New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

How is an individual's skin tone determined?

1. The thickness of the skin

2. Environmental factors

3. The amount of melanin in the skin

4. The type of skincare products used

The correct answer is: The amount of melanin in the skin

An individual's skin tone is determined primarily by the amount of melanin present in the skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by skin cells called melanocytes, and it comes in various forms, which contribute to the diversity of skin colors observed among different individuals. The more melanin that is produced, the darker the skin tone tends to be, while less melanin results in lighter skin tones. Factors like genetics play a significant role in determining melanin production, thereby influencing skin tone. While environmental factors can affect melanin production (such as sun exposure leading to tanning), they do not fundamentally change an individual's inherent skin tone. Similarly, although the thickness of the skin and the choice of skincare products can influence skin health and appearance, they do not actually determine the skin tone itself. The foundational aspect of skin tone is rooted in the biological presence of melanin.