Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

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What substance varies in different amounts across Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American skin types?

  1. Keratin

  2. Collagen

  3. Melanin

  4. Elastin

The correct answer is: Melanin

The variation in the amounts of melanin across different skin types is a key factor in the differences observed among Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American skin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of skin, hair, and eyes, and it also plays a critical role in protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Individuals with darker skin typically have higher concentrations of melanin compared to those with lighter skin tones. This increased melanin not only affects skin color but also influences the skin's response to sun exposure, the occurrence of hyperpigmentation, and the risk of certain skin conditions. While keratin, collagen, and elastin are also important components of skin, they do not vary as significantly among different ethnicities in the same way that melanin does. Keratin is a structural protein found in skin, hair, and nails, while collagen and elastin are proteins that contribute to skin’s strength and elasticity but are more uniform across skin types. Therefore, understanding the role of melanin and its variation across different ethnic and racial skin types is crucial for estheticians when providing skin care and treatment recommendations.