Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What are the main functions of collagen in the skin?

1. Provides hydration

2. Gives skin strength and is necessary for wound healing

3. Facilitates elasticity

4. Absorbs UV light

The correct answer is: Gives skin strength and is necessary for wound healing

Collagen is a vital protein in the skin that plays several key roles, with one of its main functions being to provide strength and structure. It forms a significant part of the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin, where it creates a supportive framework that helps to maintain the skin's integrity and firmness. This structural role is critical for the skin's overall appearance, helping to reduce sagging and improve texture. Moreover, collagen is essential for the wound healing process. When the skin is injured, collagen production increases to facilitate the repair of tissues. It aids in the regeneration and restoration of the skin, contributing to healing after cuts, abrasions, or other injuries. This dual function of strengthening the skin and enabling healing underscores the importance of collagen in maintaining skin health and resilience. While hydration is important for skin health, it is primarily managed by other components such as hyaluronic acid. Similarly, elasticity, which allows skin to stretch and return to its shape, is largely attributed to elastin, another protein present in the skin. As for absorbing UV light, this is primarily the function of melanin, which protects the skin from sun damage. Thus, while all these aspects are important for overall skin health, the main functions of collagen are distinctly related