There are certain words within skincare vocabulary that come up continually. One of those terms that we repeatedly see and hear when speaking about skincare is melanin. We have written in the past and described what Melanin is in details. This skin pigment which both humans and animals have is responsible for providing colour to the skin, hair, and eyes. In addition, melanin is known for its capability to provide protection to our skin. So, it is natural that due to its capabilities and benefits when it comes to protecting our skin some may want to know if it can be increased or enhanced.
Studies have shown that melanin can be increased by increasing the intake of certain nutrients. Increasing melanin is a subject that people of all skin colours and types may be interested in particularly those with fair skin types! If you’re curious about skin pigmentation and sun sensitivity, explore how melanin affects your skin in our comprehensive guide.
Methods to increase melanin
By upping the intake of certain nutrients, you can enhance and improve your melanin levels. We will now mention and discuss some nutrients that can improve melanin levels.
Antioxidants
Some of the strongest evidence point to consuming antioxidants in order to increase your melanin levels. Flavonoids and polyphenols are micronutrients that are powerful antioxidants and can help with melanin production. These plant-based micronutrients can help with increase of melanin. Therefor you can increase melanin levels by eating more foods that are rich in antioxidants. These foods include dark chocolate, dark leafy greens, dark berries, and colourful vegetables.
Vitamin C
We have written in our previous article the benefits that Vitamin C can bring to the skin. Vitamin C is classified as a mucous antioxidant and is required for a healthy mucous membrane. Some personal and anecdotal evidence have shown that Vitamin C can increase melanin levels. Therefor you can increase your Vitamin C and ultimately your melanin levels by consuming certain foods that are rich in Vitamin C. These foods include berries, citruses, leafy green vegetables in addition to Vitamin C supplements.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A has been shown by studies to be not only essential when it comes to increase of melanin but overall health of the skin. Vitamin A can be found in foods that we consume. specifically, those vegetables that contain beta carotene such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and peas.
In addition, due to its function also as an antioxidant Vitamin A is considered by some researchers to be one of the most powerful nutrients when it comes to enhancing melanin!
Herbs
There have been some studies conducted looking at the effect of herbs and teas when it comes to protecting the skin from UV rays and sun damage. For example, green tea and turmeric which have high percentage of flavonoids and polyphenols may be able to provide protection to the skin. They can provide this protection to the skin due to their capability to scavenge reactive oxygen species and therefor preventing irradiation from UV.
Again, as with other nutrients that we have mentioned consuming herbs to increase melanin levels are not based on solid scientific studies but rather anecdotal ones. But if you wish to improve your melanin levels and your overall skin health you can try tea and herbal supplements.
