How does it work?
Understanding what melanin is and its role in our skin is the first step to navigating melanin-safe skincare products.
Melanin is what produces the pigment that colors our skin, hair, and eyes.
The more melanin, the darker the complexion.
Genetics plays a key role in determining the amount of melanin your body produces.
Higher amounts of melanin indicate ancestors that had more sun exposure than those with lighter complexes.
Melanocytes are the cells that make melanin and are located on the surface layer of skin.
Melanocytes are present in everyone’s skin, no matter how light or dark your skin tone is.
One of the main differences, besides appearance, is how melanin affects your skin’s response to sunlight.
What to look for
Now onto the skincare products.
Melanin-safe typically means that melanin-rich skin was centered on when creating the product.
While that sounds encouraging, it’s not always that simple.
Melanin-safe has a little bit more weight when it comes to treatments like laser treatments and acid peels.
“As far as everyday skin-care, though, no there isn’t a difference.”
This is because the melanocytes are larger and more active in those with more melanin.
There has been progress, though.
Those with darker skin also aren’t limited to only melanin-safe products.
Products without the label can be just as helpful in keeping skin fresh and healthy as those without it.
