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Forms of Melanin

Three forms of melanin have been identified in humans:

• Neuromelanin- It is present in brain. 
• Eumelanin and Pheomelanin-  Both are present in epidermis and produced by cells known as melanocytes. Different people have different skin pigmentation due to the difference in the ratio of eumelanin to pheomelanin, as well as the number of melanocytes. Pheomelanin is also responsible for giving pinkish color to the lips etc. 

Different hair colors result from different proportions of various forms of melanin. For example:

• Black Hair Color- Contain a large quantity of eumelanin
• Brown Hair Color- Contains a moderate quantity of eumelanin
• Blond Hair Color- Contains a very little quantity of eumelanin
• Red Hair Color-primarily contain pheomelanin, with very little quantity of eumelanin

Keratinocytes on the other hand are the cells that carry melanin to the skin surface. Melanin production are more in dark skin people than in the light skin tones. Melanin production by Melanocytes occurs in basal layer, which is the innermost layer of the epidermis. 

Function and Benefits:

Although Melanin perform many biological functions, but the most important function includes it given pigmentation to skin and hair. It protects skin and eyes from the harmful rays of sunlight. 

Melanin shows a variety of beneficial properties, including:

• Protection of skin from UV light effects, UVB and blue light. Eumelanin protects the skin from UV light, whereas pheomelanin does not.
• Protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS), a by-products of cellular process within the body.
• It helps in the reduction of inflammation in the body as shown in previous research and also play important role in immune system. 

Skin Pigmentation

It occurs as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation

when a body produce too much melanin is known as hyperpigmentation, which  can occur due to the presence of excess melanocyte-stimulating hormone or certain conditions. Some factors that can increase the amount of melanin in the skin include:

• Addison’s disease
• Hemochromatosis: a condition that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food
• Pregnancy 
• Sun exposure 

Hyperpigmentation can be lowered by certain treatments like daily application of sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher, use of topical creams like hydroquinone, L-ascorbic acid, corticosteroid creams, retinoid creams and glycolic acid or can take advice directly from the skin specialist. 

Hypopigmentation

When a body produce too little melanin in the skin is known as hypopigmentation. As a result, skin becomes more lighter. Two examples of hypopigmentation are vitiligo and albinism. As there is no safe way to increase melanin production, though tanning is the one way that increase the melanin production, but this method causes skin cancer. 

A person can consume certain nutrients to help the skin defend itself from UV damage. Antioxidants can also consume that reduces cellular damage. According to 2018 research, antioxidants may have the potential to increase the amount of melanin in the skin. Foods high in antioxidants includes:

• Garlic
• Bay leaf
• Cinnamon
• Red chili
• Pomegranate

Summary

Melanin is a substance produced by melanocytes in the skin surface, which results in skin pigment. Each person with different skin tone is due to different amount of melanin production in their skin. There are certain environmental factors present which can increase or decrease the amount of melanin in the skin. 

Many treatment options are available that can help to increase or decrease the melanin level in the skin. But before opting these methods, one should consult a healthcare professional.