Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is a characteristic of sensitive skin?

1. It is often blemish-free

2. It can easily become irritated

3. It is always oily

4. It remains unaffected by environmental factors

The correct answer is: It can easily become irritated

Sensitive skin is characterized by its propensity to easily become irritated. This type of skin can respond negatively to a variety of stimuli including certain skincare products, environmental factors, and physical irritants. Individuals with sensitive skin often report reactions such as redness, itching, burning, or stinging sensations. This vulnerability necessitates the use of gentle, non-irritating products and careful consideration of external factors that might provoke a reaction. The other options do not accurately describe sensitive skin. For instance, while some sensitive skin may indeed be blemish-free, this is not a definitive characteristic, as sensitive skin can still experience breakouts. Additionally, sensitive skin does not always correlate with oiliness; it can be dry, oily, or combination. Lastly, sensitive skin is often greatly affected by environmental factors, such as changes in weather, pollution, or allergens, making them particularly susceptible to irritation in varying conditions.