Esthetics Core Written Practice Test

Which of the following is an example of mechanical exfoliation?

1. Chemical peels

2. Microdermabrasion

3. Enzymatic exfoliation

4. Facial masks

The correct answer is: Microdermabrasion

Mechanical exfoliation involves physically removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin through abrasive actions. Microdermabrasion is a prime example of this, as it utilizes tiny crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to gently buff away the outer layer of dead skin, revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion beneath. This method can effectively improve skin texture and tone by promoting cell turnover without the use of chemicals. In contrast, chemical peels rely on acids or other chemical agents to dissolve the bonds between skin cells, allowing for exfoliation through a chemical process rather than physical scrubbing. Enzymatic exfoliation uses natural enzymes from fruits or other sources to digest dead skin cells, and facial masks typically provide hydration or other skin benefits but do not directly involve the physical sloughing off of skin.