NIC Esthetician Written ExamTreatment ProceduresMedium
A client with Fitzpatrick skin type III presents with concerns about dullness and mild textural irregularities. She is looking for a gentle chemical exfoliation that can improve skin clarity and smoothness without significant downtime. Which type of chemical peel would be MOST suitable?
- AJessner's peel (multiple layers)
- BGlycolic acid peel (20-30%)
- CTCA peel (15-20%)
- DPhenol peel
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Glycolic acid peel (20-30%)
A glycolic acid peel at a lower concentration (20-30%) is a superficial peel that provides gentle exfoliation, improving skin clarity and texture with minimal downtime, making it suitable for Fitzpatrick III skin with dullness and mild irregularities.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Jessner's peel, especially with multiple layers, is a medium-depth peel that causes significant exfoliation and downtime, which is more aggressive than what the client is seeking.
- C. TCA peels at 15-20% are medium-depth peels with noticeable downtime and a higher risk of PIH on Fitzpatrick III skin if not carefully managed, making it less suitable for 'gentle' exfoliation.
- D. Phenol peels are deep peels, requiring significant downtime and carrying substantial risks, including scarring and permanent hypopigmentation, making them entirely inappropriate for 'gentle' exfoliation on Fitzpatrick III skin.
Superficial Glycolic Acid Peel
A chemical exfoliation treatment using alpha hydroxy acid (glycolic acid) at lower concentrations to gently remove dead skin cells, improving skin texture, clarity, and radiance with minimal downtime.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
- Works by dissolving intercellular glue
- Targets dullness, mild hyperpigmentation, fine lines, rough texture
- Superficial depth (epidermis only)
- Low risk of complications for Fitzpatrick III if properly administered
Memory trick: Peels Progress from Pretty to Perilous.