Skin sense

Skin sense

Thank you for including the interview with Dr. Retno I.S.
Tranggono (Quest for fair complexion the dark side of cosmetics)
in The Jakarta Post Sunday edition of Aug. 9, 1999.

We would herewith like to provide a correction in the mistaken
use of the word melatonin for melanin. Although the words sound
somewhat similar, their meaning is totally different.

Melanin: A group of black or dark brown pigments, produced by
metabolic activity of certain specialized cells containing
carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen and probably sulfur. Occurs
naturally in the choroid coat of the eye, the skin, hair, cardiac
muscle and pia mater. The same evidence indicates that melanin is
5-6 dihydroxyn dole, a carboxylic acid, and results from the
action of the enzyme tyrosinase on tyrosine (according to
Blakiston's New Gould Medical Dictionary).

Melatonin: A substance formed by the pineal gland that appears
to depress gonadal function. Melatonin is rapidly metabolized and
is taken up by all tissues, and it is involved in circadian
rhythms (Medical & Allied Health Dictionary).

Melatonin is currently a trendy sleeping pill, natural and
cheap. It's benefits are still debatable, but studies point to
many possible uses. The drug may help ease insomnia, combat jet
lag, prevent pregnancy (in large doses), protect cells from free
radical damage, boost the immune system, prevent cancer and
extend life, according to Society & The Arts - Newsweek of Aug.
14, 1995.

We hope that this information is clear and will be useful for
future reference. We will be most happy to work with The Jakarta
Post on future articles.

SUSE HERLENI

Marketing Service Manager

PT Ristra Indolab

Jakarta