The Colour of Human Skin

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Abstract
(1) From spectral reflectance curves of 631 individuals of three ethnic groups (colour-coded as white, brown and black) the lightest, darkest and several intermediate individuals were selected for reflectance studies with X, Y and Z filters to plot a colour definition in terms of hue, saturation and luminosity from the CIE chromaticity chart. (2) These values were presented as a three dimensional model. (3) From this study the hue of all skins were red, and the differences were due to differences in luminosity. Brown skin was the most saturated red, and saturation decreased towards white and black. (4) The conceptual significance of colour specification is considered in relation to the epidermal melanin unit and the phenomenon of dichroism.

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