State Board Exam Review for the Esthetician
Student 2026 | Practice Questions
1. A physical assessment of Jerry, your 15-year-old male patient with acne
will help to establish the grade of his acne. His acne appears to be pure
comedonal acne. This is which of the following grades?
Grade III
Grade IV
Grade I
Grade II
2. Describe how microencapsulation enhances the effectiveness of
cosmetic ingredients.
Microencapsulation enhances the effectiveness of cosmetic
ingredients by protecting them from degradation and allowing
for controlled release.
Microencapsulation makes ingredients more visible in the
product.
Microencapsulation reduces the cost of cosmetic production.
Microencapsulation increases the viscosity of cosmetic
formulations.
3. What is considered a chemical exfoliation?
Enzyme peels
Papain Masks
Clay mask
AHA and BHA
,4. Chemical Peels may result in:
Erythema and photosensitivity
Erythrocin and photosensitivity
Erythromycin and photosensitivity
Erythrocytes and photosensitivity
5. If a client experiences excessive redness and peeling after a chemical
peel, what should the esthetician do to address these complications?
Ignore the symptoms and continue with the next treatment.
Suggest a stronger chemical peel for better results.
Advise the client to avoid all skincare products.
Provide soothing treatments and advise on aftercare.
6. What does the acronym AIDS represent in medical terminology?
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Autoimmune Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Acute Infectious Disease Syndrome
Antibody-Induced Disease Syndrome
7. What does AIDS stand for?
Aids Induced Disease
Aids In Disguises
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Human Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndromes
8. Describe how Hydroxy Acids can affect skin conditions.
, Hydroxy Acids are used to increase the skin's oil production.
Hydroxy Acids primarily serve to moisturize the skin and prevent
dryness.
Hydroxy Acids have no significant effect on skin conditions.
Hydroxy Acids can help improve skin texture and treat
conditions like acne by exfoliating dead skin cells.
9. Describe the process of cyst formation in the skin.
Cysts are formed by the direct invasion of bacteria into the skin
layers.
Cysts arise from the body's immune response to allergens.
Cysts form when a hair follicle or oil gland becomes blocked,
leading to the accumulation of material.
Cysts develop as a result of excessive sun exposure on the skin.
10. If an esthetician is performing a waxing procedure and notices a cut on
the client's skin, what should be their immediate course of action?
Apply a topical antiseptic and continue with the waxing.
Inform the client that it is not a concern and proceed.
Stop the procedure and assess the risk of infection before
proceeding.
Continue with the waxing as planned.
11. What is seborrheic dermatitis?
A viral infection that causes a Maculopapular rash
A chronic inflammatory connective tissue disorder with a
characteristic 'malar' rash
Inflammation of the skin from contact with substances to which a
, person is allergic or sensitive
A skin condition that can cause rough, scaly skin on the scalp,
face and upper body
12. What is acne?
A fungal skin infection
A type of eczema
A chronic skin disease caused by the bacterium
Propionibacterium acnes
A viral skin infection
13. Which substances are commonly recognized as melanin suppressants?
Retinol
Benzoyl Peroxide
Hydroquinone
Salicylic Acid
14. What is one reason estheticians need to understand basic chemistry?
To perform skin analysis.
To effectively use chemical treatments and products.
To diagnose skin diseases.
To understand bacteria types.
15. If an esthetician is using a new product that claims to enhance skin
penetration, what factors should they consider to ensure its
effectiveness?
They should only consider the product's ingredients and ignore
the skin condition.
Student 2026 | Practice Questions
1. A physical assessment of Jerry, your 15-year-old male patient with acne
will help to establish the grade of his acne. His acne appears to be pure
comedonal acne. This is which of the following grades?
Grade III
Grade IV
Grade I
Grade II
2. Describe how microencapsulation enhances the effectiveness of
cosmetic ingredients.
Microencapsulation enhances the effectiveness of cosmetic
ingredients by protecting them from degradation and allowing
for controlled release.
Microencapsulation makes ingredients more visible in the
product.
Microencapsulation reduces the cost of cosmetic production.
Microencapsulation increases the viscosity of cosmetic
formulations.
3. What is considered a chemical exfoliation?
Enzyme peels
Papain Masks
Clay mask
AHA and BHA
,4. Chemical Peels may result in:
Erythema and photosensitivity
Erythrocin and photosensitivity
Erythromycin and photosensitivity
Erythrocytes and photosensitivity
5. If a client experiences excessive redness and peeling after a chemical
peel, what should the esthetician do to address these complications?
Ignore the symptoms and continue with the next treatment.
Suggest a stronger chemical peel for better results.
Advise the client to avoid all skincare products.
Provide soothing treatments and advise on aftercare.
6. What does the acronym AIDS represent in medical terminology?
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Autoimmune Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Acute Infectious Disease Syndrome
Antibody-Induced Disease Syndrome
7. What does AIDS stand for?
Aids Induced Disease
Aids In Disguises
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Human Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndromes
8. Describe how Hydroxy Acids can affect skin conditions.
, Hydroxy Acids are used to increase the skin's oil production.
Hydroxy Acids primarily serve to moisturize the skin and prevent
dryness.
Hydroxy Acids have no significant effect on skin conditions.
Hydroxy Acids can help improve skin texture and treat
conditions like acne by exfoliating dead skin cells.
9. Describe the process of cyst formation in the skin.
Cysts are formed by the direct invasion of bacteria into the skin
layers.
Cysts arise from the body's immune response to allergens.
Cysts form when a hair follicle or oil gland becomes blocked,
leading to the accumulation of material.
Cysts develop as a result of excessive sun exposure on the skin.
10. If an esthetician is performing a waxing procedure and notices a cut on
the client's skin, what should be their immediate course of action?
Apply a topical antiseptic and continue with the waxing.
Inform the client that it is not a concern and proceed.
Stop the procedure and assess the risk of infection before
proceeding.
Continue with the waxing as planned.
11. What is seborrheic dermatitis?
A viral infection that causes a Maculopapular rash
A chronic inflammatory connective tissue disorder with a
characteristic 'malar' rash
Inflammation of the skin from contact with substances to which a
, person is allergic or sensitive
A skin condition that can cause rough, scaly skin on the scalp,
face and upper body
12. What is acne?
A fungal skin infection
A type of eczema
A chronic skin disease caused by the bacterium
Propionibacterium acnes
A viral skin infection
13. Which substances are commonly recognized as melanin suppressants?
Retinol
Benzoyl Peroxide
Hydroquinone
Salicylic Acid
14. What is one reason estheticians need to understand basic chemistry?
To perform skin analysis.
To effectively use chemical treatments and products.
To diagnose skin diseases.
To understand bacteria types.
15. If an esthetician is using a new product that claims to enhance skin
penetration, what factors should they consider to ensure its
effectiveness?
They should only consider the product's ingredients and ignore
the skin condition.
