NOCTI Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary factor contributing to the color of the skin, alongside the amount of blood, is melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes in the skin and is responsible for the varying shades of skin color among individuals. The more melanin present, the darker the skin color tends to be, which helps protect against UV radiation from the sun. Additionally, melanin plays a crucial role in determining features such as freckles, age spots, and overall skin tone.

While hemoglobin does affect skin color indirectly by giving blood its red hue, particularly in areas where blood vessels are close to the surface, it is not the primary component contributing to the inherent color of the skin itself. Keratin primarily contributes to the structural integrity of the skin, hair, and nails rather than color, while collagen provides strength and elasticity to the skin but does not influence its color. Therefore, melanin stands out as the key pigment that directly affects the color of the skin.