Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which type of exfoliation involves physical scrubbing or abrasion?

1. Chemical exfoliation

2. Mechanical exfoliation

3. Dermaplaning

4. Microneedling

The correct answer is: Mechanical exfoliation

The type of exfoliation that involves physical scrubbing or abrasion is mechanical exfoliation. This method relies on physical actions, such as scrubbing the skin with tools, brushes, or granulated products to remove dead skin cells from the surface. Mechanical exfoliation can offer immediate results, smoothing the skin and improving texture, with various tools such as scrubs, microdermabrasion devices, and facial brushes being commonly used in this process. While other forms of exfoliation, such as chemical exfoliation, use acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells, they do not involve scrubbing or physical interaction with the skin's surface. Dermaplaning, although it does involve a tool (a surgical scalpel) for scraping away dead skin cells and peach fuzz, is a specific method of mechanical exfoliation but is not the broadest term for the practice. Microneedling, on the other hand, involves tiny needles to create micro-injuries for collagen induction and does not primarily serve as an exfoliation method. Understanding mechanical exfoliation is essential for estheticians, as it allows them to choose the right technique based on the client's skin type and condition, ensuring the best possible results while maintaining skin health.