New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What is another word for freckle?

1. Melasma

2. Lentigo

3. Age spot

4. Debris

The correct answer is: Lentigo

The term "lentigo" is used to describe a small, flat, pigmented spot on the skin, commonly known as a freckle. Lentigos arise from increased melanin production in the skin, which is what gives them their distinctive color. They differ from other skin conditions like melasma, which is characterized by larger, irregular patches of brown skin typically caused by hormonal changes and UV exposure, making lentigo a more precise term related to what is generally referred to as a freckle. While age spots and debris refer to different skin conditions or concerns, neither directly aligns with the definition of a freckle. Age spots, also known as solar lentigines, appear as larger, darker spots often due to sun exposure, and are typically associated with aging. Debris does not pertain to skin pigmentation at all and generally refers to unwanted material or waste rather than a skin feature. Therefore, lentigo is the most accurate synonym for a freckle.