Milady Cosmetology Practice Exam

What are the tiny granules that provide skin with its color called?

1. Keratin

2. Melanin

3. Collagen

4. Hemoglobin

The correct answer is: Melanin

The tiny granules that provide skin with its color are called melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment produced by specialized cells known as melanocytes, which are located in the outer layer of the skin. The amount and type of melanin present in the skin determine an individual's skin color, contributing to variations in shades among different people. In addition to providing color, melanin plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, acting as a natural sunscreen and reducing the risk of skin damage and disorders associated with sun exposure. Keratin primarily functions as a structural protein that forms the outer layer of the skin, hair, and nails, but it does not provide skin color. Collagen, on the other hand, is a protein that gives skin its strength and elasticity, while hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen and contributes to the color of blood, which can affect skin tone but is not directly involved in determining overall skin color.