Photoprotective properties of skin melanin.
Melanins are a ubiquitous class of biological pigments, which play an important role in the photoprotection of skin. Recent advances in the chemistry of melanins have demonstrated their diversity. The various types of melanin show different physico-chemical properties, suggesting that their photobiological properties are not unique. In this review, the implications of melanin diversity for the natural photoprotection of skin are discussed.
Ortonne
Jean-Paul
JP
CHU Nice, Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital l'Archet 2, BP 3079, 06202 Nice cedex, France. ortonne@unice.fr
D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins / Q000502:physiology*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
D008543:Melanins