Utah Esthetics Written State Practice Exam

Which treatment is an example of a proteolytic (protein-dissolving) treatment?

1. Exfoliation

2. Gommage

3. Microdermabrasion

4. Chemical peeling

The correct answer is: Gommage

Gommage refers to a type of exfoliation that employs enzymatic or mechanical action to remove dead skin cells, often resulting in a more polished and smoother surface. Specifically, gommage typically involves the use of a product that contains enzymes that act on proteins in the outer layer of the skin, effectively dissolving them. This protein-dissolving action is what classifies it as a proteolytic treatment. While exfoliation encompasses various techniques to remove dead skin cells, it does not precisely indicate a proteolytic method, as it can also include physical scrubbing or other non-enzymatic methods. Microdermabrasion focuses on the physical removal of the outer layer of dead skin through a mechanical process without involving enzymes. Chemical peeling utilizes acids to dissolve the bonds between skin cells but is not specifically categorized as proteolytic. Thus, gommage stands out as the correct answer because it directly leverages enzymatic activity to dissolve proteins in the skin, fitting the definition of a proteolytic treatment.