Melanin

Description

Melanin, also known as Melanotic Pigment, is a dark brown to black endogenous pigment.  It is manufactured within Melanocytes (and then transferred to other areas of the body including the surface of the Skin and Hair by Melanosomes).

Metabolism

 Melanin functions as an endogenous Antioxidants Its presence in the skin as pigmentation is designed to quench certain Free Radicals that are generated by exposure to Ultra-Violet Radiation.

Skin/Hair

 Melanin is responsible for Hair Color:

 When the Melanocytes in the Scalp die, Melanin production ceases and Hair - Gray results.

 Supplemental, exogenous Melanin can be encapsulated within Liposomes and applied topically to the Scalp in order to deliver Melanin to the cells of Hair Follicles where it is then utilized endogenously to "pump" Melanin which is responsible for Hair Color back into otherwise Hair - Gray.  This method for delivery of Melanin to Hair Follicles effectively reverses Gray Hair and commercial products that utilize this method will soon become available.

 Melanin is responsible for the pigmentation of Skin.

 Melanin protects the Skin against Sunburn by absorbing Sunlight that penetrates through to the Epidermis of the Skin.

 Tanning occurs as a result of Ultra-Violet Radiation stimulating the dispersal of Melanin by Melanocytes in the Skin: