Free study questions · Esthetics state board

Advanced esthetics and body treatments practice questions

6 free advanced esthetics and body treatments questions for the esthetics written exam (NIC's national theory test). Tap an answer to check yourself: each one comes with a short explanation and the source it's based on.

1. Question 1

   Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient in most sunless tanners, darkens the skin by:

   AAbsorbing UV light and turning it brownBReacting with amino acids in surface cellsCStimulating melanocytes to make melaninDStaining the dermis with a plant pigment
   Show the answer

   Answer: B. Reacting with amino acids in surface cells

   DHA is a color additive that reacts with amino acids in the dead cells at the skin’s surface to create a brown color. Melanin isn’t involved, and the color fades as those cells shed.

   FDA: Sunless tanners and bronzers

2. Question 2

   In crystal microdermabrasion, dead surface cells are removed by:

   AShaving them off with a sterile surgical bladeBDissolving them with a strong acid solutionCSpraying fine particles and vacuuming them upDFreezing them off with a spray of cold gas
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   Answer: C. Spraying fine particles and vacuuming them up

   A wand sprays tiny crystals that loosen and knock off dead cells, and the same wand vacuums up the crystals and debris. Diamond microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tipped wand instead.

   Cleveland Clinic: Microdermabrasion

3. Question 3

   Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, works by:

   AMaking tiny wounds that trigger repairBPeeling the surface layer with mild acidCHeating the skin with focused ultrasoundDInjecting fillers into the deeper layers
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   Answer: A. Making tiny wounds that trigger repair

   Fine needles puncture the skin, and the healing response produces new collagen and elastin. Dermatologists use it for acne scars, other scars, enlarged pores and stretch marks.

   AAD: Microneedling

4. Question 4

   A sunless tanner provides protection from sunburn only if it:

   AContains sunscreen and lists an SPFBIs applied by a professionalCHas fully developed into a deep colorDHas been applied in two thin layers
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   Answer: A. Contains sunscreen and lists an SPF

   A DHA tan gives no real UV protection. Only sunless tanners that contain sunscreen ingredients and carry an SPF number protect against sunburn.

   FDA: Sunless tanners and bronzers

5. Question 5

   Because DHA isn’t approved for these areas, a spray-tan client should protect:

   AThe neck, chest and upper backBThe back and both shouldersCThe eyes, lips and nostrilsDThe arms and lower legs
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   Answer: C. The eyes, lips and nostrils

   FDA has not approved DHA for the eye area, the lips or mucous membranes such as the inside of the nose, including exposure from booth misting. Keep these areas protected during the spray.

   FDA: Sunless tanners and bronzers

6. Question 6

   To help a spray tan go on evenly, the client is usually advised to:

   AExfoliate the day beforeBShower right after the sessionCWear tight clothing afterwardDApply body lotion just before
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   Answer: A. Exfoliate the day before

   Exfoliating the day before removes dry, flaky cells that would soak up extra solution and leave patches. Lotion, deodorant and makeup are skipped on the day because they block the solution.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: sunless tanning

These are original practice questions written from public sources such as the CDC, OSHA, the FDA and NIC's published exam outlines, in the same multiple-choice format as the real exam. NIC doesn't publish its live exam questions.