A dark coloured organic pigment produced in the skin. There are two forms of melanin----pheomelanin, which is red to yellow in color, and eumelanin, which is dark brown to black. People with light complexioned skin mostly produce pheomelanin, while those with dark coloured skin mostly produce eumelanin. High concentrations of melanin near the surface of the skin result in a darker complexion. Suntanned skin also has higher concentrations of melanin.