The color of skin is determined by __________.

The color of skin is primarily determined by the amount of melanin present in the skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes located in the epidermis, and it plays a critical role in protecting the skin from UV radiation. The more melanin that is produced, the darker the skin color will appear. This variation in melanin levels is influenced by genetic factors, environmental exposure to sunlight, and other biological factors.

While the thickness of the epidermis can affect the overall appearance of the skin, it does not directly determine its color. Similarly, the presence of hair follicles and the level of hydration contribute to skin health and appearance but are not the primary determinants of skin color. Therefore, the activation and amount of melanin are fundamentally what give skin its varied tones and shades.