Esthetics Core Written Practice Test

What is the purpose of chemical exfoliation?

1. Improve skin hydration

2. Dissolve dead skin cells

3. Repair sun damage

4. Increase blood circulation

The correct answer is: Dissolve dead skin cells

The purpose of chemical exfoliation is to dissolve dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This process typically involves the use of acids, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which penetrate the skin and help to loosen and remove the bonds between dead skin cells. By achieving this, chemical exfoliation promotes cell turnover, resulting in a brighter, smoother complexion and can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and acne. In the context of the other options, while improving skin hydration, repairing sun damage, and increasing blood circulation are important aspects of skincare, they don't directly describe the specific action of chemical exfoliation. Instead, those effects can be secondary benefits resulting from the removal of dead skin cells, but they are not the primary purpose of chemical exfoliation itself.