What substance does the body produce to help protect the skin from UV radiation?

The body produces melanin as a protective mechanism against UV radiation. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes, and its primary role is to absorb and dissipate the harmful effects of UV light. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, melanin production increases, leading to tanning, which helps shield deeper layers of the skin from potential damage caused by UV rays, such as sunburn and DNA damage that could lead to skin cancer.

Keratins, sebum, and collagen serve different functions in the skin. Keratins are structural proteins that provide strength and resilience to the skin and are crucial for the skin barrier function. Sebum is an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands that helps to keep the skin moisturized and provides a certain level of waterproofing, but it does not specifically protect against UV radiation. Collagen is a protein that offers structural support and elasticity to the skin but does not absorb UV light. Thus, melanin is uniquely positioned as the primary natural defense mechanism against the damaging effects of UV exposure.