Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What color may skin turn if a chemical peel is applied too deeply?

1. Red

2. Brown

3. Yellow

4. White

The correct answer is: White

When a chemical peel is applied too deeply, the skin may turn white due to a process known as "frosting." This occurs when the layers of skin beneath the surface are damaged, which can cause the proteins in the skin to denature and create a whitish appearance. This is particularly associated with deeper peels, such as those using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or phenol, which penetrate the skin more significantly than superficial peels. The whitening effect is a result of the skin's protective response to chemical injury. It’s important for estheticians to understand the potential for this reaction when administering chemical peels, as it can influence the healing process and may indicate that the peel was too aggressive for the client’s skin type. Monitoring and assessing the skin during the procedure can help prevent complications.