Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What is a hydrating and exfoliating treatment that may be used prior to more aggressive exfoliation?

1. Microneedling

2. Ultrasonic

3. Facial Masks

4. Steam Treatment

The correct answer is: Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic treatments are highly effective for both hydration and exfoliation, making them suitable for use before more aggressive exfoliation procedures. This process utilizes sound waves to create vibrations that help to gently slough off dead skin cells, thereby facilitating a mild exfoliation effect. In addition to exfoliating, ultrasonic treatments often incorporate the use of hydrating serums or solutions, which penetrate more deeply into the skin due to the action of the sound waves. This dual benefit of exfoliation and hydration prepares the skin for more intense treatments, such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion, without causing excessive irritation. Other options like microneedling, facial masks, and steam treatments serve different purposes. For example, microneedling primarily focuses on creating micro-injuries to promote collagen production rather than exfoliating. Facial masks can provide hydration but may not offer the same level of exfoliation as ultrasonic treatments. Steam treatments are typically used to open up pores and further prepare the skin but lack the more in-depth exfoliation and hydration benefits offered by ultrasonic methods.