Skin Coloration
Skin coloration refers to the natural color of human skin, which is primarily determined by the presence of a pigment called melanin. Melanin is produced by cells known as melanocytes and comes in different types, influencing the range of skin tones from very light to very dark. Factors such as genetics, sun exposure, and hormonal changes can affect melanin production and, consequently, skin color.
Different populations around the world exhibit varying skin colors due to evolutionary adaptations to their environments. For example, individuals with darker skin have more melanin, which provides protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Conversely, lighter skin is more efficient at producing vitamin D in low-sunlight conditions, illustrating how skin coloration is linked to geographical and environmental factors.