Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test 2026 - Free Esthetics Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

A Wood's lamp is an essential tool in esthetics that helps practitioners assess various skin conditions effectively. It emits ultraviolet light, which causes certain substances in the skin to fluoresce, providing a clearer view of skin issues that might not be visible under regular light.

The illumination provided by a Wood's lamp allows for the identification of several conditions, including fungal infections, which often glow in a particular color; bacterial disorders, which can also demonstrate specific fluorescence patterns; and pigmentation issues, where variations in skin tone may appear more pronounced under this light.

By examining the skin under a Wood's lamp, estheticians can differentiate between these conditions based on their unique fluorescence responses, making it a versatile diagnostic tool in skincare assessments. This comprehensive capability to reveal fungi, bacterial disorders, and pigmentation issues collectively highlights the usefulness of the Wood's lamp in clinical practice, rather than limiting its application to only one type of condition.