i think it protects our skin from the harmful uv rays
Yes, melanin does make the skin tougher. One of the function of the melanin is to give the skin color. The levels of melanin depends with the amount of the sunlight exposure.
Melanin.
The general function of melanin in our skin is to protect and secure skin and skin cells from harmful ultraviolet rays and rays coming from sun. It contains infinite cells known as melanocytes which increase their production of melanin in response to sun exposure.
If one has less melanin he or she will be more prone to sun burn, which leads to skin cancer. Also, if a lot of melanin groups up in one area (mole), it can become cancerous and lead to skin cancer.
Melanin is not a sweat gland. Is is the chemical that provides skin color.
Melanin gives color to the skin, hair, and iris of the eyes. Levels of melanin depend on race and amount of sunlight exposure. Sun exposure increases melanin production - to protect the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. In addition, hormonal changes can affect melanin production.
Melanocytes are the skin cells located in the outer surface epidermis, and responsible for skin and hair pigmentation. They produce melanin.
Part of it is the blood near the surface, the rest is a dye called melanin in certain cells within the skin.
Melanin provides the skin with protection from UV radiation.
Melanin is a pigment in the skin of animals (including humans). Melanin is essentially what allows the human body (the skin) to darken when sunlight (or, ultraviolet rays) hits it. The skin absorbs the UV rays and the melanin allows the skin to become darker. A simpler definition: Any of a group of naturally occurring dark pigments, especially the pigment found in skin, hair, fur, and feathers.
- A cell of the statum basale of the epidermis that synthesizes melanin and transfers it to the keratinocytes.- Any of the dendritic clear cells of the epidermis that synthesize tyrosinase and, within their melanosomes, the pigment melanin; the melanosomes are then transferred from melanocytes to keratinocytes.
It is what gives your skin color. If you have more melanin in your skin, your skin will be darker, if you have less, your skin will be lighter.