Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What type of chemical peel is classified as superficial-medium?

1. Glycolic Acid Peel

2. Salicylic Acid Peel

3. TCA Peel

4. Jessner Peel

The correct answer is: TCA Peel

The TCA Peel, or Trichloroacetic Acid Peel, is classified as a superficial to medium-depth chemical peel. It is used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines, uneven skin tone, and mild to moderate acne scars. This peel penetrates deeper than superficial peels, allowing it to achieve more significant results by affecting the mid-epidermal layers and, in some cases, reaching the upper dermis. This capacity to impact deeper skin layers while also being adjustable in concentration makes TCA an important option for estheticians looking to customize treatment based on a client's specific skin needs. In contrast, while the Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid peels are effective for superficial treatments and are typically categorized as superficial peels, they do not penetrate as deeply as TCA. The Jessner Peel is a combination peel, often resulting in a deeper exfoliation but is generally considered more aggressive than TCA, particularly because it combines multiple acids. Therefore, TCA maintains its position as the correct answer regarding superficial-medium classification in chemical peels.