People who have dark skin, such as African Americans and Latinos, have more melanin in their skin. Melanin has an inherent sun protective factor (SPF) of 6 or 7, so dark-skinned people have a lower risk of sun-related skin cancers. As a result, they may be screened less often and with less scrutiny. Show
"Unfortunately, that means patients of color tend to get diagnosed with these cancers later when outcomes are worse," Dr. Obioha says. There are three main types of skin cancer to watch for: 1. Basal cell carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is associated with sun exposure among all skin types, and it's the most common form of skin cancer. BCCs typically develop on areas of the skin that get the most sun exposure, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back. 2. Squamous cell carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is linked to long-term exposure to UV radiation. For people with dark-colored skin, SCC is often unrelated to sun exposure. "For this population, predisposing factors are burns and chronic inflammation due to other conditions," Dr. Obioha explains. "Skin ulcers and unhealing wounds also are more prone to developing squamous cells." 3. Melanoma: Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It develops from melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin. In ethnic skin, melanoma is often found in sun-protected areas like the toes and fingers. OverviewWhat is melanin?Melanin is a complex polymer that originates from the amino acid tyrosine. Melanin is present in human and animal skin to varying degrees, and is responsible for your unique eye, hair and skin color. FunctionWhat does melanin do?Melanin provides pigmentation to your skin, eyes and hair. The substance also absorbs harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays and protects your cells from sun damage. AnatomyWhere is melanin produced?Melanin is produced in melanocytes. These cells are located in different areas of your body, including:
What are the types of melanin?There are three different types of melanin, including:
How does melanin affect skin color?Your unique combination of eumelanin and pheomelanin is responsible for your skin, hair and eye color. Typically, all humans have the same number of melanocytes. However, the amount of melanin produced by these melanocytes varies. People with more melanin generally have darker skin, eyes and hair compared to those with little melanin. Additionally, people who’re born with clusters of melanocytes have freckles. How does melanin protect the skin?When you spend time out in the sun, your body produces more melanin. The substance absorbs light from UV rays and redistributes it toward the upper layers of skin. It also protects the genetic material stored in your cells by keeping out harmful UV rays. But keep in mind that melanin alone isn’t enough to protect your skin from sun damage. That’s why it’s so important to wear sunscreen and appropriate clothing whenever you’re outside. What are the benefits of melanin?Notable melanin benefits include:
Studies also suggest that melanin may aid in immune system support and the reduction of inflammation in your body. More research is necessary to determine the full extent of these benefits. Conditions and DisordersMelanin deficiency is linked to a number of skin disorders and health conditions. Some of these include:
Is it possible to have too much melanin?Some people make an excess of melanin. This is known as hyperpigmentation, and it’s harmless. People who make too much melanin usually have patches of skin that become darker than the surrounding skin. CareHow can I increase melanin?Though many products claim to boost melanin levels, there isn’t any research that supports their effectiveness. Experts continue exploring ways to naturally increase melanin to prevent sun damage and skin cancer. There’s also a common misconception that tanning is a safe way to increase melanin. In reality, this practice significantly increases your risk for skin cancer. Frequently Asked QuestionsAre melanin and melatonin the same thing?No. Though the terms sound similar, they refer to different things. Melanin is a pigment responsible for skin tone. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates your waking and sleeping cycle. Does melanin cause vitamin D deficiency?Some experts believe that people who have darker skin are more prone to vitamin D deficiency than people with lighter skin. This is because excess melanin absorbs the UV rays responsible for vitamin D synthesis. There are studies that support this claim, but more research is needed in this area. A note from Cleveland Clinic Melanin plays an important role in shielding your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But remember, melanin isn’t a substitute for proper sun protection. No matter what your skin tone, you should always wear sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 when venturing outdoors. How does melanin protect skin cancer?UVA radiation causes lesions or DNA damage to melanocytes, which are the skin cells that produce the skin pigment known as melanin. Melanin is a protective pigment in skin, blocking UV radiation from damaging DNA and potentially causing skin cancer.
Does more melanin reduce skin cancer?Melanin does confer some natural protection against the risk of skin cancers from UV, but everyone, of any complexion, is still at risk for sun-related skin cancers. So yes, sometimes there's a false sense of immunity because of increased melanin.
How does melanin protect the skin from the effects of ultraviolet light?Instead of becoming very reactive when hit by UV light, melanin releases the extra energy as heat; it reacts less than 1 out of every 1000 times it becomes excited. This allows melanin to protect more sensitive molecules, like DNA, from UV exposure.
What is melanin and how does it help protect your skin?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.
|