How to Take Melanin Supplements

Melanin is a pigment naturally found in humans and many animals. It determines the colour of the skin, eyes, and hair. It also plays a part in the skin’s natural defence mechanisms against ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing some of these rays. However, this protection is limited and is by no means a substitute for the recommended sun protection measures, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing or using a suitable sunscreen when exposure is unavoidable.

Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, located in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Its synthesis relies in particular on tyrosine, an amino acid naturally present in the body. The amount and type of melanin produced vary from person to person, which explains the diversity of skin, eye, and hair colours.

What Are the Different Types of Melanin?

• Eumelanin: Ranging in colour from dark brown to black, it is predominant in people with dark hair and olive to dark skin

• Pheomelanin: Ranging in colour from yellow to red, it is more prevalent in people with red or blonde hair and fair skin

The proportions of these two forms of melanin help to determine natural hair and skin colour. With age, melanocyte activity in the hair follicles gradually decreases. This phenomenon, combined with genetic and environmental factors, contributes to the appearance of grey, then white, hair.

As well as its role in pigmentation, melanin plays a part in several important processes for the skin and hair.

Melanin for the Skin

• Plays a Part in the Skin’s Natural Pigmentation: Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin colour. Its production varies from person to person and can be influenced by various environmental factors

• Contributes to the Skin’s Natural Defence Mechanisms Against UV Radiation: By absorbing some of the ultraviolet radiation, melanin helps the skin to limit certain types of sun-induced damage. However, this protection is incomplete and should never replace the need to take appropriate sun protection measures

• Helps Protect Against Oxidative Stress: Melanin has antioxidant properties that enable it to neutralise some of the free radicals generated, in particular, by UV radiation and other environmental aggressors

Would you like to find out more about how this pigment works in the skin? Discover all the effects of melanin on the skin.

Melanin for Hair

Melanin is the pigment responsible for the natural colour of hair. Depending on its quantity and composition, it determines the various hair shades, ranging from blonde to black, including brown and red. With age, the activity of the melanocytes present in the hair follicles gradually decreases. This decline in melanin production then leads to the appearance of grey and eventually white hair, a natural phenomenon also influenced by genetics and certain environmental factors.

Spotlight on Our Melanin Dietary Supplement

Our Melanin combines a patented and clinically tested active ingredient, 100% French in origin, with copper, an essential trace element that contributes to the normal pigmentation of the skin and hair.

The patented active ingredient is derived from the wool of sheep reared humanely in France, in the Puy-en-Velay region. The extraction and hydrolysis of keratin are carried out in France using a specific process designed to preserve the quality of the resulting compounds.

This formula thus combines melanin, which is naturally present in the body, with copper to support the natural mechanisms involved in skin and hair pigmentation.

Contraindications: Does not protect against sunburn. Does not replace the use of sun protection. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. For adults only. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

A melanin treatment can address a range of goals, such as a radiant complexion, natural skin or hair pigmentation, as well as the following:

Support Natural Pigmentation Processes

Melanin is the pigment naturally responsible for the colour of the skin and hair. Its production varies from person to person depending on numerous factors, including genetics, age and the environment. A melanin treatment may be considered to complement the natural mechanisms involved in pigmentation and help maintain the balance of these tissues over time.

Support the Skin During Periods of Sun Exposure

As the days grow longer and outdoor activities become more frequent, some people choose to incorporate melanin into their routines. It then forms part of a holistic approach combining a diet rich in antioxidants, good hydration, appropriate skincare, and sun protection measures such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using a cream or a suitable suncare product when exposure is unavoidable.

Preserve the Natural Radiance of the Complexion

Melanin contributes to the skin’s natural appearance and an even complexion. Some people incorporate this into a beauty routine aimed at supporting the physiological mechanisms involved in maintaining an even complexion and promoting a natural, healthy glow. This approach is ideally accompanied by a holistic lifestyle that takes into account diet, sleep and protection of the skin against external aggressors.

Support the Changes Associated with Ageing Hair

Research suggests that hair greying is linked in particular to the ageing of melanocyte stem cells, which are responsible for the renewal of melanin-producing cells within the hair follicle (1). This natural process contributes to the appearance of grey and then white hair. A melanin treatment can therefore form part of a comprehensive approach aimed at supporting the hair’s natural pigmentation and maintaining its balance as we age.

Step 1: Set Your Goal

Before starting a melanin treatment, identify why you want to use it. Some people use it to complement their hair’s natural pigmentation, while others choose it to enhance their complexion’s natural radiance. Your goal will help you choose the most suitable treatment duration.

Step 2: Follow the Recommended Dosage

Take 2 tablets of our Melanin D with a meal to aid absorption. For skin, we generally recommend at least 1 month. For hair, plan a course of at least 4 months to allow for the natural hair renewal cycle.

Step 3: Be Consistent

Consistency is essential to incorporate melanin effectively into your daily routine. Take your supplement every day for the full duration of the recommended course of treatment.

Carrot and Inositol Healthy Glow & Tanning Serum

This certified organic, 100% naturally derived two-phase serum combines inositol, carrot oil and antioxidant active ingredients. Day after day, it enhances the complexion’s natural radiance and helps gradually reveal a tanned glow, even without sun exposure. The first results are usually visible after just 7 days of use.

How to Use: Apply a few drops to the face on its own or before your usual skincare routine, morning, and/or evening.

Discover the Healthy Glow & Tanning Serum

Organic Vitamin C & Astaxanthin Cream

This cream combines optimised Vitamin C, astaxanthin and a mate extract. A true radiance booster, it helps protect the skin from free radicals, supports collagen synthesis and leaves the complexion looking brighter and revitalised.

How to Use: Apply in the morning and/or evening to clean, dry skin.

Discover the Organic Vitamin C & Astaxanthin Cream

Solar Complex

This food supplement combines a complex of carotenoids, antioxidants, Vitamin E, selenium, copper and the patented active ingredient Nutroxsun®. Its formula has been designed to support the skin while spending time in the sun and help protect it from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation.

Contraindications: For adults only. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Not recommended in cases of biliary obstruction or other disorders of biliary function. Does not protect against sunburn. Does not replace the use of sun protection.

Discover the Solar Complex

The Extra Touch

Self-Tanning Drops

These 100% natural drops provide a buildable golden tan. They contain DHA, erythrulose and brown seaweed extract for a natural tan without sun exposure.

How to Use: Mix a few drops into your usual moisturiser and apply. The effect appears within 24 hours and lasts for 5 to 8 days.

Discover the Self-Tanning Drops

Melanin production depends primarily on genetic factors, but certain lifestyle choices can help ensure the mechanisms involved in its synthesis function properly.

1. Eat a Diet Rich in Tyrosine: This amino acid plays a part in melanin synthesis. It is found in particular in eggs, dairy products, pulses, poultry, avocados, and bananas

2. Get Plenty of Antioxidants: Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress. When it comes to diet, red berries, green tea, cocoa, colourful vegetables and certain dietary supplements rich in carotenoids may be beneficial in this context

3. Ensure an Adequate Intake of Vitamins and Minerals: Certain nutrients, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and copper, help maintain healthy skin and play a role in various biological processes linked to pigmentation

4. Daily Skincare: Skin that is well-hydrated and protected from external aggressors retains its natural radiance more easily

It is important to remember that melanin production is largely influenced by genetics and age. These habits form part of a holistic approach to supporting the skin and hair.

Before starting any treatment or regime aimed at increasing melanin, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. This is particularly important if you are considering taking dietary supplements or making radical changes to your diet. It is essential not to expose your skin to excessive amounts of unprotected sun, even if you wish to increase melanin production. Always use sun protection to prevent skin damage.

Melanin production is largely determined by genetics. This is why it is important to have realistic expectations when seeking to influence skin or hair pigmentation. Dietary supplements and skincare products can support the body’s natural processes, but they do not alter your genetic makeup. The aim is, above all, to support the natural functioning of the skin and hair as part of a holistic approach.

After completing a master’s degree in management, Christine spent 20 years working for leading companies in the food supplement and natural cosmetics sectors. She then turned her passion for nature into a career. Today she practises naturopathy for people and animals, as well as sophrology, and mentors aspiring naturopaths and sophrologists at various schools.