Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What can enhance the depth of a chemical peel?

1. An occlusive agent

2. A cooling gel

3. Hydrating serum

4. Gentle exfoliant

The correct answer is: An occlusive agent

Using an occlusive agent can significantly enhance the depth of a chemical peel because it creates a barrier that increases penetration and efficacy of the active ingredients in the peel solution. By preventing moisture loss and locking in the ingredients, an occlusive agent allows for a more intense treatment and can facilitate deeper exfoliation of the skin. This method can lead to more effective results in terms of skin texture, tone, and overall turning over of cells. In contrast, the other choices, while beneficial in their own right, do not serve to deepen the effects of a chemical peel. A cooling gel is aimed at soothing the skin post-treatment, a hydrating serum is designed to moisturize and improve skin elasticity, and a gentle exfoliant is intended for surface-level exfoliation rather than deeper penetration of chemical agents. Thus, they do not contribute to enhancing the depth of penetration of a chemical peel the way an occlusive agent does.