What is melanin?
How it helps protect skin
What is
melanin?
Melanin is a natural pigment produced from the amino acid Tyrosine. It is found in the skin, hair, and eyes, giving them their colour while also supporting natural protection against environmental stressors such as UV exposure. Made by specialised cells called melanocytes, melanin acts as a natural barrier.1 While melanin can help shield skin from the sun, daily use of broad-spectrum SPF is still recommended to help prevent long-term sun damage.
2 main types of
melanin found in the skin
Melanin exists in two main forms, each affecting skin, hair, and eye colour while also helping to provide varying levels of protection against UV rays depending on the type. It is produced by melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis and stored in melanosomes, which distribute pigment to surrounding cells. The balance of different melanin types determines an individual’s unique pigmentation.
- Eumelanin
Responsible for black and brown tones, eumelanin provides the strongest defence against UV damage and determines darker skin and hair tones.
- Pheomelanin
Pheomelanin, found in red hair and fair skin, gives a reddish and yellowish tone. It provides less natural protection against UV exposure and may break down under UV rays, which is why SPF is especially important for these skin types.
Key melanin facts
Melanin types: Eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (yellow/red) are the main types that determine skin, hair, and eye colour.
Skin protection: Melanin, particularly eumelanin, can help provide some protection by absorbing UV light, which may reduce the risk of DNA damage and help neutralise reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Melanin levels: Low levels can increase sun sensitivity; excess may cause hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
Supporting melanin: Safe sun protection, targeted skincare, and antioxidants, particularly vitamins A, C, and E, can help support balanced melanin levels.
Melanin levels:
deficiency, excess, and effects on skin
Melanin levels differ between people, influencing skin tone, sensitivity, and how the skin reacts to sunlight and other environmental factors. Knowing the effects of low and high melanin can help you understand the causes of skin discolouration or an uneven complexion.2
- Melanin deficiency
Low melanin may affect the skin, hair, and eyes in the following ways:
Lighter pigmentation: Lighter skin, hair, and eye colour.
Sun sensitivity: Greater sensitivity to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Pigment loss: Occurs after skin injuries such as burns, blisters, or infections.
Hearing issues: Higher risk of hearing difficulties linked to low melanin in the inner ear.
Vision problems: Increased risk of vision issues in conditions like albinism. - Excess melanin
High melanin levels can influence skin appearance and behaviour:
Hyperpigmentation: Can lead to dark spots or uneven skin tone.
Influenced by external factors: Skin tone can be influenced by sun exposure, genetics, and hormonal changes.
Skincare needs: Although generally harmless, brown spots can benefit from a suitable skincare routine and daily sun protection to help maintain a more even-looking complexion.
3 ways to support
balanced melanin levels
Maintaining balanced melanin isn’t just about genetics or sun exposure; simple lifestyle choices, nutrients, and skincare can help support melanocyte function and keep skin looking more even and resilient.
- Sun protection
When combined with physical protection such as wearing a hat and sunglasses and avoiding peak sun hours, daily broad-spectrum sun protection applied evenly and regularly can help protect the skin from UV damage and reduce the appearance of age spots over time.¹
Explore facial SPF > - Excess melanin
High melanin levels can influence skin appearance and behaviour:
Hyperpigmentation: Can lead to dark spots or uneven skin tone.
Influenced by external factors: Skin tone can be influenced by sun exposure, genetics, and hormonal changes.
Skincare needs: Although generally harmless, brown spots can benefit from a suitable skincare routine and daily sun protection to help maintain a more even-looking complexion. - Skincare support
Targeted skincare can help even melanin levels and strengthen skin resilience. Ingredients like Thiamidol® reduce dark spots, while Hyaluron, Licochalcone A, and Q10 support hydration, soothe the skin, and protect against environmental stress.⁴ ⁵
Safety considerations- There’s no safe way to increase melanin for tanning purposes.
- Focus on supporting natural melanin function through diet, antioxidants, and gentle skincare rather than trying to boost pigment artificially.
- Always consult a healthcare professional before starting supplements.
Skincare routine to
support balanced melanin
Supporting optimal melanin levels helps maintain more even-looking, radiant skin. This face care routine is designed to support your skin’s natural pigmentation, enhance its resilience, and help protect against UV damage.
- Cleanse
Start by cleansing your skin with a gentle formula to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. Clean skin allows serums and moisturisers to absorb more effectively.⁷
- Serum
Follow with a hydrating serum such as NIVEA Luminous Advanced Dark Spot Serum, powered by patented Thiamidol to reduce all types of dark spots* and help prevent new ones from forming. Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, it helps visibly even skin tone and supports a more radiant, luminous complexion, with noticeable results from day 7**.
* Dark spots caused by sun exposure, skin ageing and hormonal imbalances (pregnancy or the menopause).
** Self-assessment, 66 women, 8-week study, comparison with baseline appearance.
Luminous630 Serum > - Eye cream
Apply eye cream to help hydrate and plump the delicate skin around your eyes, reduce puffiness, and target dark circles. NIVEA Luminous630® Anti-Dark Spot Eye Treatment contains patented Thiamidol to help balance pigmentation and visibly lighten dark circles in as little as 4 weeks*, while Hyaluronic Acid moisturises and Caffeine helps depuff for a more radiant, luminous eye area.
*Clinical trial, 40 women.
Luminous630 Eye Cream > - Moisturise and protect
Morning SPF: Apply NIVEA Luminous630® Anti Dark-Spot Daily UV Face Fluid SPF50 to help hydrate, and visibly reduce dark spots in as little as 2 weeks*. Thiamidol works at the source to help prevent dark spots from reappearing, while SPF 50 protects against UV rays, one of the main causes of pigmentation. The result is skin that looks smoother and more even-toned.
Evening: Use NIVEA Luminous630® Anti Dark-Spot Even Tone Night Cream with Thiamidol and Hyaluronic Acid, to help support skin regeneration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles overnight. It helps visibly reduce all types of dark spots* in just 2 weeks**, leaving skin looking revitalised and plumped by morning.
* Pigmentation caused by sun exposure, skin ageing and hormonal imbalances (pregnancy or the menopause).* Pigmentation ** Instrumental and clinical tests, 50 women.
After-sun care: After sun exposure, specialised after-sun care helps rehydrate the skin and support its natural recovery process. NIVEA SUN After Sun Serum for Face and Body, with Organic Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, and dual-action Hyaluronic Acid, replenishes up to 100% of lost moisture overnight. The ultra-light, fragrance-free formula absorbs quickly, soothes sun-stressed skin, and supports skin regeneration for a refreshed, revitalised feel.⁶
Discover UV Specialist Silky UV Stick
Sun Cream SPF50+ by NIVEA SUN
Protect delicate facial areas anytime, anywhere with NIVEA SUN UV Specialist Silky UV Stick SPF50+, a convenient on-the-go sun protection solution with an invisible finish. Featuring advanced Korean stick technology, it provides UVA and UVB protection. The lightweight Silk Touch formula leaves a non-greasy, non-comedogenic finish with no white residue, suitable for all skin tones.
Designed for targeted application, its teardrop shape allows precise, hands-free reapplication throughout the day. Fragrance-free and sweat- and water-resistant, it helps ensure reliable daily protection that won’t run into the eyes. Dermatologically and ophthalmologically approved, it offers breathable UV protection.
Face sunscreen >
