‘Super Melanin’ unveiled by researchers may be the answer to the future of skin care

Scientists now want to develop this synthetic version of melanin as a medical treatment for certain skin injuries and as a potential sunscreen and anti-aging skincare product

An illustration of how the team’s synthetic melanin works to protect skin - Image Credit: Yu Chen/Northwestern University

Melanin, a pigment found in the human skin, serves crucial functions. It acts as a natural shield against harmful UV radiation, providing protection from sunburn and reducing the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Melanin also determines an individual's skin color, with more melanin resulting in darker skin tones. Additionally, it offers defense against environmental factors such as pollution and assists in wound healing and the prevention of premature skin aging caused by sun exposure.

It is important to note that the production and distribution of melanin are genetically determined, and it varies from person to person. While melanin provides valuable protection, it's still essential to use sunscreen and take other precautions to safeguard your skin from UV radiation and maintain overall skin health. To address this challenge of protecting your skin from these external threats, researchers have developed a groundbreaking treatment.