Tuesday Tanlines

Padma Lakshmi

At Indian Express, Why Indian skin tans so quickly

Celebrity dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad, in a recent chat with host Priyali Mahtani, explains why Indian skin tans so quickly, while breaking down the role of eumelanin – the pigment responsible for the brown tones in our skin.

Priyali asks her if it’s patchy skin where the face is a different skin colour from the hands, chest, or tummy, or if it’s a characteristic of Indian skin types more than any other? Is it something unique that is commonly found with our Indian skin tone? 

Deepika Padukone

 

Dr Sharad explains why Indian skin tans so quickly: it’s because of
the pigment called eumelanin. Melanin is of two types: eumelanin and pheomelanin.

“Now, melanin is something that is giving us colour. So if you have eumelanin, you’re getting a darker shade. If you have pheo, you get more red shades. We have shades of brown. So when you have more eumelanin, you tan sooner. So you don’t need to make an effort to tan,” she says.

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Casual Friday Redux up and garnering clicks at The Other McCain.