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Why do we have darker skin?

Why do we have darker skin?

Melanin is produced within the skin in cells called melanocytes and it is the main determinant of the skin color of darker-skin humans. Natural skin color can also darken as a result of tanning due to exposure to sunlight.

What causes the skin to be dark or fair?

Skin with too little melanin is called hypopigmented. Skin with no melanin at all is called depigmented. Pale skin areas are due to too little melanin or underactive melanocytes. Darker areas of skin (or an area that tans more easily) occurs when you have more melanin or overactive melanocytes.

Why does skin get darker with age?

The more melanin you have, the darker your skin. If you have a tan, light from the sun or tanning bed has increased the amount of melanin in your skin, so your skin becomes darker. If you’re a sun worshipper, you are more prone to develop skin discolorations as you age.

Which skin Colour is more attractive?

A new study by Missouri School of Journalism researcher Cynthia Frisby found that people perceive a light brown skin tone to be more physically attractive than a pale or dark skin tone.

How can I reduce my melanin?

Natural remedies

  1. According to a 2012 study in Phytotherapy Research , the active compound in turmeric may reduce melanin synthesis.
  2. Aloe vera may reduce melanin production after sun exposure.
  3. People also use lemon juice to reduce skin pigmentation.
  4. Green tea has a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

How do you make skin darker?

Tea bag tan can make the skin darker longer compared to cinnamon rub. Just soak five to six tea bags in water and allow seeping for a few minutes. After, apply the colored water to the skin using a washcloth or sponge. Make sure to apply it evenly on the skin to achieve a natural darker skin tone.

Why does darker skin absorb more UV?

Due to the heavily melanised melanosomes in darkly-pigmented skin, it can absorb more energy from UVR and thus offers better protection against sunburns and by absorption and dispersion UV rays. Darkly-pigmented skin protects against direct and indirect DNA damage.

Why does the Sun make skin darker but hair lighter?

Skin and hair react differently to sunlight. Typically, the skin darkens and the hair lightens, a result of a pigment in the human body called melanin. Melanin darkens the skin to protect it from harmful solar radiation. Because hair cells are not alive like skin cells are, melanin cannot protect hair from sun damage.

Why does my skin get so dark in the Sun?

When your skin senses UV rays from the sun, it produces melanin to protect itself, and this causes your skin to get darker. But skin darkening is also a sign of damage to the skin. The only way to prevent your skin from getting darker in the sun is to protect it from the ultraviolet rays that cause tanning, cancer, premature aging, and wrinkles.