Explore our blog to uncover the science behind melanin, its incredible benefits, and practical tips to increase its production naturally.
Is it possible to increase the amount of melanin in your skin? The short answer is yes, and the methods are simple. But why would you want more melanin? Science shows that the benefits of melanin in the skin are significant. This blog will discuss what melanin is, why you might need more of it, and how to achieve that end.
Melanin and What it Does
Melanin is a substance that determines the color of your skin, hair, and eyes. The more melanin you have, the darker these are. Cells that produce melanin are called melanocytes, and are found in the innermost layer of your skin, the irises and pupils of your eyes, hair, and areas of your inner ear, adrenal gland, and brain. Although all humans have the same number of melanocytes, the amount of melanin they produce varies widely.
How much of this complex polymer your body produces depends on several factors, including your genetics and ancestral sun exposure. Melanin is found in both human and animal skin. Further, people with clusters of melanocytes in their skin have freckles.
In addition to providing pigment to your hair, eyes, and skin, melanin also absorbs the harmful UV rays and it protects your cells from sun damage.
Types of Melanin
There are three main types of melanin:
Eumelanin is divided into two sub-types – black and brown. Eumelanin makes mostly darker colors in skin, eyes, and hair, and people with dark-colored hair usually have a mixture of these. People with a small amount of brown and no black eumelanin have blonde hair.
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Pheomelanin is a type of melanin found in the pinkish parts of your body, including lips and nipples. People with equal amounts of eumelanin and pheomelanin have red hair.
Neuromelanin determines the color of your more visible body parts, like skin, hair, and eyes. It’s also responsible for the pigment in your neurons.
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How to Boost Melanin
Now that you know all the benefits of melanin, here are ways to increase it.
Vitamins
Vitamin E
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin B9
Antioxidants
Along with beta-carotene and lycopene, antioxidants work to increase melanin production. Eat more carrots, tomato, kale, sweet potato, spinach, watermelon, guava, cantaloupe, apricot, and grapefruit to raise your levels of beta-carotene and lycopene.
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Sunbathing
While extended time in the sun is dangerous, sunbathing before 10 am may give you more melanin production without the risk. Remember to apply sunblock.
Melanin Supplements and Hormones
Another way to increase melanin in your skin is to take melanin supplements or hormones. Talk to your dermatologist about this, as these are only available with a prescription.
Note: These may cause hyperpigmentation.
Conditions That May Be Affected By Melanin Levels
Several conditions are associated with your low melanin production:
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Boosting Melanin Levels
You may want to boost your melanin levels for many reasons – you have a disorder that negatively impacts your life or well-being, or you want one of the other benefits. There are natural ways to enhance melanin production with a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Not only can these help with melanin, they will positively impact your overall health.
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