Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Why is a pH lower than the skin's pH significant in peel products?

1. It enhances skin hydration

2. It helps to remove dead skin cells

3. It prevents skin irritation

4. It balances skin oils

The correct answer is: It helps to remove dead skin cells

A pH lower than the skin's pH is significant in peel products because it helps to remove dead skin cells effectively. The skin typically has a natural pH level around 4.5 to 5.5, which is slightly acidic. When a peel product contains a lower pH, it creates a more acidic environment that can facilitate the exfoliation process. The acid in the peel helps to break down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, promoting their sloughing off. This action allows for a brighter, more even complexion and can also stimulate cellular turnover, leading to healthier skin over time. In contrast, options related to hydration, irritation, and balancing skin oils address other aspects of skin care but do not directly tie into the functioning of peel products with lower pH levels. Hydration typically involves moisturizers rather than peels, preventing irritation is more about choosing the right formulation for individual skin types, and balancing skin oils is about maintaining the skin's overall oil production, which isn't directly changed by the pH of the peel.