Melanin vs. Melatonin — What's the Difference?

Melanin: Melanin is a pigment, a natural substance responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone, a chemical messenger that regulates various bodily functions, including sleep patterns.

Melanin: It is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes primarily in the skin, hair follicles, and eyes. Melatonin: Melatonin is synthesized in the pineal gland, a small gland located deep within the brain.

Melanin: Genetics and exposure to UV radiation are the primary factors influencing melanin production. Melatonin: Light exposure, particularly the absence of light at night, triggers the release of melatonin.

Determines eye color, with higher melanin levels resulting in darker irises.

Melatonin supplements may aid in managing sleep disorders like insomnia.

Influences hair color, as reduced melanin production leads to graying hair.

Helps maintain circadian rhythms, synchronizing the body's internal clock.

A natural pigment responsible for skin color, melanin shields the skin from harmful UV rays.

Its role in sleep quality makes melatonin a focus of sleep research.

Genetic variations in melanin production contribute to diverse skin tones.

A hormone that regulates sleep, melatonin levels rise in darkness, inducing drowsiness.

Protects against sunburn by absorbing and dissipating UV radiation.

Melatonin is a hormone primarily released by the pineal gland at night, and has long been associated with control of the sleep–wake cycle. As a dietary supplement, it is often used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, such as from jet lag or shift work, and is typically taken orally.

Melanin ( (listen); from Greek: μέλας melas, "black, dark") is a broad term for a group of natural pigments found in most organisms. Melanin is produced through a multistage chemical process known as melanogenesis, where the oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine is followed by polymerization.

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland which inhibits melanin formation and is thought to be concerned with regulating the reproductive cycle.

A dark brown to black pigment occurring in the hair, skin, and iris of the eye in people and animals. It is responsible for tanning of skin exposed to sunlight.

An animal hormone, C13H16N2O2, derived from serotonin and produced by the pineal gland. It stimulates color change in the skin of amphibians and reptiles and plays a role in regulating circadian rhythms and reproductive cycles in mammals. It is also found in plants and fungi.

Any of a group of naturally occurring dark pigments, especially the pigment found in skin, hair, fur, and feathers.

A hormone, related to serotonin, that is secreted by the pineal gland, and stimulates colour change in the skin of reptiles, and is involved in the sleep/wake and reproductive cycles in mammals.

(biochemistry) Any of a group of naturally occurring dark pigments, especially the pigment found in skin, hair, fur, and feathers.

Any material similar in its chemistry and effect to the natural hormone.

A black pigment found in the pigment-bearing cells of the skin (particularly in the skin of the negro), in the epithelial cells of the external layer of the retina (then called fuscin), in the outer layer of the choroid, and elsewhere. It is supposed to be derived from the decomposition of hemoglobin.

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland. Chemically it is N-acety-5-methoxytryptamine. Research has indicated that there are daily rhythms in secretion of melatonin, in particular due to the depressing effect on melatonin production by light received by the retina. Conversely it appears that melatonin may influence the circadian rhythms of animals. There is some experimental evidence that administration of melatonin may increase the amount of sleep in people with sleep disorders. However, the evidence is not convincing and the effect is not profound. Nevertheless, the deregulation of melatonin and its availability over-the-counter has led to many people taking melatonin to help sleep, without consulting a physician.

Insoluble pigments that account for the color of e.g. skin and scales and feathers

Hormone secreted by the pineal gland

Affected by light exposure, melatonin secretion peaks during nighttime darkness.

Melanin levels and distribution contribute to variations in skin colors among individuals and populations.

Melanin primarily determines skin, hair, and eye color.

Melanin absorbs and disperses UV rays, reducing the risk of DNA damage and sunburn.

Conditions like vitiligo involve a loss of melanin, resulting in depigmented patches on the skin.

Exposure to light, especially blue light, suppresses melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.

Yes, factors like sun exposure and genetics can influence melanin production and distribution.

Melatonin helps signal the body when it's time to sleep and wake, aligning with the circadian rhythm.

Melatonin supplements are used to manage sleep disorders and jet lag, but their effectiveness varies.

The pineal gland in the brain synthesizes and releases melatonin in response to light cues.

Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, reducing exposure to screens before bedtime, and keeping the sleeping environment dark can help increase melatonin production naturally.