Pigment which confers colour to the SKIN, hair and EYE. It is produced by cells called melanocytes interspersed along the basal layer of the EPIDERMIS. The maturation of the epidermis into stratum corneum cells packed with melanin granules confers an ultraviolet light barrier which protects the skin against the harmful effects resulting from continued solar exposure. The races do not differ in the number of melanocytes in their skin, only in the rate and quantity of melanin production. Exposure to bright sunlight stimulates melanin production and distribution causing ‘suntan’. A hormone from the PITUITARY GLAND may stimulate melanin production on the face in pregnancy (see CHLOASMA).