Cosmetology Test Principles of Skin Care 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the term for small, white, keratin-filled cysts that commonly appear around the eyes and cheeks?
- Comedones
- Milia (Correct answer)
- Pustules
- Nodules
Correct answer: Milia
Milia are small, benign, keratin-filled cysts that appear as tiny white bumps and form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin surface.
Question 2: Which massage movement during a facial uses light, gliding strokes to begin and end the massage?
- Petrissage
- Tapotement
- Effleurage (Correct answer)
- Friction
Correct answer: Effleurage
Effleurage consists of light, rhythmic, gliding strokes that warm and relax the skin; it is typically used to begin and end a facial massage.
Question 3: Which skin condition is characterized by chronic, itchy, inflamed patches and is often associated with allergies or asthma?
- Rosacea
- Psoriasis
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema) (Correct answer)
- Sebaceous hyperplasia
Correct answer: Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic inflammatory condition causing intensely itchy, red, and inflamed skin patches, often linked to an overactive immune response.
Question 4: What does SPF actually measure?
- UVA protection level
- The amount of sunscreen in a product
- How long skin can be exposed to UVB before burning relative to unprotected skin (Correct answer)
- The moisturizing capacity of a sunscreen
Correct answer: How long skin can be exposed to UVB before burning relative to unprotected skin
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how much longer protected skin can be exposed to UVB rays before burning compared to unprotected skin.
Question 5: Which gland in the skin is responsible for regulating body temperature through sweat production?
- Sebaceous glands
- Eccrine glands (Correct answer)
- Apocrine glands
- Meibomian glands
Correct answer: Eccrine glands
Eccrine glands are distributed across most of the body and produce sweat to regulate body temperature through evaporative cooling.
Question 6: What is the purpose of an occlusive moisturizer ingredient such as petrolatum?
- To exfoliate dead skin cells
- To attract water into the skin
- To form a barrier that prevents water evaporation (Correct answer)
- To stimulate collagen production
Correct answer: To form a barrier that prevents water evaporation
Occlusive ingredients like petrolatum sit on top of the skin and form a physical barrier that seals in moisture and reduces transepidermal water loss.
Question 7: When performing extractions during a facial, the cosmetologist should use which technique to minimize skin trauma?
- Use fingernails to squeeze the comedone forcefully
- Apply gentle, even pressure around the follicle using cotton-wrapped fingers or an extractor tool (Correct answer)
- Use a lancet to pierce all types of blemishes
- Apply heat directly to the blemish before extraction
Correct answer: Apply gentle, even pressure around the follicle using cotton-wrapped fingers or an extractor tool
Proper extraction technique requires gentle, even pressure applied around the follicle opening using protected fingers or a comedone extractor to avoid scarring or spreading bacteria.
What is the term for small, white, keratin-filled cysts that commonly appear around the eyes and cheeks?