ILLINOIS ESTHETICS STATE BOARD
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which layer of the skin contains melanocytes?
A. Stratum corneum
B. Stratum basale
C. Dermis
D. Hypodermis
Answer: B. Stratum basale
Rationale: Melanocytes are pigment‑producing cells located in the basal layer of the
epidermis.
2. What is the primary purpose of a clay mask?
A. Hydration
B. Exfoliation
C. Oil absorption
D. Collagen stimulation
Answer: C. Oil absorption
Rationale: Clay masks absorb excess oil and impurities, ideal for oily or acne‑prone
skin.
3. Which disinfectant is required for tools exposed to blood?
A. Alcohol 70%
B. Quaternary ammonium compounds
C. EPA‑registered hospital disinfectant
D. Soap and water
Answer: C. EPA‑registered hospital disinfectant
Rationale: State board rules mandate hospital‑grade disinfectants for blood exposure.
,4. Maximum glycolic acid strength allowed without physician supervision in Illinois?
A. 10%
B. 20%
C. 30%
D. 50%
Answer: C. 30%
Rationale: Illinois limits estheticians to 30% glycolic acid; higher requires medical
oversight.
5. Which massage movement stimulates circulation most effectively?
A. Effleurage
B. Petrissage
C. Tapotement
D. Friction
Answer: C. Tapotement
Rationale: Tapotement uses tapping/percussion to boost blood flow.
6. What is the skin’s outermost protective layer?
A. Stratum lucidum
B. Stratum corneum
C. Stratum granulosum
D. Dermis
Answer: B. Stratum corneum
Rationale: The stratum corneum is the barrier against environmental damage.
7. Which vitamin is essential for collagen synthesis?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin D
,D. Vitamin E
Answer: B. Vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C supports collagen formation and wound healing.
8. What is the main contraindication for chemical peels?
A. Dry skin
B. Active herpes simplex
C. Mild acne
D. Hyperpigmentation
Answer: B. Active herpes simplex
Rationale: Peels can trigger outbreaks and worsen infection.
9. Which hair removal method uses electrical current?
A. Waxing
B. Electrolysis
C. Threading
D. Sugaring
Answer: B. Electrolysis
Rationale: Electrolysis destroys hair follicles with electrical current.
10. What is the pH range of professional skin products?
A. 2–3
B. 4.5–5.5
C. 7–8
D. 9–10
Answer: B. 4.5–5.5
Rationale: Products match the skin’s natural acid mantle.
, 11. Which massage movement is soothing and relaxing?
A. Effleurage
B. Tapotement
C. Petrissage
D. Friction
Answer: A. Effleurage
Rationale: Effleurage uses long, gliding strokes to relax muscles.
12. What is the main function of sebum?
A. Hydration
B. UV protection
C. Lubrication
D. Exfoliation
Answer: C. Lubrication
Rationale: Sebum lubricates skin and hair, preventing dryness
13. Which bacteria cause pustules and boils?
A. Bacilli
B. Spirilla
C. Cocci
D. Staphylococci
Answer: D. Staphylococci
Rationale: Staphylococci are pus‑forming bacteria responsible for boils.
14. What is the recommended contact time for disinfectants?
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which layer of the skin contains melanocytes?
A. Stratum corneum
B. Stratum basale
C. Dermis
D. Hypodermis
Answer: B. Stratum basale
Rationale: Melanocytes are pigment‑producing cells located in the basal layer of the
epidermis.
2. What is the primary purpose of a clay mask?
A. Hydration
B. Exfoliation
C. Oil absorption
D. Collagen stimulation
Answer: C. Oil absorption
Rationale: Clay masks absorb excess oil and impurities, ideal for oily or acne‑prone
skin.
3. Which disinfectant is required for tools exposed to blood?
A. Alcohol 70%
B. Quaternary ammonium compounds
C. EPA‑registered hospital disinfectant
D. Soap and water
Answer: C. EPA‑registered hospital disinfectant
Rationale: State board rules mandate hospital‑grade disinfectants for blood exposure.
,4. Maximum glycolic acid strength allowed without physician supervision in Illinois?
A. 10%
B. 20%
C. 30%
D. 50%
Answer: C. 30%
Rationale: Illinois limits estheticians to 30% glycolic acid; higher requires medical
oversight.
5. Which massage movement stimulates circulation most effectively?
A. Effleurage
B. Petrissage
C. Tapotement
D. Friction
Answer: C. Tapotement
Rationale: Tapotement uses tapping/percussion to boost blood flow.
6. What is the skin’s outermost protective layer?
A. Stratum lucidum
B. Stratum corneum
C. Stratum granulosum
D. Dermis
Answer: B. Stratum corneum
Rationale: The stratum corneum is the barrier against environmental damage.
7. Which vitamin is essential for collagen synthesis?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin D
,D. Vitamin E
Answer: B. Vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C supports collagen formation and wound healing.
8. What is the main contraindication for chemical peels?
A. Dry skin
B. Active herpes simplex
C. Mild acne
D. Hyperpigmentation
Answer: B. Active herpes simplex
Rationale: Peels can trigger outbreaks and worsen infection.
9. Which hair removal method uses electrical current?
A. Waxing
B. Electrolysis
C. Threading
D. Sugaring
Answer: B. Electrolysis
Rationale: Electrolysis destroys hair follicles with electrical current.
10. What is the pH range of professional skin products?
A. 2–3
B. 4.5–5.5
C. 7–8
D. 9–10
Answer: B. 4.5–5.5
Rationale: Products match the skin’s natural acid mantle.
, 11. Which massage movement is soothing and relaxing?
A. Effleurage
B. Tapotement
C. Petrissage
D. Friction
Answer: A. Effleurage
Rationale: Effleurage uses long, gliding strokes to relax muscles.
12. What is the main function of sebum?
A. Hydration
B. UV protection
C. Lubrication
D. Exfoliation
Answer: C. Lubrication
Rationale: Sebum lubricates skin and hair, preventing dryness
13. Which bacteria cause pustules and boils?
A. Bacilli
B. Spirilla
C. Cocci
D. Staphylococci
Answer: D. Staphylococci
Rationale: Staphylococci are pus‑forming bacteria responsible for boils.
14. What is the recommended contact time for disinfectants?
