Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

In a TCA peel, the full frost indicates which layer of the skin has been affected?

1. Stratum Corneum

2. Reticular Dermis

3. Papillary Dermis

4. Subcutaneous Layer

The correct answer is: Papillary Dermis

In a TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel, the presence of full frost is indicative of a deep, effective exfoliation that reaches the papillary dermis. When a peel causes the skin to develop full frost, it signifies that the acid has penetrated sufficiently to impact the upper layers of the dermis, specifically the papillary dermis, which is responsible for providing nutrients and support to the epidermis. The papillary dermis contains a rich network of blood vessels and nerve endings, and its involvement indicates a more significant removal of superficial layers and enhanced skin rejuvenation potential. This level of penetration not only aims to improve skin texture and tone but also encourages collagen production for long-term skin benefits. Other layers mentioned, such as the stratum corneum and reticular dermis, do not correspond with the full frost outcome from a TCA peel. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer and can be affected at lower concentrations, while the reticular dermis is deeper and generally requires stronger agents or specific treatments for targeted effects. The subcutaneous layer, being the deepest part of the skin, is typically not affected by peels since they are designed to treat more superficial skin concerns.