Melanin is the focus of many quantum conversations— and rightfully so.
It's so much more than the color of your skin. This protective pigment works like a solar panel in the body, playing a vital role in energy production and cellular detoxification. Neurosurgeon and quantum health leader, Jack Kruse, compares melanin in our skin to how certain materials in electronics act as semiconductors to control and convert energy. We happen to agree with him.
Because without enough color, your skin gets easily overwhelmed by light frequencies and “burns” out— literally. It’s why you’re more prone to sunburn at the start of summer than at the end. A robust “solar callus” of melanin buffers the intensity of the sun allowing you to absorb more of the benefits and block any potential risks. Where too much naked energy from the sun would damage skin, melanin absorbs those powerful frequencies and puts them to good use in your cell’s mitochondria.
A sunkissed tan is what helps your skin regulate cellular processes and physiological functions influenced by light and electromagnetic frequencies.
No wonder they call it a “healthy glow.”
Keep reading to uncover how a tan creates electricity in your body and what you can do to maintain your radiant color even in the winter months.
What is melanin?
Melanin is our body’s built-in UV filter. The OG sunblock.
It’s basically a dark pigment surrounded by a shell of water that’s excellent at absorbing light. The special cells that make this shield-like color are called melanocytes.
These cells live primarily in the basal layer of the epidermis but are also found in the hair, eyes, and even the brain. You can see how these pathways might have a hand in crucial neuroendocrine functions like melatonin and serotonin production and even help prevent neurodegenerative diseases. (1)
Simply put? A tan can help you:
So yes, melanin darkens your skin (and makes you look better without makeup). But its primary purpose is to help your body properly use light— making everything else more efficient.
Melanin and structured water: human photosynthesis?
There’s no arguing that food is our primary energy source.
But research scientist, Dr. Arturo Solis Herrera, invites us to consider how the process of photosynthesis, building with the energy of light, isn’t just for plants.
In his research, Dr. Herrera created a perpetual battery using melanin, water, and a lamp. He’s had it running for approximately 10 years! The melanin absorbs light which splits water and creates electrons (electricity) and since the water reforms, the cycle continues without any other inputs. Incredible.
This same power is available to our cells through our inner “solar-powered” water cycle. Because where there is light, specifically infrared light, so too is structured water. If you’ve stepped into the world of quantum biology at all, this may sound familiar to you. The fourth phase of water, H3O2, has been shown to be a main source of energy for many different types of cells, even more so than breathing or food.
How does the body make this structured water?
Consider melanin the charging cord for your body’s water battery pack. It works by absorbing light from the sun, breaking water molecules into hydrogen (an electron donor) and oxygen which are the bare necessities for both structured water and ATP.
Think about it. Ever notice you don’t feel as hungry in the sun? Or how you crave lighter meals in the summertime? This could be why.
Turns out a tan isn’t just for looks— it's thermal energy!
How does one “get a tan?”
We all know the color of our skin deepens with exposure to ultraviolet radiation. But how exactly does this happen? And why do some people tan so easily while others only burn?
More importantly, is it possible to shift your skin’s solar capacity? (Spoiler: YES)
It all starts with melanocytes on the surface of the skin. These cells use light-sensitive proteins, melanopsin and rhodopsin, to detect ultraviolet light. Just like filling your gas tank or charging your phone, once your body has absorbed enough UVA and UVB power for vitamin D conversion and neurotransmitter production, melanocytes start to send out calcium ions. This signal activates an enzyme called tyrosinase that triggers the production of melanin to absorb the UV light and protect the skin from damage, essentially storing this extra energy and offloading it at night to energize repair processes while you sleep.
Once you’ve got enough energy, you’ll sense an “erythema response” that feels like a warm flush— a local histamine release letting you know it’s time to seek shade. Think of it like your body’s very own, “LOW POWER MODE TURNED OFF: battery sufficiently charged” notification. So cool.
But keep in mind! These photoreceptor proteins are also found in the eyes, which means that a mismatched light signal (via sunglasses) can disrupt this intricate pathway and increase your chances of oxidative stress and burn.
And it’s not just UVA that builds melanin. Dr. Jack Kruse argues that UVB-induced melanin offers even more protection against skin cancer and photoaging by redistributing melanin to the upper layers of skin to prevent oxidation. Another reason the full solar spectrum is where it’s at.
It’s also important to note that how your body lays down melanin will be determined by your Fitzpatrick Skin Type.
Do you tan evenly or in patches? Burn or freckle? It’s good to know where you fall so you can be strategic when it comes to the sun.
A common misconception is that a tan is the result of DNA damage, just like a burn. A quick Google search reveals this half-truth— but as usual, there’s more to the story.
Yes, DNA is destroyed when you blast skin cells with high levels of solar radiation. However, it’s also true that the same light at a lower intensity can completely heal the damage. This hermetic cycle is called “photo repair,” and it’s all thanks to melanin.
Build your solar callus throughout the year (and become a golden goddess by next summer).
If you almost always burn, you’re likely a type I or II. This means running out in the sun in the middle of August isn’t recommended. But then again, neither is running a marathon without any training. The key is to get five, ten, fifteen minutes of sun here and there all year round to get where you want to be. This is trickier in the northern hemisphere, but do your best to get direct sunlight on your skin, even on colder days.
And here’s the thing: melanin builds in response to receiving enough vitamin D. It goes hand in hand. So if your levels are chronically low, your skin will burn out before its defense mechanism is ever triggered. This is another reason why sunscreen sucks and gradual sun exposure is so helpful. While man-made SPF limits vitamin D production, training your skin in the sun slowly restores vitamin D levels so it can start laying down new melanin. Next summer’s skin starts right now.
Give your skin the best shot at making vitamin D.
When your tissues are more saturated inside and out, they are far more resilient to free radical stress and environmental damage (esp from the sun). And since the skin needs cholesterol to make vitamin D, it’s a must. Opt for tallow-based skincare and meat from ruminant animals for a well-rounded approach to fat.
Converting UVB energy from the sun into usable vitamin D requires a number of enzymatic reactions. All of these enzymes need a little something called magnesium to do their jobs. This means that low magnesium can seriously stall vitamin D activation and keep you stuck in the sunburn cycle. Boosting magnesium is a powerful way to give your body permission to start producing melanin instead of stress.
Enhance your skin’s natural defenses against burning with topical methylene blue. Not only does this antioxidant protect against UV-induced oxidative stress, but it also strengthens cellular processes needed for vitamin D production. Win-win.
A healthy tan may look different for everyone, but the goal remains the same. And with consistency, you may surprise yourself come next year. Even types I and II can achieve a darker color and avoid burning— it just calls for a little intention.
Sustain your tan through the winter.
Sun shouldn’t be categorized as a summer topic. It ought to be prioritized in every season— and so should your tan. Good news for those of us in the northern hemisphere, there are ways to preserve your melanin even when the sun is lower in the sky.
Hands down the best way to maintain bronzed skin is by nourishing your moisture barrier with saturated fats. A hungry lipid layer sheds cells faster. Tallow-based skincare rich in fatty acids feeds the skin to lock in color and prevent peeling or patchiness.
Generating melanin from the sun is preferred, but you can also make it on the inside via cold exposure. Oftentimes we will “lose our tan” because the body pulls energized melanin inward to support the central nervous system. But cold plunging through the wintertime can stimulate ‘neuro melanin’ production in the substantia nigra— the body won’t necessarily need to pull from the pigment in your skin. Cold water is also just great for circulation and overall skin tone!
(Warning: this practice should be reserved for those who've “done the work” to repair their mitochondria via red light and melanin stores. It may otherwise further strain a failing system.)
Retinol directly supports melanocytes for melanin synthesis and prevents the degradation of color over time through antioxidant action and turnover regulation. Not to mention the way bioavailable retinol strengthens skin cells integrity and speeds up healing. Animal foods are your best bet here: liver, cod liver oil, cheese, eggs, etc.
Screens and LEDs throw off melanin production mainly because of the way blue light frequencies impact circadian rhythms and melatonin. Nighttime is when the skin puts out new melanin to revive and protect skin, and when the body is low on melatonin from too much blue light at night, these repair pathways are interrupted. Too much blue light can even contribute to melasma and hyperpigmentation by increasing ROS in the skin and triggering excessive melanin production in damaged areas. Your body treasures darkness at night just as much as light during the day. Honor that by wearing blue-blockers and using protective skincare.
So remember, a tan is hot in every way— in every season.
.
.
.
As always, while we hope to be a no-nonsense resource for you, we encourage you to do your own research to find the healthiest options for you and your family. Don’t forget to check out our entire collection of tallow-based skin care products by clicking the link below. We hope to see you there!
REFERENCES:
- Enkhtaivan E, Lee CH. Role of Amine Neurotransmitters and Their Receptors in Skin Pigmentation: Therapeutic Implication. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jul 28;22(15):8071. doi: 10.3390/ijms22158071. PMID: 34360837.
- Lindqvist PG, Epstein E, Nielsen K, Landin-Olsson M, Ingvar C, Olsson H. Avoidance of sun exposure as a risk factor for major causes of death: a competing risk analysis of the Melanoma in Southern Sweden cohort. J Intern Med. 2016 Oct;280(4):375-87. doi: 10.1111/joim.12496. Epub 2016 Mar 16. PMID: 26992108.
- Kruse, Jack. “REALITY #15: ANIMAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS.” Dr. Jack Kruse, 11 Aug. 2017, jackkruse.com/reality-15-animal-photosynthesis/