Facial Treatments and Devices Flashcards
6 cards from real Esthetician Practice Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Facial Treatments and Devices flashcards as text
An esthetician is performing a galvanic current treatment to facilitate extractions on a client with oily, congested skin. Which process are they using, and what chemical reaction does it create?
Answer: Desincrustation, which creates a chemical reaction called saponification.
Desincrustation is the process that uses the negative pole (anaphoresis) of a galvanic current to soften and emulsify sebum and debris in the follicles. This process creates a chemical reaction known as saponification, which turns the sebum into soap, making extractions much easier.
A client with mild to moderate acne wants a non-invasive treatment to help manage their breakouts. Which of the following devices and mechanisms of action would be most appropriate and effective for targeting acne-causing bacteria?
Answer: Blue light LED, which destroys P. acnes bacteria on the skin's surface.
Blue light LED therapy, typically in the 405-420 nanometer range, is highly effective for treating mild to moderate acne. It works by penetrating the epidermis to kill Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the bacteria responsible for many acne breakouts, without harming the surrounding tissue.
During a facial treatment, an esthetician uses an ultrasonic skin scrubber (spatula). What is the primary principle behind how this device exfoliates the skin?
Answer: It uses high-frequency sound waves to create vibrations that loosen dead skin cells.
An ultrasonic skin scrubber, or spatula, works through a process called cavitation. It uses high-frequency sound waves (typically 28,000 to 30,000 vibrations per second) that, when applied to wet skin, create vibrations that loosen and 'jiggle' out dead skin cells, oil, and debris from the pores for effective exfoliation.
A new client is booked for a microdermabrasion treatment. During the consultation, they mention they have been using a prescribed oral medication for severe acne for the past three months. Which is the MOST appropriate course of action for the esthetician?
Answer: Refuse the service and explain that the medication is a contraindication.
Oral medications for severe acne, such as isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane), are a major contraindication for aggressive exfoliation treatments like microdermabrasion. These medications thin the skin and make it extremely sensitive, increasing the risk of severe irritation, scarring, and delayed healing. It is recommended to wait at least 6 months after discontinuing the medication before performing microdermabrasion.
Which of the following is a significant contraindication for any facial treatment involving electrical currents, such as microcurrent, galvanic, or high frequency?
Answer: The client has a pacemaker or heart condition.
The use of electrical currents is contraindicated for individuals with pacemakers, heart conditions, or other implanted electronic devices. The electrical current from the facial device can potentially interfere with the functioning of the medical implant, posing a serious health risk. Other major contraindications include epilepsy, pregnancy, and metal implants in the treatment area.
An esthetician is using a high-frequency machine on a client with acneic skin. They select the mushroom-shaped electrode. What is the primary purpose of this specific electrode?
Answer: For treating larger surface areas like the cheeks and forehead.
The mushroom-shaped electrode for a high-frequency machine is designed to treat larger, broader areas of the face, such as the cheeks, forehead, and jawline. Its shape allows for maximum skin contact to diffuse the germicidal and healing effects of the current over a wider surface area.