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NIC Esthetician Written ExamTreatment ProceduresEasy

A client with Fitzpatrick skin type I presents for a facial and expresses concerns about minor sun damage and uneven skin tone. She is looking for a gentle chemical exfoliation that will not cause significant downtime. Which type of chemical peel would be most appropriate?

  1. AJessner's peel
  2. BTCA peel (20%)
  3. CPhenol peel
  4. DGlycolic acid (10-20%) peel
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Glycolic acid (10-20%) peel

For minor sun damage and uneven skin tone on Fitzpatrick type I with minimal downtime, a superficial peel like a low-concentration glycolic acid is ideal. It provides gentle exfoliation without significant irritation or recovery.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Jessner's peel is a medium-depth peel that causes more significant peeling and downtime than requested.
  • B. TCA peels at 20% are medium-depth peels, causing more aggressive peeling and downtime than desired for 'gentle' and 'minor concerns'.
  • C. Phenol peels are deep peels with significant downtime and are not suitable for 'gentle' or 'minor concerns'.

Superficial Chemical Peels

Chemical exfoliants that only remove the outermost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum), offering mild resurfacing with little to no downtime.

  • Good for minor sun damage, uneven tone, mild acne
  • Common acids: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic
  • Minimal to no visible peeling
  • Often performed in a series for best results

Memory trick: Peel levels: Super, Medium, Deep.

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