Melanin can be measured by spectrophotometry—a standard and cost-effective technique for measuring melanin using a light beam.
Darker areas of skin (or an area that tans more easily) occurs when you have more melanin or overactive melanocytes. Bronzing of the skin may sometimes be mistaken for a suntan. This skin discoloration often develops slowly, starting at the elbows, knuckles, and knees and spreading from there.
Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin. It's caused by the lack of melanin, which is the pigment in skin. Vitiligo can affect any area of skin, but it commonly happens on the face, neck and hands, and in skin creases.
Currently, no safe or proven method exists to increase melanin – the pigment, or color, in a person's skin, hair, and eyes. A person's genetics determine their natural melanin levels and skin color. In general, people who have darker skin tones have more melanin than those with lighter skin tones.
Nutrient-Dense Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds are categorized as melanin rich foods. They provide vitamin E, which is essential in protecting the skin and elevating melanin levels. Proteinous Legumes: Legumes are a substantial answer to how to increase melanin.
It is suggested to take lemon water orally as it helps to provide a good amount of Vitamin C and promotes in skin lightening. Apply a thin layer of freshly squeezed lemon juice on the affected areas and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with water.
Vitamin A, C and B12 are the most needed vitamins to increase the melanin production in your hair. Add citrus fruits like oranges, grapes, pineapple, and melon to your diet. Also eat vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beans, etc. Non vegetarians can try adding red meat, chicken liver, fish, and eggs to their diet.
Phototherapy To Increase Melanin
In a controlled environment, UV light can actually help safely increase melanin levels in people with vitiligo. Known as phototherapy, this treatment uses specific types of UV light to both suppress the skin's immune system and stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin.
Meanwhile, for the synthesis of vitamin D, we need to be exposed to sunlight. Hence, sun avoidance may result in decreased melanin levels and also low vitamin D levels. This can explain, at least partially, the positive correlation between melanin and vitamin D levels. This is supported by a study by Glass et al.
The sun and its UV rays break down collagen and elastin, which leads to sagging and other signs of aging. Melanin-rich skin has the benefit of additional built-in UV radiation, but also tends to show aging in a form other than wrinkles.
Albinism. When a person has very little melanin, it results in this rare disorder. People with albinism have pale skin, white hair and blue eyes. There's also an increased risk for vision loss and sun damage.
If you've been wondering, "Why is my skin becoming darker?" without obvious sun exposure, it's essential to understand that several factors could be at play. Your skin can react to many triggers, both internal and external. These include hormonal changes, medications, ageing, and stress.
The most lightly pigmented (European, Chinese and Mexican) skin types have approximately half as much epidermal melanin as the most darkly pigmented (African and Indian) skin types.
The incidence of this change varies, and depends on the type of medication involved. Some of the most common drugs involved are NSAIDs, antimalarials, psychotropic drugs, Amiodarone, cytotoxic drugs, tetracyclines, and heavy metals such as silver and gold (which must be ingested, not just worn).
Various diet shifts can result in the production of melanin, by following the diet mentioned above. However, you can use some products to control hair greying and dryness. Look for hair oil enriched with Bhringraj, Triphala, and Vibhitaka, which are best known for preventing premature hair greying and dryness.
Currently, several vitamins and supplements are being investigated for their ability to boost melanin production. However, the best way to support melanin production and good skin health is to eat a healthy diet full of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains.
“Our eyes can sense the sun …. and when it's harsh lighting our eyes tell us to produce melanin in our skin,” he explained. “If our eyes can't realize that the sun is that harsh because we're wearing a lens over top, it's gonna burn your skin.”
Melanin deficiency has previously been associated with various genetic abnormalities and congenital defects. Some of the diseases associated with melanin include: Albinism - There are almost ten different types of oculocutaneous albinism, conditions that are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.
That said, certain conditions may temporarily restore pigmentation. For example, if greying is caused by a vitamin deficiency, stress, or an underlying medical condition, addressing these issues may slow or even partially reverse greying. However, the complete reversal of naturally aged hair remains a challenge.
Coffee has many anti-inflammatory compounds such as Melanoidins and Chlorogenic acid. Hence, applying coffee directly to the skin has a calming effect on skin. The Chlorogenic Acid (CGA) also helps reduce hyper-pigmentation, a blessing in disguise for the skin.
Fruits and vegetables contain lots of vitamins and minerals, fiber, phytochemicals, and other essential nutrients that are great for our health. Eat fresh fruits in the morning on empty stomach to boost physical energy, naturally, detoxify your system, and aid weight loss.