* Melanin: Skin color is primarily determined by the amount and type of melanin, a pigment produced by cells called melanocytes. There are two main types of melanin: eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (red/yellow).
* Variations: People have a wide range of skin tones, from very pale to very dark. This is due to the variations in the amount and distribution of melanin, as well as other factors like genetics, environment, and health.
* Beyond the visible: Skin color can also be influenced by the presence of other pigments, like carotene (which gives skin a yellow-orange hue), and the amount of blood flowing near the skin's surface.
So, what color is skin? It's actually a spectrum of colors, with individuals having unique shades and tones! It's important to appreciate the diversity of skin colors and avoid using overly simplistic terms.