Electrolysis Practice Exam 2025 - Free Electrolysis Practice Questions and Study Guide

Melanin is a natural pigment found in the skin, hair, and eyes of humans and other animals. It is primarily responsible for the color of the skin, varying from light to dark shades. Those with higher levels of melanin typically have darker skin tones, while lower levels correspond to lighter skin tones. Melanin plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, as it absorbs and disperses UV rays, reducing the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

The other options—texture, hydration level, and elasticity—are characteristics of skin but do not pertain to what melanin is or its function. Texture refers to the surface feel of the skin, hydration level relates to the moisture content, and elasticity describes the skin's ability to stretch and return to its original shape. Each of these aspects is important for overall skin health, but they are not connected to melanin, which specifically defines pigmentation.