New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What happens when the skin starts to break down collagen and elastin?

1. Dark spots appear

2. Wrinkles form

3. Skin becomes oily

4. Skin becomes sensitive

The correct answer is: Wrinkles form

When the skin begins to break down collagen and elastin, wrinkles form as a direct consequence of this degradation. Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that provide structure, support, and elasticity to the skin. As their levels decline—often due to aging, sun damage, or lifestyle factors—skin loses its firmness and resilience. This leads to the development of fine lines and wrinkles, showcasing the signs of skin aging. Other choices, while they describe different skin conditions, do not pertain specifically to the breakdown of these proteins. Dark spots may emerge from various other factors such as sun exposure or hormonal changes, whereas increased oiliness could result from hormonal imbalances or skin type rather than collagen and elastin health. Increased skin sensitivity could stem from many causes, including environmental factors or product irritation, but is not directly related to collagen and elastin breakdown.