Utah Esthetics Written State Practice Exam

What indicates that a chemical peel is too deep?

1. The frosting is yellow

2. The client feels no pain

3. The skin turns red

4. The peeling extends for weeks

The correct answer is: The frosting is yellow

A chemical peel that penetrates too deeply can cause several adverse effects that indicate it's gone beyond the intended depth of treatment. When the skin frosting appears yellow, this could suggest that a significant amount of damage has occurred, potentially affecting deeper layers of skin than desired. Yellow frosting often indicates that the peel has reached the reticular dermis, where it can lead to risks such as scarring or prolonged healing times. In a typical chemical peel, a certain level of frosting is expected, indicating proper exfoliation of the stratum corneum. However, when the frosting color changes to yellow, it is an indicator that the treatment has progressed too far and might require immediate attention or modification of the treatment plan. Frosting can also vary in color based on the type of peel being used and the individual’s skin response, but yellow is generally not a favorable sign in this context. It’s essential for practitioners to monitor and assess the client’s skin reaction closely during and after the procedure to ensure safety and efficacy.