Melanin Say: mel-uh-nun Ever wonder where your skin gets its color? It comes from the magic "m" word: melanin! This natural pigment is what gives your skin its special hue. The darker your skin, the more melanin you have. Back to Articles Related Articles Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.