The science behind Melanin formation

• Melanin is the dark pigment produced by the Melanocyte cell.
• This cell occurs at the junction of the superficial epidermis & deeper dermis of all skin.
• There are more melanocytes in some parts of the body and less in others e.g. less in palms & soles of feet but more in private parts e.g. groin & perineum.
• Once melanin production is stimulated, it can only be controlled at one step.
• This step is under the control of the enzyme Tyrosinase.
• This enzyme production has to be decreased to reduce melanin production.
• Therefore, most skin lighteners are Tyrosinase inhibitors e.g. Kojic acid, Arbutin etc
• The melanin made by the melanocyte is transferred to skin cells called keratinocytes.
• These melanin-bearing keratinocytes then travel to the surface where they are shed as dead skin on a daily basis.
• Therefore, after melanin has been made, an effective skin lightening active, can prevent melanin from being transferred to the keratinocyte.
• Niacinamide is such an ingredient.
• Secondly if melanin-carrying keratinocytes are removed using whitening-exfoliators e.g. glycolic acid or retinoid, then the skin would appear lighter.