Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What should estheticians consider regarding the pH of peel products?

1. It should be the same as the skin's pH

2. It should be significantly higher than the skin's pH

3. It should be low enough to ensure effectiveness

4. It can vary without affecting results

The correct answer is: It should be low enough to ensure effectiveness

The pH of peel products is an essential factor to consider because it directly influences the product’s effectiveness and safety. A lower pH value indicates higher acidity, which is important for chemical peels to effectively exfoliate and achieve the desired results, such as removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. For instance, many effective peel formulations use acidic ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which work best at a lower pH. If the pH is too high, the peel may not penetrate the skin effectively, leading to suboptimal results. Additionally, maintaining a pH that is significantly lower than the skin's natural pH helps to facilitate the intended chemical reaction, maximizing the benefits of the treatment. Therefore, using peel products with the appropriate low pH ensures that they perform as intended, making this consideration crucial for estheticians when selecting and applying peel products.