Melanocytes – Part 8 of 12 of the One Skin Series

Melanocytes – Part 8 of 12 of the One Skin Series

ZO Medical 3-Step Peel February Special

Learn About Melanocytes – Part 8 of 12 of the One Skin Series

  • Melanocytes are the pigment producing cells of the epidermis.
  • UV light increases the risk of developing melanoma, the cancerous form of melanocytes.
  • They are located in the deepest layer of the epidermis, and are interspersed among the keratinocytes.
  • There are approximately 1 melanocyte for every 10 keratinocytes, but each melanocyte protects 30-40 keratinocytes.
  • They produce melanin granules, the primary pigment of skin, which form a protective cap over the nucleus of the keratinocytes.
  • This protective cap inhibits damage to the nucleus caused by ultraviolet radiation.
  • Melanin production leads to tans in dark skinned individuals and freckles in light skinned individuals.