# data[].attributes.body
Even though anyone could get skin cancer, it is possible that there is a correlation between the amount of melanin in the skin and skin cancer. Studies show that UV radiation energizes an electron in melanin that could cause DNA lesions. These lesions could cause skin cancer. Even though melanin is meant to protect people from the dangers of UV radiation, it has the potential to cause skin cancer.

(Source: www.healthline.com/health-news/melanin-protects-us-from-and-can-cause-skin-cancer-021915

# data[].attributes.body
The function of melanin differs between people based on their proximity to the equator. Melanin is more prominent in people who live in tropical areas because it protects against ultraviolet radiation. People who are farther away from the equator generally have a much lighter skin tone because they don't need the same amount of melanin, as they won't be as affected by UV rays.

(Source: anthro.palomar.edu/adapt/adapt_4.htm)

# data[].attributes.body
Regardless of race, anyone can get skin cancer. In a study, it's been shown that melanoma is more deadly in people of color. They are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma in its later stages than any other group and happen to have the worst prognosis also.
(Source: http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/skin-cancer-and-skin-of-color)

# data[].attributes.body
The amount of melanin you have depends on how close or far you are from the equator. Where solar radiation is more intense, closer to the equator, people have a higher concentration of deep colored of melanin. This will benefit them by protecting them from the sun. Yet closer to the poles; south of the equator, where solar rays are weaker. People have lower concentrations of melanin. They used what sunlight that was available to manufacture vitamin D.

Source: Edpuzzle Video

# data[].attributes.body
The benefits of vitamin D are to help keep producing bone cells. Without it, the bones in your body become thin, brittle or misshapen.

# data[].attributes.body
The melanocyte is found in the stratum basale and it's function is to synthesize melanin. Information from guided notes and picture from http://www.austincc.edu/rfofi/NursingRvw/PhysText/Integument.html

# data[].attributes.body
There is a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and the amount of melanin in the skin. People with darker skin tones dont require as much Vitamin D from the sun to keep adequate amounts of vitamin D in the body. While people with lighter skin tones and less melanin require more vitamin D from sunlight, making them more prone to Vitamin D deficiancy.

Source : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3356951/

# data[].attributes.body
Your skin cells contain a molecule that when in contact with sunlight converts into vitamin D. Then the vitamin goes through your blood stream to the liver and the kidneys. The it becomes " activated D" or Calcitriol. Which is then circulated to all the bones in your body.

Source: Edpuzzle Video

# data[].attributes.body
1. Stratum Corneum: 1st layer; horny outer layer. Contains dead skin cells.
2. Stratum Lucidum: Epithelial tissue that's only found thicker layers in skin such as in your palms and heels.
3. Stratum Granulosum:
Thin layer that help form a waterproof barrier that prevent fluid loss from the body
4. Stratum Spinosum: Fourth layer of the epidermis where keratinocytes are located.
5. Stratum Basale: Fifth layer where melanin (skin pigment) is located; where new cells are created.
(Source: Podko Powerpoint & Notes/ http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/meded/medicine/dermatology/melton/skinlsn/stgran.htm)