What pigment is a yellow-orange precursor for Vitamin A, found in stratum corneum and fatty layers of the dermis?

Carotene is indeed the yellow-orange precursor for Vitamin A that is found in the stratum corneum and fatty layers of the dermis. Carotene is a type of pigment that is part of the carotenoid family and plays a significant role in the pigmentation of the skin. It is primarily responsible for the yellow and orange coloration seen in certain fruits and vegetables, and when ingested, it can accumulate in the skin, particularly contributing to the color of the outermost layer, the stratum corneum.

The body can convert carotene into Vitamin A, which is essential for various bodily functions, including maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting skin health. The accumulation of carotene in the skin can give it a slightly yellow hue, especially in areas where the epidermis is thinner and allows for more visibility of the underlying pigments.

Understanding carotene's role and benefits highlights its importance in the context of skin health and nutrition. The other pigments listed—hemoglobin, pheomelanin, and eumelanin—are involved in different aspects of skin and hair pigmentation but do not serve as a precursor for Vitamin A nor are they predominantly yellow-orange pigments like carotene.