The colour of skin depends primarily on a pigment called melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by cells called melanocytes that manufacture the melanin and transfer it to the skin cells of the epidermis.

Melanin pigmentation in humans is of two types. The constitutive colour is that which is genetically determined without the effect of sunshine. The other is inducible skin colour or tan as a consequence of sun exposure. Other factors can darken skin, some hormones e.g. in pregnancy can make the skin darken, blod flow through the skin and others.

Melanocytes are found throughout the skin. Melanin helps protect the skin against the effects of ultraviolet light, and tanning of the skin on sun exposure acts to increase that protection. The number of melanocytes in the skin is the same in all races. The difference in colour between Caucasoid and Negroid skin is due to the number and arrangement of the melanosomes in the keratinocyte.

The superior sun protection of the black skin is therefore not due to more melanocytes but more melanosomes within the epidermis. How well their skin tans and how easily it burns is related to your risk of skin cancer from sunshine.

Protect the skin you are in!

Best wishes from Brazil,

Dr. Érica Monteiro - Cosmetic Dermatologist
www.dermatologia.com.br

The Fitzpatrick´s skin type focus tanning ability. It has VI types:

Type I: Pale white skin, blue/hazel eyes, blond/red hair. Always burns, does not tan.
Type II: Fair skin, blue eyes. Burns easily, tans poorly.
Type III:Darker white skin. Tans after initial burn.
Type IV:Light brown skin. Burns minimally, tans easily.
Type V: Brown skin. Rarely burns, tans darkly easily.
Type VI: Black skin. Never burns, always tans darkly.

It is very important to protect skin from the sun damaging because exposure to ultraviolet radiation contributes to ageing skin and is the main cause of skin cancer. The pale skin people may need to take particular care because of photodamage.

The point is: no matter what the weather, or what you are doing, protect your skin. Take particular care in summer and make sure your children are appropriately protected as well as yourself. You must protect your skin in the winter.

Best wishes fro Brazil!

Dr. Érica Monteiro - Dermatologist
www.dermatologia.com.br