Pigment melanin refers to a substance that gives color to our hair, eyes, and skin. It is responsible for determining our skin tone and protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Full definition
A team at Massachusetts General Hospital scrutinized the opioid system, the reward pathway hijacked by drugs such as heroin, because the researchers had earlier found that beta - endorphin and the skin pigment melanin originate from the same protein. (scientificamerican.com)
People with light skin, light eyes and light hair have less of the protective pigment melanin in their skin and are more susceptible to sunburns — and more apt to have moles. (health.com)
These white cats with pink gums or eyelids, lack the protective pigment melanin. (vetbabble.com)