Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What is an example of a poleolytic (protein dissolving) treatment?

1. Exfoliation

2. Gommage

3. Microdermabrasion

4. Dermaplaning

The correct answer is: Gommage

Gommage is an example of a poleolytic treatment, specifically designed for the gentle removal of dead skin cells and the dissolution of protein debris from the skin's surface. This method employs active ingredients, often enzymes or acids, which work to dissolve the keratin proteins that accumulate, resulting in a smoother complexion. In contrast, while exfoliation refers broadly to the process of removing dead skin cells, it does not exclusively imply a protein-dissolving effect. Microdermabrasion utilizes mechanical abrasion to physically scrub away the outer layer of dead skin, and dermaplaning involves the use of a surgical-grade scalpel to scrape off dead skin and vellus hair, neither of which directly dissolve protein in the manner that gommage does. Thus, gommage stands out as the clear example of a poleolytic treatment.