Skin SciencesQuestion 55 of 100
Why does an esthetician avoid stripping the skin with a very high-pH cleanser?
a.It disrupts the acid mantle, whose slightly acidic pH helps limit microbial growth and reduce transepidermal water loss
b.It permanently removes the stratum basale
c.It causes melanocytes to stop functioning
d.It thickens the dermis and creates wrinkles
Explanation
The acid mantle is a thin film of sebum and perspiration with a mildly acidic pH that discourages microbial growth and helps hold moisture in the skin, so highly alkaline cleansers leave skin tight, reactive, and prone to breakouts. Cleansers act on the surface and do not reach the basal layer or the dermis, and they do not shut down melanocytes.
Practice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- During which phase of the hair growth cycle is waxing most effective?
- A client reports coarse dark hair growth on the chin and upper lip that began after a hormonal change. Which term describes this pattern in a female client?
- Which statement about the skin's glands is accurate?
- A client with visibly oily skin complains that her skin also feels tight and looks flaky. How should the esthetician interpret this?
- A client's chin shows oozing blisters that have dried into honey-colored crusts and she says her child has the same thing. What should the esthetician do?
- Which description correctly matches the condition?
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass Editorial Team · Verified against California Esthetician Written Licensing Exam · How we review