Understanding melanin: the pigment that colors our skin
Publié le 13-06-2023 et mis à jour le 24-03-2025
Melanin, that mysterious pigment that gives our skin its unique color, is much more than just an aesthetic characteristic.
"It is a fundamental element of our identity and skin health. Melanin is responsible for the infinite palette of shades that distinguish individuals around the world, ranging from the lightest to the darkest complexion."
Yet, few people truly understand the crucial role that this pigment plays in our body.
This article aims to enlighten you about melanin, explaining its origin, functions, and its influence on skin pigmentation.
I. What is melanin
Melanin is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, which are present in the epidermis of our skin. It comes in different types, primarily eumelanin, responsible for brown and black shades, and pheomelanin, which produces lighter shades ranging from red to blonde. The process of melanin production is complex and regulated by various factors, including genetic, hormonal, and environmental.
Besides its aesthetic role, melanin plays a crucial role in the protection of our skin against ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. It acts as a natural barrier, absorbing UV rays and thus preventing damage caused by excessive exposure.
However, melanin is not limited to sun protection. It also influences the color of hair and skin, as well as other ethnic variations observed around the world.
The production of melanin is a complex process that can be influenced by various factors. Heredity plays a major role in determining skin pigmentation, while sun exposure stimulates melanin production in response to UV rays. Certain medical conditions can also lead to melanin disorders, such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.
It is essential to take care of our melanin and to protect our skin to maintain balanced pigmentation and optimal skin health.
The use of suitable sun protection products, as well as skin care specifically designed to maintain the balance of melanin, are essential measures to prevent UV-related damage and preserve the natural beauty of our skin.
When we expose our skin to the sun, one of the most visible effects is tanning. This phenomenon is closely related to melanin. When UV rays reach the skin, melanocytes are stimulated to produce more melanin in order to protect skin cells from UV damage. This increased production of melanin leads to an increase in skin pigmentation, resulting in a tanned complexion.
However, it is important to emphasize that tanning is not a sign of healthy skin. It is actually a defensive response of the body to harmful UV rays. Although tanning may give the appearance of healthier skin, it should not be considered sufficient protection against sun damage. Excessive and unprotected exposure to UV can lead to long-term harmful effects, such as premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is essential to always use adequate sun protection, even when the skin is tanned, in order to preserve the health of our skin.
II. The functions of melanin
Protect the skin
Melanin is a fundamental pigment that plays an essential role in the coloration of our skin. It is responsible for the diversity of skin tones observed in individuals around the world. But beyond its aesthetic function, melanin also fulfills several other important roles in our body.
The primary essential function of melanin is to protect the skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Acting as a natural shield, it absorbs UV rays and thus limits their penetration into the deeper layers of the skin. This property of melanin reduces the risks of burns, cellular damage, and skin cancers induced by excessive sun exposure. People with a greater amount of melanin in their skin therefore benefit from a higher natural protection against the harmful effects of UV rays.
In addition to its photoprotective role, melanin is also involved in the regulation of body temperature.
By absorbing the heat from the sun, it helps to maintain the body's internal temperature at an optimal level.
Individuals with darker skin, which contains a greater amount of melanin, tend to better withstand high temperatures and protect themselves from heat strokes.
Wound healing and prevention of oxidative damage
Moreover, melanin plays a crucial role in wound healing and protection against skin infections. When the skin is injured, skin cells called melanocytes produce more melanin to form a protective barrier. This barrier reduces the risk of infections and promotes the rapid repair of damaged tissues. Thus, melanin actively participates in the skin's healing process and its ability to defend against external pathogens.
Furthermore, recent research suggests that melanin may also play a role in preventing oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the aging process. Melanin, due to its antioxidant properties, may help neutralize these free radicals and prevent associated cellular damage.
III. The Absolute of Melanin to pigment and intensify your tan
Our brand new innovative formula of Concentrated Melanin Absolute enriched with keratin hydrolysate is naturally rich in melanin, an essential pigment and source of copper that acts at the heart of our cells to naturally pigment the skin*, promote tanning*, regulate melanin secretion, and protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays*.
This innovative formula provides a high dose of keratin enriched with melanin, perfectly assimilable to integrate into the process of melanogenesis, the process responsible for the natural pigmentation of the skin. It also influences the synthesis of keratin, significantly improving the quality of the skin. Thanks to its "ready-to-use" melanin, this formula allows the skin to naturally prepare for UV* exposure while accelerating and preserving the resulting tan*. Enriched with an antioxidant complex of vitamins C and E working in synergy, the body recharges its natural defenses, which are depleted during UV exposure.
Our Absolute of Melanin leads to a significant increase in melanogenesis, which induces an increased production of epidermal melanin, the pigment responsible for skin coloration. This allows for immediate and long-lasting skin pigmentation for a tanned complexion all year round. Result: tanning is 4x faster!
We know that skin aging is partly due to an excess of free radicals generated by UVs; when we expose ourselves, our antioxidant defenses are no longer sufficient to combat them, which is why antioxidant supplementation is very important.
Our formula also contains vitamins C and E, which have strong antioxidant activity, allowing it to protect the skin from free radicals induced by UV exposure. These are responsible for up to 80% of skin aging, thus being heavily involved in premature aging. The combination of these vitamins synergistically boosts the body's natural antioxidant pool for a global action, protects the skin from oxidative stress, and delays skin aging.
Rich in ready-to-use melanin, the Melanin Absolute helps improve skin quality. The selected keratin hydrolysate consists of a "ready-to-use" melanin that will naturally integrate into de novo pigmentation, and its amino acids will nourish the skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in collagen synthesis, making the skin more supple and radiant. It effectively influences keratin synthesis at the epidermal level.
According to the clinical study* conducted in winter on 33 subjects who were not exposed to the sun, our active ingredient allows for immediate skin pigmentation starting from 10 days of treatment due to better availability of melanin in the skin, as well as a progressively intensifying tan with continued use.
"After 20 days, the melanin level is significantly higher in the two hours following exposure, better protecting it from the effects of UVA."
"After 30 days of treatment, at a rate of 2 capsules per day, tanning is increased by 217%."
*Clinical study conducted in winter on 33 subjects with phototypes II and III, with no sun exposure for at least 1 month before and throughout the duration of the study, with a daily intake of 650 mg of Mélaline® for 30 days. Parameters evaluated within the group, before and after intake.
To conclude
In summary, melanin goes far beyond its function as a pigment that colors our skin. It is essential for our body to provide protection against UV rays, regulate body temperature, promote healing, and prevent oxidative damage. Understanding the functions of melanin allows us to appreciate its essential role in our health and well-being, as well as the importance of the diversity of skin tones in our society.
