There are two types of pigments (melanin) which determine skin colour in caucasians:
Eumelanin:
-Has a photoprotective action
-Acts as a physical and chemical filter to light
-Absorbs free radicals in response to sun exposure
Pheomelanin:
-Is found most often in red-haired individuals
-Has a photoaggressive action
-Produces free radicals in response to sun exposure
There is a third type of melanin called neuromelanin which is found in the nervous system
Source of Information: 2012 (09) – Placek W. 21st Annual Congress of the EADV (European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology) – Prague (Praha), Czech Republic (česká republika)
