Melanin
- The skin color is determined by Melanin, a pigment that ranges in color from yellow, brown, and black. The pigment is produced by spider shaped cells called melanocytes, which are found in the startum basale. When the skin is exposed to sunlight the melancoytes produce more pigment where tanning occurs. Freckles and moles are created when the area of the skin is damaged and the melanin is concentrated in one spot.