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    Why does the sun lighten our hair, but darken our skin?

    Question #85894. Asked by grreenzz7. (Sep 15 07 2:56 PM)


    jonnowales

    		Melanin is present in both our hair and our skin as well as many other places including the iris.

    However, there are many different types of melanin hence the differentiation.

    It is explained in more detail here:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanin


    Sep 15 07, 3:31 PM
    grreenzz7

    		Thanks jonnowales! The answer is perfect and now I know why the sun lightens our hair but darkens our skin :-)

    Sep 15 07, 3:37 PM
    zbeckabee

    		CECIL SAYS: Sun darkens skin because it triggers the production of melanin, a brownish-black pigment that helps filter out harmful ultraviolet rays. It lightens hair because the UV light triggers the breakdown of these selfsame melanin molecules into simpler and evidently less colorful compounds.


    http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4_128a.html

    Sep 15 07, 7:53 PM

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