← NIC Esthetics Exam — Chemical Exfoliation & Peels

Free NIC Esthetics Exam Practice Test (2026)

60 questions · 60 min · 75% to pass

60 Questions · 60 Minutes · 75% to Pass

Question 1 of 5

Sample Questions

Question 1

What is the mechanism of action of glycolic acid as a chemical exfoliant?

Answer: Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that loosens desmosomes bonding corneocytes in the stratum corneum, accelerating cell turnover and allowing dead skin cells to shed more effectively.

Question 2

What are the three active ingredients in Jessner's solution and their respective roles?

Answer: Jessner's solution contains resorcinol (keratolytic), lactic acid (AHA exfoliant), and salicylic acid (BHA exfoliant), each dissolved in ethanol. Together they produce a synergistic superficial-to-medium peel effect.

Question 3

What are the three depth categories of chemical peels, and which skin layer does each target?

Answer: Superficial peels target the epidermis only; medium-depth peels penetrate into the papillary dermis; deep peels reach the reticular dermis for maximal resurfacing.

Question 4

How does lactic acid differ from glycolic acid in terms of molecular size and client suitability?

Answer: Lactic acid has a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, causing slower, more gradual penetration. This gentler action makes it better suited for sensitive skin and darker Fitzpatrick types IV–VI.

Question 5

What makes salicylic acid unique among common peel acids in terms of neutralization?

Answer: Salicylic acid is self-neutralizing; once it has fully reacted with the skin, the exfoliation action stops on its own without requiring a separate neutralizing agent such as sodium bicarbonate.