What is the function of melanin in the skin?

Melanin plays a crucial role in providing pigmentation to the skin, which contributes to the various skin tones observed in individuals. Beyond aesthetics, one of its primary functions is to offer protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Melanin absorbs and dissipates UV rays, reducing the risk of DNA damage and skin cancers that can result from prolonged sun exposure. This protective mechanism is vital in safeguarding the deeper layers of the skin, including the dermis where important structures like blood vessels and nerves are located.

While hydration, collagen production, and body temperature regulation are essential functions associated with skin health, these processes do not involve melanin. Maintaining hydration is primarily the role of the skin’s lipid barrier, collagen is produced by fibroblasts in the dermis, and temperature regulation is largely managed by blood flow and sweat glands. These functions are key to overall skin health, but they are distinct and separate from the protective and pigment-producing role of melanin.