What term is often used to describe the subtle differences in skin tones?

The term that is commonly used to describe the subtle differences in skin tones is "undertones." Undertones refer to the underlying hues that can influence the overall appearance of the skin. They can be classified mainly into three categories: cool, warm, and neutral. Recognizing undertones is essential for various applications in esthetics, such as choosing the right makeup products, selecting appropriate skincare, and making informed decisions during treatments.

For example, a person might have a fair skin tone but possess a cool undertone, which consists of hints of pink or blue, affecting how colors complement their complexion. Understanding these nuances helps estheticians provide better personalized care and recommendations. The other terms—textures, shades, and highlights—do not specifically address the underlying color characteristics of the skin; rather, they relate to the surface quality, degree of darkness or lightness, and reflective aspects of the skin, respectively, which do not delve into the subtle distinctions of color that undertones capture.