs harmful UV rays and protects against cellular damage from UV light exposure. Melanin levels are generally determined by genetics, but they can be influenced by outside sources, such as sun exposure, hormones, or even age. Learn more about how to get even skin tone. Hyperpigmentation of the skin is an aesthetic rather than a medical concern for people most of the time.

Well share 10 at-home treatments you can try…. How one dermatology appointment — and facing the statistics — helped me kick my tanning habit for good. Here are 16 of the best sunscreens on the market in spray, lotion, and solid forms, and for different needs. They're tried and true. They're also responsible for most types of skin cancer.

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.

Melanin protects skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays. These can burn the skin and reduce its elasticity, leading to premature aging. People tan because sunlight causes the skin to produce more melanin and darken. The tan fades when new cells move to the surface and the tanned cells are sloughed off.

Some sunlight can be good as long as you have proper protection from overexposure. 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. Use of the site is conditional upon your acceptance of our terms of use. What is Melanin? By Editorial Team August 20, Share to Facebook Share to Twitter email print page Bookmark for later comment 0 Reactions 0 reactions.