Which type of melanin is responsible for producing red skin tones?

Pheomelanin is the type of melanin responsible for producing red skin tones. This pigment is found in various concentrations in individuals with lighter skin tones and gives a reddish hue to the skin and hair. It is especially prominent in conditions where red or blonde shades are visible, contrasting with eumelanin, which provides darker tones such as brown and black.

Pheomelanin's role in skin pigmentation corresponds with its chemical structure and the way it interacts with light. As a result, it contributes to the appearance of certain skin tones among people with specific genetic backgrounds, particularly those of Northern European descent. Understanding the function of pheomelanin highlights the complexity of human pigmentation and how it is influenced by genetics, environmental factors, and the evolutionary adaptations of various populations.