The new face of pigmentation and aging

Abstract

Pigmentation is a universal physiological process that occurs in all organisms from bacteria, fish, and amphibians to birds, mammals, and humans [1]. Pigmentation provides camouflage and protection from UV, but in some lower organisms pigmentation is also involved in wound healing [2-4]. In humans, the major determinant of skin color is the pigment/complex polymer, melanin. The variation in human skin color is striking, and has great physiological and sociological implications. The color of one's skin is a strong predictor of social interactions. That skin color has immense psychosocial impacts is evidenced by the billions of dollars spent annually in search of the perfect skin color. Tanning beds and artificial tanners are used to achieve a bronzed glow, while fairness creams and bleaches are used to lighten skin color and achieve an even skin tone. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.