SKIN CLOR

THREE Melanin
PRIMARY Hemoglobin
PIGMENTS
Carotene
OF SKIN
 Melanin: Melanin is the most
THREE significant pigment in determining
skin color. It is produced by
PRIMARY melanocytes, specialized cells located
PIGMENTS in the epidermis (the outermost layer
OF SKIN of the skin).
 Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a
THREE protein found in red blood cells that
PRIMARY carries oxygen throughout the body.
It has a reddish color, and the
PIGMENTS presence of blood vessels near the
OF SKIN surface of the skin can affect skin
color.
 Carotene: Carotene is a yellow-
orange pigment found in certain
fruits and vegetables, such as carrots
THREE and sweet potatoes. It can be stored
PRIMARY in the fatty layers beneath the skin,
PIGMENTS and when consumed in large
OF SKIN quantities, it can give the skin a
yellowish or orange tint. This
phenomenon is sometimes referred
to as "carotenemia."
  Melanin is made in the skin and is the primary
pigment that determines skin color.
MELANIN  It is produced by melanocytes, specialized cells
located in the epidermis
TWO EUMELANIN – black-brown form (dark skin,
moles, blemishes, birthmarks)
TYPES OF PHEOMELOANIN– red-yellow form (nipples,
MELANIN lips, freckles, genitalia)
  Melanin is a pigment that absorbs UV radiation, thereby
protecting cells from the harmful effects of UV rays.
FUNCTIONS  UV rays may cause skin cancer and premature aging.
OF MELANIN  When UV rays penetrate the skin, it helps the human body make
vitamin D which functions in absorbing calcium (necessary for
strong bones).
SKIN PIGMENTATION
DISORDERS
  Hyperpigmentation refers to an excess of
pigment (melanin) in the skin, causing areas of
the skin to become darker than the
surrounding skin.

HYPERPIGMENTATION
CAUSES:
 Sun Exposure
 Hormonal Changes
 Inflammation and Injury
  Melasma is a skin condition characterized by
brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like
spots. It's often called the “mask of pregnancy.”
Melasma happens because of overproduction
of the cells that make the color of your skin. It is
common, harmless and some treatments may
MELASMA help.
  Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
happens when your skin makes extra melanin
after it has been irritated or injured.
POST-INFLAMMATORY
HYPERPIGMENTATION
(PIH)
  Hypopigmentation refers to a decrease or loss
of pigment (melanin) in the skin, causing areas
of the skin to become lighter than the
surrounding skin.
CAUSES:
 Genetic Factors
HYPOPIGMENTATION  Autoimmune Disorders
 Skin Damage or Injury
 Medications
  Vitiligo is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that
causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. This happens when
melanocytes – skin cells that make pigment – are attacked and
destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milky-white color.

VITILIGO
  Albinism is an inherited condition in which a person’s body
produces little or no melanin, sometimes accompanied by visual
impairment. Different types of albinism are caused by various
gene mutations.
ALBINISM