Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

Which ingredient should be avoided in body wraps for clients currently on Accutane?

1. Hydroquinone

2. Tea Tree Oil

3. Sulfur

4. Glycolic acid

The correct answer is: Sulfur

Clients on Accutane, a powerful medication for acne that significantly affects skin condition, should avoid certain ingredients that can exacerbate skin sensitivity and irritation. In this context, sulfur is particularly problematic when used in body wraps for Accutane users. Sulfur has strong antibacterial properties and can be drying and irritating to the skin. When combined with the skin's increased sensitivity from Accutane, applying sulfur can lead to unwanted side effects, such as redness, peeling, or increased irritation, making it unsuitable for these clients. In contrast, other ingredients like hydroquinone, tea tree oil, and glycolic acid may still be used with caution, as they have different mechanisms of action and may not pose the same level of risk for irritation in clients not on Accutane. Hydroquinone is typically used for hyperpigmentation, tea tree oil for its antimicrobial properties, and glycolic acid for exfoliation. All these components can be considered depending on their formulation and concentration, but sulfur's strong irritant potential makes it the least suitable for individuals currently undergoing treatment with Accutane.