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Melanin – Skin’s Natural Shield
God has been kind enough to provide us with a natural umbrella in our skin to protect us from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. Yes, you guessed it right, we are talking about melanin in our body, which acts like a protective umbrella for our skin, and hair.
Those born with darker skin need not worry about melanin content in their body, but what about those with lighter skin? They need to increase their body’s melanin production.
Although you may come across various cosmetic products and pills that claim to increase your melanin production, till now there is no approved cosmetic product or medicine for the same. It can however be increased a bit through natural ways but again there is no scientific proof behind it.
Let us understand all about melanin skin and how to increase melanin in the skin naturally?
What is Melanin?
Our body produces a natural pink pigment that helps to protect us from UV damage and that pigment is known as melanin. Those who have darker skin have more melanin in their body as compared to people with fairer skin. The main role of melanin in our body is to give color to our skin, hair, and eyes. Our body needs a certain amount of melanin to prevent premature skin aging as well as skin cancer. It is a matter of worry, if your body is not producing enough melanin, as it may put you at a higher risk of skin diseases. So, one should try to look for ways to increase melanin in the body.Â
How to increase melanin in the skin naturally?
There are many ways to increase melanin skin. You can visit a dermatologist to ask for a treatment to increase melanin. Moreover, there are some cosmetic creams and ointments that claim to make you fair by increasing your skin melanin. Still, now there are no valid studies that prove that one can increase melanin through these creams and cosmetic products. At the same time, we feel it should be increased naturally. Some of the ways that are believed to increase melanin production in the skin are good for overall skin health and thereby prevent the risk of skin cancer.Â
10 Best Melanin Rich Foods for Skin
If you are curious to know how to produce more melanin for skin in natural ways, then let us acquaint you with some nutrients that help produce more melanin in the skin:
- Vitamin A-Rich Foods
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Antioxidants
- Flavonoids
- Herbs and Teas
- Essential Oils
- Eggs
- Almonds
- Plums
1. Vitamin A-Rich Foods
The number one nutrient that your skin needs to produce more melanin in a natural way is vitamin A. This is a nutrient that not only helps keep your eyes healthy but your skin too. More than any other nutrient, it is vitamin A that helps increase the production of melanin levels called anecdotal in the skin. Foods rich in vitamin A are carrots, sweet potatoes, fish, meat, orange vegetables, and fruits.
2. Vitamin C
The second natural way to increase the secretion of melanin in the body is by eating more vitamin C-rich foods. Like, vitamin A, and C is also antioxidant and good for skin health. Some studies hint that vitamin C may help to produce more melanin in the skin. Foods rich in vitamin C are citrus fruits, berries, and green vegetables. Apart from these, one can even easily take vitamin C supplements that also help in building overall immunity.Â
3. Vitamin E
The third type of nutrient that accelerates the production of melanin in the body is vitamin E. Also, known as an antioxidant, vitamin E is also known as a skin-friendly vitamin. It helps give the skin a protective shield against any kind of sun damage. Foods rich in vitamin E are nuts, seeds, grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.Â
4. Antioxidants
Up next, consider adding a good amount of antioxidants to your diet because they have the power to boost up the production of melanin in the body. Although, there is still no valid study that proves it! You can try adding micronutrients such as polyphenols and flavonoids that are no less than active antioxidants and may help produce more melanin. Foods like dark berries, dark leafy vegetables, and dark chocolate, are rich in antioxidants.Â
5. Flavonoids
As we just mentioned that compounds like flavonoids help to increase melanin skin production, Some studies revealed that consuming this compound helps in preventing one of the deadliest skin cancers called melanoma. Flavonoids can be easily grabbed through foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, and also green tea.Â
6. Herbs and Teas
Another natural way of increasing melanin production in the skin is by adding more of some particular herbs and teas to your diet. You may try turmeric and green tea in particular that is believed to be rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, both of which help to produce more melanin in the skin.Â
7. Essential Oils
Alternatively, if you wish to increase your melanin skin levels by not consuming any food or beverage. Then, consider applying essential oils to the skin to improve its complexion. You can get a massage done on your skin with some essential oils like lavender essential oil, and lemon essential oil.Â
8. Eggs
 This one may surprise you but yes, if you are curious to know how to increase melanin in the skin, include eggs in your diet. Eggs are not only rich in proteins, but also a rich source of vitamin A, D, and E. It has all those nutrients that can help increase the production of melanin in your body and not just skin, but hair too.Â
9. Almonds
Munch a handful of almonds for various health benefits. One of them is to increase the melanin production in the body. Full of antioxidants, almonds contain a good amount of 37% of vitamin E, which is why they are considered to be a miraculous food for your skin.Â
10. Plums
Apart from orange-colored and citrus fruits, try to add fruits like plums to your diet to make it melanin-friendly. It is because plums are rich in antioxidants and vitamin E content. Due to their high vitamin E content, plums are capable of increasing the melanin production in your body. Â
How To Increase Melanin In Skin Safely
You just got acquainted with different ways how to get more melanin in the body. Besides, these nutrients, try to avoid too much sun exposure and prevent a skin tan. When you step out, make sure to apply good sunscreen to protect your skin from getting tanned by UV radiation. It will also help you prevent the risk of skin cancer.
- How to Increase Melanin Production. WikiHow[Internet].
https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Melanin-Production .Accessed April 16, 2023.” - How to Increase Melanin Naturally. VeryWell Health[Internet].
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-increase-melanin-5324768 .Accessed April 17, 2023. - Increase melanin levels: What to know. MedicalNewsToday[Internet].
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-increase-melanin .Accessed April 19, 2023. - Melanin. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanin .Accessed April 19, 2023.
Various supplements and vitamins are currently being investigated for their potential to increase melanin synthesis; however, eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is the most effective approach for maintaining average melanin production. Melanin production in your body is mostly regulated by genetics; however, there are some things that can be done that will stimulate it: Of course, it is possible to stimulate melanin production in the skin. Consuming foods rich in these nutrients may lead to an increase in the melanin deposits in your body. Taking foods containing vitamins A, C and E might have a possibility of enhancing melanin in the skin. Yes, carrots contain vitamin A, which increases melanin content in the skin and carotenoids which gives yellow, orange and red vegetables their colour and may also affect melanogenesis. It is recommended to add carrots to your diet in order to increase melanin in the skin while at the same time benefiting from its anti-oxidative effects. Melanin is a natural pigment in the skin which gives colour and also has certain action against the ultra violet radiation. Melanin production can be influenced by various factors, including nutrition and stress. Consuming certain vitamins or herbal supplements, such as vitamin A and vitamin E, which may support melanin production. Further, stress reduction can also be helpful for increasing melanin synthesis in the body. However, it is advisable always to seek the help of a doctor before taking any supplements to avoid harm or develop health complications. Melanin being a pigment that determines your skin, hair, and eye colour. It is very important in defending the skin against UV radiation and dampening the stress arising from the exposure to UV light. Increased melanin production in your skin may cause it to appear darker than usual or tanned. You may be able to increase melanin production in your body by consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as certain vitamins like A and E, may support melanin production and contribute to a tanned skin tone. Sunlight exposure stimulates melanin formation in the skin, resulting in a darker skin.Increase Melanin In Skin FAQs
Which food produces high melanin in the skin?
Following are some melanin foods for skin that may boost your melanin production:
What causes melanin to increase in my skin naturally?
Can you increase melanin in your skin?
Does carrot increase melanin?
How to stimulate melanin production in skin?
While increasing melanin production is possible, it cannot be ‘activated’ in the sense of turning it on or off like a switch.How to boost melanin?
What is melanin, and why is it important for the skin?
How to increase melanin in skin for tanning?
How can I darken my skin naturally?
