What is Pheomelanin
Pheomelanin is one of the two main types of melanin in the human body, the other being eumelanin. It is responsible for reddish, yellowish, and orange tones in skin and hair. People with red or strawberry-blond hair, fair skin, and freckles usually have higher amounts of pheomelanin and lower amounts of eumelanin.
Color Contribution
Pheomelanin gives color to:
Hair – Red, ginger, auburn, and some lighter blond shades are caused by pheomelanin.
Skin – Found more in fair-skinned individuals, especially those who freckle or burn easily in the sun.
Lips and nipples – Pheomelanin also contributes to the pinkish tone in certain body areas.
Unlike eumelanin, which darkens features, pheomelanin adds warmer, lighter hues.
UV Protection
One of the key differences between pheomelanin and eumelanin is how they handle sunlight. Pheomelanin provides much less protection from UV rays. In fact, under UV exposure, pheomelanin can produce free radicals—unstable molecules that may damage cells and DNA. This is why people with more pheomelanin are at a higher risk for sunburn and skin cancer if they don’t protect their skin.
Where Pheomelanin Is Found
Pheomelanin is typically more concentrated in:
People with red or light blond hair
Those with light skin that burns easily
Areas of the body with natural pink tones, such as the lips
It is also present in all humans, but in smaller amounts in those with darker skin and hair dominated by eumelanin.
Pheomelanin vs Eumelanin
While both are types of melanin, they behave very differently:
Pheomelanin creates red, orange, and yellow hues and offers weak UV protection.
Eumelanin creates black and brown shades and provides strong protection from sunlight.
People with more pheomelanin often have fair skin, freckles, and are more sensitive to sun exposure.
People with more eumelanin have darker features and greater natural sun resistance.
Genetic Influence
The MC1R gene plays a key role in determining how much pheomelanin the body produces. When MC1R is inactive or mutated, melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) make pheomelanin instead of eumelanin. This is often the case in individuals with red hair or light skin. These genetic variations are inherited and passed down in families.
Role in Evolution
Pheomelanin likely became more common in populations living in areas with lower UV radiation, such as northern Europe. Lighter skin allowed these individuals to produce enough vitamin D despite limited sunlight. However, the trade-off was less protection from UV, making sunscreen and sun care important for people with fair complexions today.
