What pigment in the skin helps to protect against UV rays?

Melanin is the pigment in the skin that plays a crucial role in protecting against ultraviolet (UV) rays. This natural pigment is produced by melanocytes in the epidermis and serves as a defense mechanism against the harmful effects of UV radiation. When the skin is exposed to UV rays, the body increases melanin production, resulting in a tan, which helps to absorb and dissipate UV radiation, thereby reducing the risk of skin damage, including sunburn and skin cancer.

Carotene is a pigment found in various fruits and vegetables and contributes to the skin's coloration but does not provide significant protection against UV rays. Chromatophores are cells that contain pigments and are more relevant in certain animals for changing color, but they are not a factor in human skin protection. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport and gives blood its red color; it does not provide UV protection either. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why melanin is essential for skin protection in response to UV exposure.