What Is Melanin?
7. Increasing Melanin
Since melanin has been thought to help protect the skin from ultraviolet rays, increasing melanin has the potential to decrease the likelihood of skin cancer. There are some studies that have suggested that by increasing the intake of certain nutrients, the levels of melanin can also be increased. Because of oxidative stress from both endogenous and exogenous sources, the increase of melanin may reduce generation of free radicals and DNA oxidation.
Besides melanin, the second category of defense would be the repair processes, which remove damaged biomolecules before the accumulation of these products lead to altered cell metabolism. Other methods that may be beneficial include avoidance of exposure to sun, additional ultraviolet protection using sunscreens or clothes, and antioxidant supplements.
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