What pigment is responsible for coloring skin and hair?

Melanin is the primary pigment responsible for coloring skin and hair. It is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, which are located in the epidermis. Melanin plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing sunlight and preventing DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.

The amount and type of melanin present in the body determine the color of an individual's skin and hair. For instance, higher levels of eumelanin result in darker hues, while lower concentrations lead to lighter colors. Variations in melanin production can also affect age-related changes in skin tone and hair, such as graying.

While hemoglobin contributes to the color of blood and can impact skin tone by influencing the oxygenation levels, it is not responsible for the intrinsic color of skin or hair. Carotene, meanwhile, is a pigment found in certain fruits and vegetables and can impart a yellow or orange color when consumed in large amounts, but it does not dictate the fundamental coloring of skin and hair. Keratin is a protein that forms the structure of hair and nails, but it does not provide pigmentation.

Thus, melanin is the key pigment associated with the coloration of both skin and hair due to its direct