Cosmetology EOPA Practice Test

Dark patches from sun exposure or hormonal changes are described as hyperpigmentation. This happens when melanocytes produce more melanin in response to UV radiation or hormonal signals, leading to uneven dark areas on the skin. Hyperpigmentation covers common forms like sun spots and melasma, which are tied to those triggers.

Understanding the others helps solidify the concept: hypopigmentation would mean lighter, pale areas due to reduced pigment. Vitiligo involves loss of pigment, producing white patches. Melanosis is a broader term for abnormal darkening from pigment deposits but isn’t the specific label for sun- or hormone-induced patches. Hyperpigmentation is the standard term used for these dark patches.