New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

After a chemical peel, how does the skin typically appear?

1. Smoother

2. Rougher

3. Redder

4. Drier

The correct answer is: Smoother

After a chemical peel, the skin typically appears smoother due to the exfoliation process that occurs. During a chemical peel, various acids are applied to the skin, which helps to remove the outer layers that may be damaged or have uneven texture. This treatment promotes cell turnover, leading to the shedding of dead skin cells and the emergence of fresh, new skin underneath. As a result, the overall texture is refined and rejuvenated, giving the skin a smoother appearance. In the context of the other choices, while it is true that the skin may initially exhibit temporary redness and dryness due to the treatment, the long-term result aims to enhance smoothness. Although some peels can make the skin appear red immediately after the procedure, this redness is typically a short-term effect that settles down as the skin heals. The perception of roughness may occur if the skin undergoes excessive dryness or irritation, but overall, the intended outcome is a smoother complexion.