September 2008 PMID 18435612

The protective role of melanin against UV damage in human skin.

Michaela Brenner, Vincent J Hearing

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Mentions

61
Peak: 15 in Nov 2022
across 6 sources since Sep 2016

Extended reach

608,965
potential audience

Total likes

829

Video views

15,750

Mentions per month

Sep 2016 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter47 posts
  • Instagram5 posts
  • Facebook4 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Reddit2 posts
  • News1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Overall, the discussions strongly agree on melanin's protective benefits, with many posts citing scientific studies and articles to reinforce this view. The tone is informative and supportive, using words like 'lower incidence,' 'protective role,' and 'research supports,' which highlight high interest and engagement in understanding UV protection for different skin types, though some comments reflect concerns or skepticism about the broader implications.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions support the research's findings, emphasizing melanin's protective role and lower skin cancer rates with darker skin tones.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high interest, referencing multiple studies, articles, and personal opinions about skin protection and melanin effects.

EngagementHigh engagement

Users actively cite research, share articles, and discuss implications, indicating deep engagement with the topic.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions potentially influence perceptions about skin health and protection strategies, though some comments suggest skepticism, which slightly tempers overall impact.

Abstract in brief

  • The article explains how human skin is exposed to UV radiation (UVR), which can damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer, emphasizing that skin pigmentation, mainly melanin, plays a key protective role.
  • Melanin not only absorbs UV rays but also acts as an antioxidant and scavenges free radicals, which helps protect skin from UV damage; epidemiological studies show that people with darker skin have a lower risk of skin cancer.
  • Despite the cultural and cosmetic value placed on skin color, the protective role of melanin remains somewhat controversial, and the article discusses the effects of UVR, melanin properties, pigmentation regulation, and skin cancer prevention.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Nukit
@NukitToBeSure · X

This: Far-UVC- and UVB-induced DNA damage depending on skin type https://t.co/tKaTIkL3BU. The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin https://t.co/9QG1w7XrdF. Human skin responses to UV radiation: pigment in the upper epidermis protects against DNA damage in

Jan 9, 2025 · 43 likes · 1 share · 7,818 followers View post →
SiriusXM Urban View
@UrbanViewRadio · X

The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin @ravenscimaven : @STEMbassy : @BlackInSciComm : @SmartyPantsGear : @karenhunter : @DrewMcCaskill : #TechTuesday : #KarenRebels https://t.co/sbHNCkAjyT.

Feb 23, 2021 · 3 likes · 48,878 followers View post →
WION Showbiz
@WIONShowbiz · X

Embracing our unique skin tones while taking proactive measures to shield ourselves from the sun's rays is the key to maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Read on! https://t.co/ZWrItLStAn

Aug 25, 2023 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 4,163 followers View post →
♛ BlacJade Ⓥ
@GreerGenevie · X

The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin https://t.co/Mt7MfG85Jt

Apr 25, 2020 · 1 like · 742 followers View post →
Mad Scientist
@MadScientastic · X

@Annker23 @FakFakFakten @bruno_triplex @herr_ort "Photoprotection for Skin of Color" (2022) in der Zeitschrift "Dermatologic Clinics" "The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin" (2009) "Melanin and the Skin" von J.T. Diffey und R.J. Robson (1994) https://t.co/L34Z9mrCjy

Jul 17, 2025 · 1 like · 115 followers View post →
WION
@WIONews · X

RT @WIONShowbiz: Embracing our unique skin tones while taking proactive measures to shield ourselves from the sun's rays is the key to main…

Aug 25, 2023 · 2 shares · 515,610 followers View post →

All mentions

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@Shir_Xorshid · X

@thebesthaanaa خوب این سوپر پاور محسوب نمیشه نقص هست باید با ضد افتاب جبرانش کنی!!!!! کج و راستش رو نمیدونم چیزی که هست رو نوشتم اگر انگلیسی تو خوبه اینو بخون https://t.co/sUQ3AIITQU

Aug 30, 2025 · 186 followers View post →
Mad Scientist
@MadScientastic · X

@Annker23 @FakFakFakten @bruno_triplex @herr_ort "Photoprotection for Skin of Color" (2022) in der Zeitschrift "Dermatologic Clinics" "The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin" (2009) "Melanin and the Skin" von J.T. Diffey und R.J. Robson (1994) https://t.co/L34Z9mrCjy

Jul 17, 2025 · 1 like · 115 followers View post →
L
@Redleleblue · X

RT @NukitToBeSure: This: Far-UVC- and UVB-induced DNA damage depending on skin type https://t.co/tKaTIkL3BU. The Protective Role of Melan…

Jan 9, 2025 · 1 share · 264 followers View post →
Nukit
@NukitToBeSure · X

This: Far-UVC- and UVB-induced DNA damage depending on skin type https://t.co/tKaTIkL3BU. The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin https://t.co/9QG1w7XrdF. Human skin responses to UV radiation: pigment in the upper epidermis protects against DNA damage in

Jan 9, 2025 · 43 likes · 1 share · 7,818 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@NUnl The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 May 1. https://t.co/acLfpRteMQ En in het licht dat UV straling in de jaren die komen waarschijnlijk tot het extreme zullen toenemen is het deze info die

Aug 11, 2024 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@FTM_nl wel geleend zodat de echte reden niet gezocht gaat worden, het is puur om praktische redenen dat ''ze'' het doen. The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 May 1. https://t.co/acLfpRteMQ

Jun 2, 2024 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@christinerompa The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - 16 November 2007 . https://t.co/SQw3OnbQ9L "" Photoprotective Role of Melanin Epidemiological data strongly support the photoprotective role of melanin as there exists an inverse correlation between skin

May 21, 2024 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@HenryJP5 The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - 16 November 2007 . https://t.co/SQw3Onbikd ""On the one hand, it was reported that skin pigmentation greatly reduces the UVR-mediated synthesis of vitamin D3 as those with Black skin require at least a six-fold

Apr 27, 2024 · 109 followers View post →
BlackFactsMatter
@BlackFactsMatt1 · X

The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin https://t.co/pttaQAVFIK

Apr 24, 2024 · 30 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@NiniWijs @iriedaily94 @KNMI mensen maken Melanine aan en die beschermd tegen kankers en andere schadelijke gevolgen van UV; The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin-16 November 2007 . https://t.co/SQw3Onbikd ""On the one hand, it was reported that skin pigmentation greatly reduces

Apr 19, 2024 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@JohnnyBG19 https://t.co/X6qpOa4uMB https://t.co/zbqKWzY0YL "" Studies have shown a lower incidence for skin cancer in individuals with more concentrated melanin, i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author

Apr 5, 2024 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@ginnymooy The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - 16 November 2007 . https://t.co/SQw3Onbikd ""On the one hand, it was reported that skin pigmentation greatly reduces the UVR-mediated synthesis of vitamin D3 as those with Black skin require at least a six-fold

Mar 10, 2024 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@TweakerRob bescherming bieden tegen kankers veroorzaakt door UV straling. The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - 16 November 2007 . https://t.co/SQw3Onbikd ""On the one hand, it was reported that skin pigmentation greatly reduces the UVR-mediated synthesis of

Dec 3, 2023 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@MajaSeelen incidence for skin cancer in individuals with more concentrated melanin, i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 May 1. https://t.co/acLfpRteMQ

Oct 7, 2023 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@TigresdeKat @annehofstede @inspiremar1 veroorzaakt door UV straling omdat ze Melanine aanmaken; The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - 16 November 2007 . https://t.co/SQw3Onbikd ""On the one hand, it was reported that skin pigmentation greatly reduces the UVR-mediated synthesis of

Oct 1, 2023 · 109 followers View post →
Mahavir Girdharilal Jain
@mgj369 · X

RT @WIONShowbiz: Embracing our unique skin tones while taking proactive measures to shield ourselves from the sun's rays is the key to main…

Aug 25, 2023 · 2 shares · 274 followers View post →
WION
@WIONews · X

RT @WIONShowbiz: Embracing our unique skin tones while taking proactive measures to shield ourselves from the sun's rays is the key to main…

Aug 25, 2023 · 2 shares · 515,610 followers View post →
WION Showbiz
@WIONShowbiz · X

Embracing our unique skin tones while taking proactive measures to shield ourselves from the sun's rays is the key to maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Read on! https://t.co/ZWrItLStAn

Aug 25, 2023 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 4,163 followers View post →
Elizabeth L. Moncrieffe
@emoncrieffe85 · X

@ArNoSkope The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin ; https://t.co/bvdYHX2Zx4

Aug 10, 2023 · 253 followers View post →
Megan Elizabeth Graham
@grahamemegan · X

The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin https://t.co/DDNuelpNUn

Jan 6, 2023 · 301 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@SunWeatherMan 9. have shown a lower incidence for skin cancer in individuals with more concentrated melanin, i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; >>

Nov 25, 2022 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@sypwynia @lucasbergkamp 4. concentrated melanin, i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 May 1. https://t.co/acLfpRtMCo https://t.co/flyhjUuhIu Dan nog deze verbazingwekkende video; >>

Nov 23, 2022 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@GerardVriend3 @VegtDoor @Essent 6. "" Studies have shown a lower incidence for skin cancer in individuals with more concentrated melanin, i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 May 1. >>

Nov 23, 2022 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@kuit_jade 7. melanin, i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 May 1. https://t.co/acLfpRteMQ https://t.co/flyhjUtJSW Als je geïnteresseerd bent in het hele verhaal >>

Nov 21, 2022 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@dancalegria @Flick1_ @DeLeugenRegeert 5. [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 May 1. https://t.co/acLfpRteMQ https://t.co/flyhjUtJSW Blijkbaar zijn ze heel wat van plan met de populatie; Sarkozy: Challenge of the 21st >>

Nov 20, 2022 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@rubenbrekelmans 6. with more concentrated melanin, i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 May 1. https://t.co/acLfpRteMQ https://t.co/flyhjUtJSW >>

Nov 20, 2022 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@L0_0ney @bell00david 4. https://t.co/zbqKWzY0YL "" Studies have shown a lower incidence for skin cancer in individuals with more concentrated melanin, i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; >>

Nov 19, 2022 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@VegtDoor 13. concentrated melanin, i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 May 1. https://t.co/acLfpRbDog https://t.co/flyhjULkKu

Nov 12, 2022 · 109 followers View post →
C. A. J. Balk
@CAJBalk1 · X

RT @DreddRedd1T: @PvanHouwelingen 4. i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Pho…

Nov 11, 2022 · 1 share · 1,213 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@PvanHouwelingen 4. i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 May 1. https://t.co/acLfpRtMCo https://t.co/flyhjUuhIu De toenemende UV straling is samen Kosmische straling en >>

Nov 9, 2022 · 1 share · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@MarkWendrich @perrysnijders @fvdemocratie 5. https://t.co/zbqKWzGpAb "" Studies have shown a lower incidence for skin cancer in individuals with more concentrated melanin, i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available>>

Nov 9, 2022 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@SjaakUit 5. https://t.co/X6qpOa52C9 https://t.co/zbqKWzYyOj "" Studies have shown a lower incidence for skin cancer in individuals with more concentrated melanin, i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. >>

Nov 8, 2022 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@Sandronique @NUnl @RVDJ_NL 5. shown a lower incidence for skin cancer in individuals with more concentrated melanin, i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 May 1. >>

Nov 7, 2022 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@HugoBroeckx1 @vandenkeybus000 @Infocadl2015 5. The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 May 1. https://t.co/acLfpRtMCo https://t.co/flyhjUuhIu Het is allemaal te ''toevallig''.

Nov 6, 2022 · 109 followers View post →
DreddRedd1Tweede
@DreddRedd1T · X

@TheDoc96836335 5. for skin cancer in individuals with more concentrated melanin, i.e. darker skin tone.[4]"" [4]: The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin - Photochem Photobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 May 1. https://t.co/acLfpRteMQ >>

Nov 3, 2022 · 109 followers View post →
The bitch is fine thx
@MagaliQuelennec · X

RT @HOELANl:

Jul 27, 2022 · 3 shares · 186 followers View post →
Le PSG me rend heureuse
@UmmuLayan · X

RT @HOELANl:

Jul 26, 2022 · 3 shares · 2,681 followers View post →
dahanarynah
@dahanarynah · X

RT @HOELANl:

Jul 25, 2022 · 3 shares · 264 followers View post →
Raymond Fennas Tehubijuluw
@RTehubijuluw373 · X

@aradiant1899 https://t.co/52tapJSkyM The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin https://t.co/H6Vf5duu3C

Apr 4, 2022 · 3 followers View post →
François Booream
@BooraemFrancois · X

https://t.co/SrX6PoP4y7

May 21, 2021 · 718 followers View post →
SiriusXM Urban View
@UrbanViewRadio · X

The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin @ravenscimaven : @STEMbassy : @BlackInSciComm : @SmartyPantsGear : @karenhunter : @DrewMcCaskill : #TechTuesday : #KarenRebels https://t.co/sbHNCkAjyT.

Feb 23, 2021 · 3 likes · 48,878 followers View post →
nobodyhere
@nobodyhere23 · X

Google scholar https://t.co/rNiJvI8j3X https://t.co/gOQkBGn1FF https://t.co/o7gbJZDxvj

Dec 29, 2020 · 2,286 followers View post →
sinag, bsn
@MANONGPASCAL · X

tis my resources if you want to do some research https://t.co/nNPolnbV30 https://t.co/o5NgjMh534 https://t.co/RIY2kpIQ2S

Oct 23, 2020 · 2,655 followers View post →
Wizard Kelendria
@ajs____________ · X

The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin https://t.co/S1J5xdy3iT

Aug 4, 2020 · 324 followers View post →
♛ BlacJade Ⓥ
@GreerGenevie · X

The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin https://t.co/Mt7MfG85Jt

Apr 25, 2020 · 1 like · 742 followers View post →
Gaijin
@Verbocaine · X

@kalimi_ The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin† - Brenner - 2008 - Photochemistry and Photobiology - Wiley Online Library https://t.co/L9TtWBtFyL

Aug 6, 2019 · 1,085 followers View post →
jelly
@jellybal · X

"The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin" (2008) https://t.co/FzCKm7d2Te

Jul 1, 2019 · 393 followers View post →
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https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.2007.00226.x https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.01-0518fje https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1747.2003.12004.x

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... 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2007.00226.x; https://www.scielo.br/j/abd/a/WPYDvDFnT6JrMDr9ZgtGkxJ/?lang=en; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20725554 ...

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doi: 10.1007/s11818-019-00215-x doi: 10.1172/JCI148286 doi:10.2174/1381612826666200310145935 doi: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2007.00226.x. more.

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... 1751-1097.2007.00226.x/full (Pheo)Melanin ... http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1986.tb10606.x/abstract.

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