PSI Barbering Practice Exam

The color of the skin is primarily influenced by the amount and type of melanin present in the skin. Melanin is the pigment produced by melanocytes in the epidermis, and it plays a crucial role in determining skin tone. People with fair skin generally have lower amounts of melanin, while those with darker skin have higher levels. Genetics dictate how much melanin a person produces, as it influences the number and activity of melanocytes.

The other factors mentioned, while important to skin health, do not significantly affect skin color. Collagen provides structural support and elasticity to the skin but does not contribute to color. Elasticity relates to the skin's ability to stretch and recover, which is not directly connected to pigmentation. Sebum, the oily substance produced by sebaceous glands, helps keep the skin lubricated but does not influence the skin's color. Therefore, melanin is the key factor in determining skin color alongside genetic predisposition.