Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

Which skin layer is affected when the skin exhibits frosting during a medium depth peel?

1. Epidermis

2. Dermis

3. Subcutaneous tissue

4. Papillary dermis

The correct answer is: Papillary dermis

In the context of medium depth peels, frosting occurs when the skin experiences a chemical reaction that results in the coagulation of proteins in the epidermis and sometimes the papillary dermis, leading to a white, frosted appearance. This phenomenon indicates that the peel has penetrated beyond the superficial layers of the epidermis and has affected the uppermost part of the dermis known as the papillary dermis. The papillary dermis contains blood vessels and connective tissues that help nourish the epidermis, and during a medium depth chemical peel, the acids used can reach this layer, causing inflammation and the characteristic frosting. Frosting is often an anticipated part of the process as it serves as an indicator that the chemical agent has penetrated deeply enough to yield the intended results, such as stimulating collagen production, promoting cellular turnover, and improving skin texture. Without such involvement, the frost would not appear, and the procedure would be categorized more as a superficial peel, which generally only affects the epidermal layer. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for estheticians in selecting appropriate chemical peels based on a client's skin type and desired outcomes.