Role of Melanin in the skin and body | VR Healthy Ageing

Role of Melanin in the skin and body

Melanin is a pigment which determines the color of the skin, hair and eyes. Its role in protecting against the ultraviolet rays of the sun puts it in the category of an antioxidant and contrary to popular belief, a darkening of the skin or appearance of dark spots are actually a defense mechanism which is meant to benefit the body against harmful UV rays and diseases like Cancer but their appearance however, suggests that your body is low in antioxidants.

Dark skinned people are less susceptible to Cancer than light skinned individuals. Too much melanin can cause hyperpigmentation (over darkening) and too little can cause hypopigmentation where the appearance of white spots and greying of  hair results.

Melanin production is affected by age, cortisol (stress) and insulin. The sun’s rays have a broad spectrum and Ultraviolet is one spectrum. Infrared is another spectrum and so is the spectrum of colors. Infrared light is beneficial and has the ability to pass clothes and caps worn by people and it produces melatonin hormone in the brain by the pineal gland and it is a widely prescribed supplement as a sleep aid but it has a very powerful effect on other functions of the body like immunity, blood pressure, cortisol, eye health, acid reflux and depression.

Melanin is triggered by darkness at night which is governed by the circadian rhythms and as far as possible, try to sleep in a completely dark room or wear an eye mask for darkness. Taking infrared ray therapy can greatly affect many health conditions mentioned above. 

To maintain optimum levels of Melanin in the body, it is essential to take enough Vitamin C (in natural and not the synthetic form), Vitamin C serum can also be applied on the skin regularly. Green tea, unsweetened cocoa, grape seed extracts, aloe Vera are all beneficial. 

Additionally, Avoiding sugar and sweetened drinks, regular exercise, bringing down stress levels, eating more raw vegetables and eating foods rich in zinc like pumpkin seeds are all beneficial for Melatonin. 

Fasting has the most profound effect by far and I recommend intermittent fasting, periodic prolonged fasting and avoiding processed foods. 

Vibhuti Misra  

 Holistic Health Specialist

 +91 813 088 2160