Cells called melanocytes located in the skin, produce melanin. Melanin gives the skin its color. In certain conditions melanocytes can become abnormal and cause an excessive amount of darkening in the color of the skin.
People of any skin type can try increasing melanin to reduce skin cancer risk. Studies suggest that upping your intake of certain nutrients could increase melanin levels. It might even increase the amount of melanin in people with fair skin types. There are no studies directly proving ways to increase melanin.
Vitamin A.
Boosting your intake of vitamin A is the number one way to restore melanin in the skin. Taking daily supplements or eating animal and plant-based foods that contain this source of nutrient can be great resources. Some animal-based foods include whole or skim milk, eggs, cheese, and beef.
Vitamins B6 and B12 have also been proven to boost melanin production. Goddard says that vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, has been found to trigger the production of enzymes and chemical reactions that boost the metabolism of the hair proteins (keratin and melanin) in the hair follicles.
What Causes Increased Melanin Production? UV-A rays from the sunlight penetrate into the lower layers of the epidermis and trigger the melanocytes to produce more melanin. Melanin is produced as a defence mechanism. Sunlight is the major cause of increased melanin production.
Chronic, long-term stress can manifest on the skin as hyperpigmentation. A hormone called Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, often in response to biological stress. This hormone triggers melanogenesis, the process of skin pigment production.
Which foods reduce melanin? Foods like tomatoes, milk, eggs, cheese, carrots, yogurt, chia seeds, oatmeal, ginger, watermelon, kiwi, papaya, dry fruits, and lots of green leafy vegetables reduce melanin.
A tan is never permanent because skin naturally exfoliates itself over time. This causes the tanned skin to flake off. New cells are formed and older skin sloughs off.
Hot water splashes on your face may activate the melanocyte cells in the skin. Melanocytes are what offers a colour to our skin. When these cells get activated, they may result in dark patches, spots and pigmentation on your face. This will cause your skin to darken and enhance pigmentation.
But those of you who are vitamin C enthusiasts may have noticed that with some vitamin C serums that contain ascorbic acid, you end up with slightly darkened skin after a few days of use. The stained skin looks red or orange-brown, sort of like fake tan.
Green tea. Green tea has a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). A 2015 study found that EGCG can prevent melanin accumulation. It works by inhibiting an enzyme needed to make melanin.
Also known as hyperpigmentation, it is commonly caused by the overproduction of a pigment known as melanin. Although skin darkening is not a harmful condition, it demoralizes an affected person. Types of Hyperpigmentation: There are several types of hyperpigmentation or skin darkening.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plays an important role in maintaining skin health and can promote the differentiation of keratinocytes and decrease melanin synthesis, leading to antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage.
The effect of uncontrolled stress on your skin
In the video, Dr Jaishree Sharad explained that stress can cause hyperpigmentation, early aging, patchy and uneven skin tone, dry skin, acne, and dark circles, especially when you don't sleep well. You may experience itching and different allergic reactions, she said.
The Hormonal One: MELASMA
It's caused by hormone imbalances and is why expectant mothers, and women on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy typically have brown or tan patches on their faces. Couple this surge in hormones with sun exposure and it's hello melasma, bye-bye to that perfectly even skin tone.
Melanocytes are the cells that produce eumelanin and pheomelanin. Cells known as keratinocytes then carry melanin to the skin surface. In people with dark skin, melanocytes produce more melanin than they do in people with light skin tones.
Vitamin D is known to enhance the rate of melanin synthesis; and this may concurrently regulate the expression of furin expression.
Very pale skin produces almost no melanin, while Asian skins produce a yellowish type of melanin called phaeomelanin, and black skins produce the darkest, thickest melanin of all – known as eumelanin.
Melanin is a vital pigment producing compound responsible for determining the colour of skin and hair. A deficiency in melanin can lead to several disorders and diseases. For example, a complete absence of melanin causes a condition called albinism.
Specifically, caffeine has been shown to prevent ultraviolet radiation-induced carcinogenesis and prevent the growth of melanoma cells. By definition, melanoma is a malignant tumor that starts in melanocytes, which are cells responsible for making melanin.
Melanin gives color to the skin, hair, and iris of the eyes. Levels of melanin depend on race and amount of sunlight exposure. Sun exposure increases melanin production to protect the skin against harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays. In addition, hormonal changes can affect melanin production.
Being rich in vitamin C, the use of apple cider vinegar can even your skin tone and make you glow. This nutrient is known to be a strong depigmenting agent that can decrease the production of melanin in the skin.