Pigment Characteristics in the Caucasian Population (For Professionals)

Pigments

There are two types of pigments (melanin) which determine skin colour in caucasians:

• Eumelanin:

1. Has a photoprotective action
2. Acts as a physical and chemical filter to light
3. Absorbs free radicals in response to sun exposure

• Pheomelanin

1. Is found most often in red-haired individuals
2. Has a photoaggressive action
3. Produces free radicals in response to sun exposure

There is a third type of melanin called neuromelanin which is found in the nervous system

Contributors:

Dr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland

Source of Information: 2012 (09) – Placek W. 21st Annual Congress of the EADV (European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology) – Prague (Praha), Czech Republic (česká republika)