Photographic collage depicting four different skin tones superimposed on a visualization of the skull. The color of skin is determined by the amount of a photoprotective pigment called melanin. Melanin comes in two forms: pheomelanin and eumelanin. Individuals with a light complexion produce more pheomelanin and those with a dark complexion produce more eumelanin. The number and size of melanin particles vary among individuals, producing a vast range of skin tones.