Free Esthetician practice test
Free Esthetician Practice Test: Skin Care (2026)
20 questions on Skin Care, drawn from the written (theory) state board syllabus. Answer them all, then check your score. No account and no card.
Questions 1 to 20
Choose an answer before you open the explanation. Guessing first is what makes the explanation stick.
Skin Care Question 1 of 20
Which treatment gives a glowing complexion for special events and suits dry, mature, dull or lifeless skin?
Check answer
Correct answerD. Paraffin wax mask
Why this is correct: A paraffin wax mask traps heat and acts as an occlusive, temporarily boosting hydration and giving dry/mature skin a soft, glowing look.
Skin Care Question 2 of 20
An electrical current used mainly for its heat-producing (thermal) effect is the:
Check answer
Correct answerC. High-frequency (Tesla) current
Why this is correct: High-frequency (Tesla) current produces a mild thermal/germicidal effect and is used for its heat-producing action.
Skin Care Question 3 of 20
Facial massage should never be too deep or too:
Check answer
Correct answerC. Prolonged
Why this is correct: Massage that is too deep or too prolonged can irritate the skin, cause redness, or worsen the condition.
Skin Care Question 4 of 20
When appropriate for the skin type, the machine typically used early in a facial to soften the skin is the:
Check answer
Correct answerD. Vaporizer / steamer
Why this is correct: A vaporizer/steamer softens the skin and sebum, easing cleansing and extraction. Note: avoid or reduce steam for rosacea, very sensitive, or contraindicated skin.
Skin Care Question 5 of 20
Microdermabrasion is not recommended for sensitive skin; improper use can cause:
Check answer
Correct answerD. Both hyper- and hypopigmentation
Why this is correct: Overly aggressive microdermabrasion, or use on sensitive skin, can injure the skin and lead to either darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation). Some states also limit it by scope of practice.
Skin Care Question 6 of 20
A substance that can transmit an electrical current is known as a/an:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Conductor
Why this is correct: A conductor allows current to pass through it; insulators/non-conductors resist current flow.
Skin Care Question 7 of 20
A quick mechanical exfoliation often used for a mini-facial is the:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Brush (brushing) machine
Why this is correct: The rotating brush machine gives quick, light mechanical exfoliation. (Enzyme peels and AHAs also exfoliate, but chemically rather than mechanically.)
Skin Care Question 8 of 20
The galvanic procedure that softens and emulsifies grease deposits (sebum) in blackheads and follicles is:
Check answer
Correct answerD. Disincrustation
Why this is correct: Disincrustation uses galvanic current with an alkaline solution to soften and emulsify sebum, making extraction easier.
Skin Care Question 9 of 20
The positive pole (anode) of the galvanic machine is held in the client's hand during the:
Check answer
Correct answerB. Disincrustation procedure
Why this is correct: During disincrustation the active negative electrode works on the face while the client holds the positive electrode to complete the circuit.
Skin Care Question 10 of 20
When applying and removing cleanser on the face, movements should generally be:
Check answer
Correct answerD. Upward (and outward) strokes
Why this is correct: Upward and outward strokes avoid dragging the skin downward and gently support the facial contours.
Skin Care Question 11 of 20
For hygienic control when applying cleanser, product should be dispensed and distributed on the:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Fingers/fingertips (dispensed hygienically)
Why this is correct: Dispense with a clean pump/spatula and work product on the fingertips for control. Do not touch the tube/jar opening with hands that contacted the client's skin.
Skin Care Question 12 of 20
The rotary brush lightly exfoliates the skin; the vacuum (suction) machine cleans impurities and traditionally is said to:
Check answer
Correct answerC. Help soften the look of creases and laugh lines
Why this is correct: Traditional texts credit the suction/vacuum machine with cleaning pores and stimulating light circulation, temporarily softening the look of fine lines. (Modern practice views this as a mild, temporary effect, not wrinkle removal.)
Skin Care Question 13 of 20
A client asks for a phenol or TCA deep chemical peel. What should the esthetician do?
Check answer
Correct answerB. Do not perform it; refer to a qualified medical/authorized provider
Why this is correct: Deep peels (phenol, TCA) are medical/high-risk and outside the basic esthetician scope; perform only superficial exfoliation within scope and refer deep/medical peels to a qualified provider.
Skin Care Question 14 of 20
If a deep-penetrating product is used during the first massage before the skin is properly cleansed, dirt will:
Check answer
Correct answerC. Get carried deeper into the pores
Why this is correct: Skin must be cleansed before deep-penetrating products; otherwise the product can carry dirt and oil deeper into the pores.
Skin Care Question 15 of 20
On the skin, use of the negative pole (cathode) of galvanic current produces:
Check answer
Correct answerA. An alkaline reaction
Why this is correct: The negative pole produces an alkaline reaction that softens sebum — the basis of disincrustation. (The positive pole produces an acidic, tightening effect.)
Skin Care Question 16 of 20
Vitamin B6 is linked to protein synthesis; vitamin E and beta-carotene act mainly as:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Antioxidants
Why this is correct: Vitamin E and beta-carotene are antioxidants that help protect cells from free-radical damage — a key concept behind many skincare actives.
Skin Care Question 17 of 20
Electric masks may be used on most skin types with the exception of:
Check answer
Correct answerC. Couperose skin
Why this is correct: Couperose skin with fragile/broken capillaries is easily aggravated by heat, electrical current or strong stimulation, so electric masks are avoided.
Skin Care Question 18 of 20
The skin is restored toward a normal pH and pores are temporarily tightened by using:
Check answer
Correct answerA. An astringent
Why this is correct: An astringent helps rebalance pH, temporarily tighten pores and reduce surface oil, leaving skin feeling firmer.
Skin Care Question 19 of 20
A facial spray is generally used immediately following the:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Removal of the facial mask
Why this is correct: A facial spray soothes, refreshes and rebalances the skin right after the mask is removed.
Skin Care Question 20 of 20
A solution of distilled water and astringent, beneficial for acne skin, may be applied using the:
Check answer
Correct answerB. Carbonic gas spray
Why this is correct: In traditional facial equipment, the carbonic gas spray dispenses a soothing/astringent solution as a fine mist over acne-prone skin.
Practice content notice: These are original study questions, not recalled or official exam items. Exam providers, timing, passing scores, and state-law coverage can change; verify current requirements with your licensing board.