Utah Esthetics Written State Practice Exam

In what procedure would you typically use a high concentration of salicylic acid?

1. Facial cleansing

2. Microdermabrasion

3. Chemical peels

4. Moisturization

The correct answer is: Chemical peels

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is primarily used for its exfoliating properties, particularly in the treatment of acne and oily skin. When considering its application, a high concentration of salicylic acid is commonly utilized in chemical peeling procedures. Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which helps to remove dead skin cells, reduce surface oil, and improve texture and tone by promoting cell turnover. In a chemical peel, the concentration of salicylic acid is often higher to achieve deeper penetration into the skin and to effectively target issues like acne, clogged pores, or scarring. This application differs significantly from other procedures. For example, facial cleansing involves using gentle cleansers designed to cleanse the skin rather than deep exfoliate it. Microdermabrasion refers to a mechanical exfoliation technique that does not involve the use of chemical agents. Moisturization aims to hydrate the skin, which does not typically require active exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid. Thus, the use of high concentrations of salicylic acid is most appropriate in the context of chemical peels, making this the correct answer.