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Is there any way to distinguish naturally dark skin from suntanned light skin through histological analysis of the epidermis? Would the distribution of melanin be different in tanned skin versus dark skin?
cassiterides Member # 18409
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Tanned (olive) skin is 16-21 on the Luschan Scale, it is associated with Caucasoid Mediterranean populations. In contrast, 22-28 is brown and 29-36 is very dark or black.
Regarding the Luschan scale -
''The equipment consists of 36 opaque glass tiles which were compared to the subject's skin, ideally in a place which would not be exposed to the sun (such as under the arm). The von Luschan scale was used to establish racial classifications of entire cognate populations according to skin color.''
Tanned olive skin appears in the band 16-21, and it is neither light or dark, it occupies a medial position of skin tone most Mediterranean people have.
I'm sure dermatologists know how it contrasts to dark skin through the epidermis.
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