Premium
Skin phototype: a new perspective
Author(s) -
Maresca Vittoria,
Flori Enrica,
Picardo Mauro
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
pigment cell and melanoma research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.618
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1755-148X
pISSN - 1755-1471
DOI - 10.1111/pcmr.12365
Subject(s) - phototype , melanocortin 1 receptor , melanin , receptor , melanocortin , biology , photoprotection , melanocyte , cancer research , dermatology , medicine , genetics , melanoma , biochemistry , phenotype , gene , photosynthesis
Summary Cutaneous phototype is considered mainly related to cutaneous pigmentation and to the eumelanin/pheomelanin ratio, which is mostly genetically determined by the melanocortin 1 receptor ( MC 1R) polymorphisms. However, data in literature indicate that, in addition to stimulation of eumelanin synthesis, the MC 1R signalling activates antioxidant, DNA repair and survival pathways. New emerging aspects regarding photoprotection and skin phototypes are going beyond those features connected to the melanin content in the skin. Important new findings link the MC 1R to nuclear receptors activation, shedding light on new extra‐melanogenic effects dependent on the α ‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone ( α ‐ MSH ) activity and new ways through which such functions are modulated. These evidences indicate that several factors including melanin play a part in defining the basis for individual sun sensitivity, suggesting that the cutaneous phototype represents a ‘biochemical fingerprint’.