Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What can achieve chemical exfoliation?

1. Moisturizers

2. Certain AHAs and BHAs

3. Essential oils

4. Mineral scrubs

The correct answer is: Certain AHAs and BHAs

Chemical exfoliation is a process that involves the use of certain substances to dissolve dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, thereby revealing fresher and healthier skin underneath. The agents specifically associated with chemical exfoliation include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, work primarily on the skin’s surface, helping to improve texture and tone by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, while BHAs, like salicylic acid, penetrate deeper into the pore structure, making them particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin. Both types of acids effectively encourage the shedding of old skin while increasing hydration and reducing the signs of aging. In contrast, moisturizers primarily serve to hydrate and nourish the skin rather than exfoliate. Essential oils do not have exfoliating properties and may sometimes irritate the skin if used incorrectly. Mineral scrubs utilize physical abrasion to remove dead skin cells rather than leveraging a chemical reaction. Thus, the specific action of AHAs and BHAs positions them as the primary agents for achieving chemical exfoliation.