Re: Why does it take a few days for black babies to gain their full pigment?

Skin becomes darker following birth because of skin exposure to light. 
Light stimulates melatonin release, and melatonin leads to skin darkening 
(same thing occurs when you become sun tanned after staying on the beach 
during summer). This phenomenon occurs among various ethnic groups, such as 
indians, with a variable range.

Luc

Luc A Ronchi
Ped Anaesth