CANS Skincare & Dermatological Treatments Flashcards
6 cards from real CANS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CANS Skincare & Dermatological Treatments flashcards as text
Which skin layer is primarily targeted during a chemical peel to stimulate collagen remodeling?
Answer: Dermis
Medium-to-deep chemical peels penetrate to the dermis to stimulate fibroblast activity and new collagen production.
A patient presents with Fitzpatrick skin type IV. Which chemical peel agent carries the highest risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for this patient?
Answer: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 35%
TCA at higher concentrations poses the greatest risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin types (IV–VI).
Which ingredient in a topical formulation functions as a tyrosinase inhibitor to treat hyperpigmentation?
Answer: Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone directly inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis, making it a first-line depigmenting agent.
What is the primary mechanism of action of retinoids in aesthetic skincare?
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.
A patient on isotretinoin requests a medium-depth chemical peel. What is the appropriate action?
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.
Which topical ingredient is classified as a broad-spectrum antioxidant that also inhibits tyrosinase and strengthens the skin barrier?
Answer: Niacinamide
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) acts as an antioxidant, inhibits melanosome transfer, and improves ceramide synthesis to strengthen the barrier.
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Sources & references
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- psncb.org — Eligibility, fees, exam format, retake fee, retake policy, score release, time limit, score validity, passing score, exam information · verified Oct 2026
- cnetnurse.com — Test delivery, registration deadline · verified Oct 2026