melanocytes

What: "Then they transfer the granules to certain epidermal cells in the lowest layer of our epidermis, where they block the damaging UV that penetrates our skin. In other words, melanocytes are like pigment factories that ship pigments (melanosomes) to other cells where the pigment is needed."

Writer: Dr. David Menton

LCC:

Where:

Date: May 10 2014 9:55 AM

What:

'Melanocytes are like octopi with long arms. When the sun shines, they spread these out and deposit melanin in the skin. This protects the skin cells from sunlight. But over the years they become damaged and overproduce melanin, making a dark spot.'

Writer: Dr Mike Bell

LCC:

Where:

Date: May 10 2014 9:54 AM

What:

"Melanocytes are like little factories churning out brown pigment granules, which is the pigment in our skin and they happen in a patchy way, rather than all over. If it happens evenly all over, you just get a tan right (but you're, hopefully, not tanning). But if it happens in a patchy way then you get blotchiness, and we all hate that. "

Writer: Dr. Irwin

LCC:

Where: Reference Link Has Evaporated

Date: May 10 2014 9:55 AM