MELANOGENESIS

The skin’s own protection process against the negative impact of sun exposure depends on correct photochemical processes which transform UV ray energy. Natural melanine is produced in the metabolism of the tyrozine aminoacid, which has a strong protective function. This biochemical process is called melanogenesis. It takes place in melanocytes, in the synthesis of the tyrosinase enzyme, which transforms the tyrosine aminoacid into melanine. This is synthesised in melanosomes, which then migrate from the basal skin layer to the keranocytes found in the epidermis. Thus the melanine is disposed around the cell nuclei and acts as protection against UV rays.