The color of skin is determined by?

The color of skin is primarily determined by the amount of melanin present in the skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by specialized skin cells called melanocytes. It plays a crucial role not only in skin color but also in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. People with higher melanin levels tend to have darker skin tones, while those with lower levels have lighter skin tones.

While blood flow can influence the appearance of the skin temporarily—such as during exercise or blushing—the fundamental color is not defined by this factor. Skin thickness can vary based on various factors, including body area and age, but it does not play a primary role in determining the baseline color of the skin. Environmental factors like sun exposure can affect pigmentation over time, but they do not inherently determine skin color. Hence, melanin is the most significant factor in defining the color of the skin.