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Summary: The natural pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color, and helps protect skin from UV damage.

Melanin is made by special skin cells called melanocytes. These cells pass the pigment to surrounding skin cells, which determines how light or dark skin appears. Melanin helps absorb some of the sun’s UV rays, reducing damage and slowing sunburn.
When the skin is exposed to sunlight, melanin production increases, which is why skin can tan. Too much or too little melanin in certain areas can cause uneven skin tone, such as dark spots or lighter patches.