Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What pretreatment should be used prior to a Jessner peel?

1. Isopropyl alcohol

2. Acetone

3. Saline solution

4. Glycolic acid

The correct answer is: Acetone

Using acetone as a pretreatment prior to a Jessner peel serves a crucial purpose in preparing the skin. Acetone is a potent solvent that effectively cleanses the skin by removing oils, makeup, and debris. This creates a more uniform application of the Jessner solution and enhances its efficacy. A clean surface allows the active ingredients in the Jessner peel to penetrate the skin more uniformly, leading to better results. Other options, while they may have specific uses, do not serve the same function in the context of preparing the skin for a Jessner peel. For instance, isopropyl alcohol, although also a degreasing agent, can be too harsh and may lead to irritation or over-drying of the skin. Saline solution is primarily used for gentle cleansing and is not effective in removing oils, which are vital to eliminate for proper peeling. Glycolic acid, while useful as an exfoliant, is not typically applied as a pretreatment before a Jessner peel; it may be unnecessary and could lead to an uneven reaction. In summary, acetone provides an effective means of cleansing the skin adequately, ensuring that the Jessner peel has optimal contact and effectiveness during the treatment.