Main pigmentary features and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene polymorphisms in the population of the Canary Islands.

Background: Sun exposure, light skin pigmentation, and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene variants are independent risk factors for skin cancer. The Canary Islands have a sunny and temperate climate, but data regarding the phenotypic and genotypic risk factors among the population are lacking.

Methods: The main phenotypic features (skin color, hair color, eye color, and freckling) of 5116 healthy individuals are described.