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Eumelanin is a form of melanin, the natural pigment responsible for the coloration of skin, hair and eyes in humans and animals. In contrast to pheomelanin, which produces lighter shades such as red and yellow, eumelanin is responsible for darker shades and occurs in variants ranging from brown to black. The balance and mixture of these two types of melanin determine the individual color of a person’s skin and hair.
Eumelanin plays an important role in protecting the skin from UV radiation damage, as it can absorb UV light more effectively than pheomelanin, which reduces the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. The production of eumelanin and pheomelanin is controlled by genetic factors and can be influenced by environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight.
Related terms: Melanin / Pheomelanin / Neuromelanin
