skin color

Skin color is determined primarily by a pigment called melanin, produced in the skin's cells. Melanin helps protect us from the sun's harmful rays and gives skin its various shades, from very light to very dark. The amount and type of melanin produced are influenced by genetics and ancestry. Environmental factors like sun exposure can also affect melanin levels temporarily. Overall, skin color is a natural variation that reflects our evolutionary history and biological factors, and it plays a role in protecting our bodies from UV radiation.