Free study questions · Cosmetology & Esthetics state board

Skin structure and disorders practice questions

10 free skin structure and disorders questions for the cosmetology and 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

   Which is the outermost layer of the epidermis, made of dead, keratinized cells that are constantly shed?

   AStratum basaleBStratum granulosumCStratum corneumDStratum lucidum
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   Answer: C. Stratum corneum

   The stratum corneum (horny layer) is the tough outer layer of flattened, keratin-filled dead cells. They are continually shed and replaced from below.

   NIC Esthetics outline I: skin structure and function

2. Question 2

   In the ABCDE guide for spotting melanoma, the “D” stands for:

   ADarkness, any spot deeper brown than the others nearbyBDuration, a spot that has lasted over a yearCDiameter: larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 mm)DDryness, a spot that flakes and feels rough
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   Answer: C. Diameter: larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 mm)

   ABCDE stands for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter and Evolving. Melanomas are usually larger than 6 mm when found, though they can be smaller, so any changing spot should be checked by a dermatologist.

   AAD: What to look for: ABCDEs of melanoma

3. Question 3

   The SPF number on a sunscreen mainly measures protection from:

   AInfrared heat that warms the skinBUVB rays, which cause sunburnCVisible blue light from screensDUVA rays, which tan and age skin
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   Answer: B. UVB rays, which cause sunburn

   SPF shows how well a sunscreen protects against UVB, the main cause of sunburn. Protection from UVA, which penetrates deeper and ages the skin, is shown by a “Broad Spectrum” label.

   FDA: Sunscreen drug products, 21 CFR 201.327

4. Question 4

   Which is the most common type of skin cancer?

   ABasal cell carcinomaBSquamous cell carcinomaCMerkel cell carcinomaDMalignant melanoma
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   Answer: A. Basal cell carcinoma

   Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer; it grows slowly and rarely spreads. Squamous cell carcinoma is second, and melanoma is the most dangerous.

   Skin Cancer Foundation: Basal Cell Carcinoma

5. Question 5

   A raised, inflamed lesion that contains pus is a:

   ANoduleBVesicleCPustuleDPapule
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   Answer: C. Pustule

   A pustule is a raised, inflamed lesion filled with pus, such as a pimple with a white center. A papule is a solid bump without pus, and a vesicle holds clear fluid.

   NIC Esthetics outline I: skin disorders and diseases

6. Question 6

   A client has a cluster of fluid-filled blisters on her lip that she says come back when she is stressed. What should you do?

   ATreat it as a possible cold sore and postpone the serviceBApply an exfoliating mask to dry the blisters outCCover it with concealer and go ahead with the full lip waxDPop the blisters so the area can heal faster
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   Answer: A. Treat it as a possible cold sore and postpone the service

   Recurring blisters on the lip suggest herpes simplex (a cold sore), which is contagious. Do not work on the area; reschedule and refer the client to a physician.

   AAD: Herpes simplex

7. Question 7

   The clear layer of the epidermis found in the thick skin of the palms and soles is the:

   AStratum lucidumBStratum spinosumCStratum corneumDStratum germinativum
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   Answer: A. Stratum lucidum

   The stratum lucidum is a thin, clear layer of flattened dead cells found in thick skin, such as the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

   NIC Esthetics outline I: skin structure and function

8. Question 8

   New epidermal cells are formed by mitosis mainly in the:

   AStratum basale (germinativum)BPapillary layer of the dermisCStratum corneum (horny layer)DStratum lucidum (clear layer)
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   Answer: A. Stratum basale (germinativum)

   The stratum basale (stratum germinativum) is the deepest layer of the epidermis, where new cells form and then push upward. It also holds the melanocytes.

   NIC Esthetics outline I: skin structure and function

9. Question 9

   The main job of melanin in the skin is to:

   AKeep the skin moist and flexibleBGive the skin its strength and firmnessCFight bacteria on the skin’s surfaceDHelp protect the skin from UV damage
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   Answer: D. Help protect the skin from UV damage

   Melanin is the pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their color. It absorbs UV radiation and helps shield cells from sun damage, but it does not replace sunscreen.

   NIC Esthetics outline I: skin structure and function

10. Question 10

    People of all skin colors have about the same number of melanocytes. Skin color differs mainly because of:

    AThe number of blood vessels in the dermisBHow much and what type of melanin they makeCHow much carotene is stored in the fat layerDThe thickness of the outer horny layer of skin
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    Answer: B. How much and what type of melanin they make

    Skin color depends mainly on how much melanin the melanocytes produce and which type: eumelanin (brown to black) or pheomelanin (red to yellow). The number of melanocytes is similar in everyone.

    NIC Esthetics outline I: skin structure and function

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.