Esthetics Core Written Practice Test

The type of melanin described as dark brown or black is eumelanin. This pigment plays a crucial role in determining skin and hair color, with higher concentrations contributing to darker shades. Eumelanin is particularly important in protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, as it absorbs UV light and reduces the risk of skin damage.

In contrast, pheomelanin is responsible for lighter colors such as blonde and red hair, and is yellowish or reddish in appearance. Carotene is not a form of melanin; it is a pigment related to the orange color found in carrots and other vegetables, affecting skin tone when present in high amounts. Chloasma, also known as melasma, is a condition characterized by dark patches of skin that can result from hormonal changes, but it does not refer to a type of melanin. Understanding these distinctions emphasizes the unique role of eumelanin in pigmentation and skin health.