CANS CANS Skincare & Dermatological Treatments 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which skin layer is primarily targeted during a chemical peel to stimulate collagen remodeling?
- Stratum corneum
- Dermis (Correct answer)
- Hypodermis
- Stratum granulosum
Correct answer: Dermis
Medium-to-deep chemical peels penetrate to the dermis to stimulate fibroblast activity and new collagen production.
Question 2: A patient presents with Fitzpatrick skin type IV. Which chemical peel agent carries the highest risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for this patient?
- Glycolic acid 30%
- Jessner's solution
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 35% (Correct answer)
- Lactic acid 50%
Correct answer: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 35%
TCA at higher concentrations poses the greatest risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin types (IV–VI).
Question 3: Which ingredient in a topical formulation functions as a tyrosinase inhibitor to treat hyperpigmentation?
- Retinol
- Hydroquinone (Correct answer)
- Niacinamide
- Azelaic acid
Correct answer: Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone directly inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis, making it a first-line depigmenting agent.
Question 4: What is the primary mechanism of action of retinoids in aesthetic skincare?
- Inhibiting melanin transfer to keratinocytes
- Binding nuclear receptors to regulate gene expression and accelerate cell turnover (Correct answer)
- Blocking UV-induced free radical formation
- Increasing skin hydration via aquaporin channels
Correct answer: Binding nuclear receptors to regulate gene expression and accelerate cell turnover
Retinoids bind retinoic acid receptors in the nucleus, regulating genes that control keratinocyte differentiation and increasing collagen synthesis.
Question 5: A patient on isotretinoin requests a medium-depth chemical peel. What is the appropriate action?
- Proceed with the peel at a reduced concentration
- Delay the peel for at least 6 months after discontinuing isotretinoin (Correct answer)
- Apply a superficial peel only and monitor closely
- Obtain physician clearance and proceed immediately
Correct answer: Delay the peel for at least 6 months after discontinuing isotretinoin
Isotretinoin impairs wound healing and increases scarring risk; a waiting period of at least 6 months after discontinuation is the standard of care before medium or deep peels.
Question 6: Which topical ingredient is classified as a broad-spectrum antioxidant that also inhibits tyrosinase and strengthens the skin barrier?
- Kojic acid
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
- Niacinamide (Correct answer)
- Alpha-arbutin
Correct answer: Niacinamide
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) acts as an antioxidant, inhibits melanosome transfer, and improves ceramide synthesis to strengthen the barrier.
CANS CANS Skincare & Dermatological Treatments 1
Which skin layer is primarily targeted during a chemical peel to stimulate collagen remodeling?