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VA Esthetician study materials
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VA Esthetician practice questions

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Question 1Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Which layer of the epidermis is the outermost layer, composed of flattened, keratinized cells?

  1. Stratum corneum Correct answer.
  2. Stratum granulosum
  3. Stratum basale
  4. Stratum spinosum

Explanation

Epidermal layers are stacked from deepest to surface as basale, spinosum, granulosum, and corneum (with a lucidum in thick skin). The stratum corneum lies at the surface and consists of dead, fully keratinized corneocytes that form the skin's main barrier.

Question 2Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

The skin's acid mantle is best described as having a pH of approximately:

  1. 2.0
  2. 7.0
  3. 4.5 to 5.5 Correct answer.
  4. 8.5

Explanation

Healthy skin surface pH is mildly acidic, generally cited as about 4.5 to 5.5, maintained by sebum, sweat, and fatty acids. This acidity inhibits bacteria and supports barrier enzymes.

Question 3Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Which cell type in the epidermis produces melanin pigment?

  1. Merkel cell
  2. Keratinocyte
  3. Langerhans cell
  4. Melanocyte Correct answer.

Explanation

Melanocytes reside in the stratum basale and synthesize melanin within melanosomes, then transfer pigment to surrounding keratinocytes. Keratinocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkel cells serve structural, immune, and sensory roles instead.

Question 4Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

The bulk of the dermis is made up of which type of tissue?

  1. Stratified squamous epithelium
  2. Adipose tissue
  3. Smooth muscle tissue
  4. Fibrous connective tissue Correct answer.

Explanation

The dermis is a fibrous connective tissue framework of collagen and elastin bundles suspended in a gel-like ground substance. Epithelium forms the epidermis, adipose tissue dominates the subcutaneous layer, and smooth muscle appears only in small arrector pili muscles and vessel walls.

Question 5Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Which muscle raises the eyebrows and creates horizontal wrinkles across the forehead?

  1. Masseter
  2. Frontalis Correct answer.
  3. Orbicularis oris
  4. Platysma

Explanation

The frontalis lies over the frontal bone and, when it contracts, lifts the brow and folds the forehead skin. The masseter is a chewing muscle, orbicularis oris closes the lips, and platysma tenses the neck.

Question 6Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Which vitamin is essential for collagen synthesis and is used topically as an antioxidant and brightening agent?

  1. Vitamin D
  2. Vitamin K
  3. Vitamin C Correct answer.
  4. Vitamin B12

Explanation

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a required cofactor for the enzymes that cross-link collagen, and it also neutralizes free radicals and can inhibit excess melanin production. Deficiency impairs collagen formation, which is why topical forms are common anti-aging ingredients.

Question 7Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

What is the primary function of sebum?

  1. It lubricates skin and hair and slows water loss. Correct answer.
  2. It draws water into the epidermis from the air.
  3. It dissolves collagen during inflammation.
  4. It produces pigment that colors the skin.

Explanation

Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, a mixture of lipids that coats the skin surface, keeps it pliable, and helps limit water loss while contributing to the acid mantle. It is not a pigment, a humectant, or a collagen-destroying fluid.

Question 8Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

The layer beneath the dermis that stores fat and provides insulation and cushioning is called the:

  1. Subcutaneous layer Correct answer.
  2. Papillary dermis
  3. Stratum basale
  4. Reticular dermis

Explanation

The subcutaneous layer (hypodermis), made largely of adipose tissue, sits below the dermis and cushions, insulates, and anchors the skin to underlying structures. The other listed layers lie within the epidermis or dermis and hold no significant fat stores.

Question 9Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Which structures physically bind adjacent keratinocytes together in the epidermis?

  1. Melanosomes
  2. Fibroblasts
  3. Desmosomes Correct answer.
  4. Arrector pili muscles

Explanation

Desmosomes are protein junctions that link keratinocytes into a continuous sheet and resist mechanical stress. Melanosomes are pigment packets, fibroblasts are dermal collagen-producing cells, and arrector pili are tiny muscles attached to hair follicles.

Question 10Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

A cleanser formulated at pH 9 would most accurately be described as:

  1. Alkaline and potentially irritating to the barrier Correct answer.
  2. Buffered to exactly match skin pH
  3. Acidic and compatible with the acid mantle
  4. Neutral and identical to pure water

Explanation

The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with 7 neutral, so values above 7 are alkaline. A pH 9 cleanser sits well above the skin's normal 4.5 to 5.5 range and can raise surface pH, stripping lipids and irritating the barrier with repeated use.

Question 11Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

In cosmetic chemistry, an emulsion is best described as:

  1. Large particles that settle to the bottom over time.
  2. Two immiscible liquids stabilized by an emulsifier. Correct answer.
  3. A gas dispersed throughout a liquid.
  4. A solid completely dissolved in a liquid.

Explanation

An emulsion combines two liquids that do not mix, such as oil and water, using an emulsifying agent to keep one dispersed in the other. Lotions and creams are emulsions, whereas solutions, foams, and suspensions are different systems.

Question 12Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Which cranial nerve carries sensory information from the face to the brain?

  1. Facial nerve (VII)
  2. Trigeminal nerve (V) Correct answer.
  3. Vagus nerve (X)
  4. Optic nerve (II)

Explanation

The trigeminal nerve provides general sensation for the face, including touch, temperature, and pain. The facial nerve mainly controls muscles of expression, the optic nerve serves vision, and the vagus serves organs of the trunk.

Question 13Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation causes tanning because UV light:

  1. Thickens the subcutaneous fat layer
  2. Increases sebum production in follicles
  3. Dissolves the stratum corneum barrier
  4. Stimulates melanocytes to make more melanin Correct answer.

Explanation

UV radiation damages DNA in skin cells, prompting melanocytes to increase melanin synthesis and transfer pigment to keratinocytes as a protective response. The visible result is a darkened appearance, not a change in fat depth, sebum output, or barrier thickness.

Question 14Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

A client with Fitzpatrick skin type I is most likely to:

  1. Always burn and never tan Correct answer.
  2. Tan deeply and almost never burn
  3. Rarely burn and tan easily
  4. Tan gradually with occasional burning

Explanation

Fitzpatrick type I describes very fair skin that burns readily with sun exposure and does not develop a tan. Types II and III burn less and tan gradually, while types V and VI tan deeply and rarely burn.

Question 15Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

The SPF number on a sunscreen label primarily indicates the level of protection against:

  1. Visible blue light
  2. UVB rays Correct answer.
  3. Infrared radiation
  4. UVA rays

Explanation

SPF, or sun protection factor, is a ratio of the time to burn with versus without sunscreen, which reflects mainly UVB protection. UVA protection is communicated separately, for example by a PA rating or a broad-spectrum claim.

Question 16Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Topical retinol improves photoaged skin primarily by:

  1. Blocking all UV absorption at the surface
  2. Coating the skin with an occlusive film
  3. Speeding cell turnover and supporting collagen Correct answer.
  4. Exfoliating with abrasive particles

Explanation

Retinol is converted in the skin to retinoic acid, which accelerates epidermal turnover and stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen. It is not a sunscreen, an occlusive seal, or a physical scrub.

Question 17Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid exfoliate mainly by:

  1. Blocking melanin synthesis permanently
  2. Loosening the bonds between dead surface cells Correct answer.
  3. Neutralizing the acid mantle
  4. Swelling the sebaceous glands

Explanation

AHAs weaken the attachments, called desmosomes, between corneocytes in the stratum corneum, allowing dead cells to shed and revealing smoother skin. They do not enlarge glands, permanently stop pigmentation, or neutralize the barrier.

Question 18Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Free radicals contribute to skin aging mainly by:

  1. Thickening the stratum corneum
  2. Increasing sebum flow to the surface
  3. Adding water to the dermis
  4. Oxidizing cell membranes and DNA Correct answer.

Explanation

Free radicals are unstable molecules with unpaired electrons that steal electrons from lipids, proteins, and DNA, a process called oxidation that damages cells and accelerates aging. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E donate electrons to neutralize them.

Question 19Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Eccrine sweat glands function mainly to:

  1. Produce melanin for the skin
  2. Regulate body temperature through perspiration Correct answer.
  3. Anchor the hair shaft in the dermis
  4. Secrete sebum into hair follicles

Explanation

Eccrine glands are coiled glands that open directly onto the skin surface; their watery secretion evaporates and cools the body. Sebum comes from sebaceous glands, melanin from melanocytes, and the follicle holds the hair in place.

Question 20Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Hyaluronic acid is used in skin care primarily as a:

  1. Sunscreen filter
  2. Humectant that binds water Correct answer.
  3. Keratolytic acid
  4. Preservative

Explanation

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that attracts and holds large amounts of water, making it a humectant. It does not filter UV, exfoliate like a keratolytic, or protect products against microbes.

Question 21Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

A client's stratum corneum barrier is compromised. The most direct measurable consequence is:

  1. Decreased sebaceous gland size
  2. Reduced melanin production
  3. Increased subcutaneous fat
  4. Increased transepidermal water loss Correct answer.

Explanation

The stratum corneum and its intercellular lipids are the main barrier to water movement; when these lipids or corneocytes are depleted, water escapes more freely from the skin, a measure known as transepidermal water loss. Pigment, gland size, and fat depth are regulated by separate mechanisms.

Question 22Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Which muscle compresses the cheek against the teeth and helps expel air, as when playing a trumpet?

  1. Temporalis
  2. Masseter
  3. Zygomaticus major
  4. Buccinator Correct answer.

Explanation

The buccinator forms the muscular wall of the cheek and presses it against the teeth, aiding chewing and forcing air out of the mouth. The masseter and temporalis elevate the jaw for chewing, and zygomaticus major elevates the corner of the mouth for smiling.

Question 23Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Shedding of individual corneocytes at the skin surface depends primarily on:

  1. Increased sebum secretion
  2. Constriction of arrector pili muscles
  3. Enzymatic breakdown of corneodesmosomes Correct answer.
  4. Melanin transfer from melanocytes

Explanation

Desquamation is controlled by enzymes in the stratum corneum, chiefly serine proteases, that degrade corneodesmosomes, the junctions holding corneocytes together. When enzyme activity is reduced, as in dry or aged skin, cells accumulate and the surface appears flaky.

Question 24Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Which epidermal cell is an antigen-presenting immune cell?

  1. Langerhans cell Correct answer.
  2. Keratinocyte
  3. Melanocyte
  4. Merkel cell

Explanation

Langerhans cells are dendritic immune cells in the epidermis that capture antigens and present them to T lymphocytes. Merkel cells are touch receptors, melanocytes make pigment, and keratinocytes form the structural barrier.

Question 25Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

The skin's role in vitamin D synthesis begins when:

  1. Keratinocytes release vitamin D from the stratum corneum
  2. UVB converts 7-dehydrocholesterol in the epidermis Correct answer.
  3. UVA breaks down melanin in the dermis
  4. Sebum is oxidized at the skin surface

Explanation

UVB photons convert 7-dehydrocholesterol in the epidermis to previtamin D3, which rearranges to vitamin D3 and is carried to the liver and kidney for activation. UVA, melanin, and sebum do not initiate this pathway.

Question 26Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

The layer of skin directly beneath the epidermis that contains collagen, elastin, blood vessels, and nerve endings is the:

  1. subcutaneous layer
  2. deep fascia
  3. stratum granulosum
  4. dermis Correct answer.

Explanation

The dermis lies just below the epidermis and provides the skin's structural support through its collagen and elastin network, along with its vascular and nerve supply. The subcutaneous layer sits deeper still and is composed largely of adipose tissue, while the stratum granulosum is an epidermal layer.

Question 27Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

On average, the surface pH of healthy adult skin falls within which range?

  1. 7.0 to 7.5
  2. 8.5 to 9.5
  3. 4.5 to 5.5 Correct answer.
  4. 1.5 to 2.5

Explanation

Healthy skin maintains an acidic surface film, often called the acid mantle, with a pH of roughly 4.5 to 5.5. This acidity supports barrier enzyme function and discourages the growth of many pathogenic organisms.

Question 28Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Which muscle is responsible for closing the eyelid?

  1. Platysma
  2. Orbicularis oculi Correct answer.
  3. Frontalis
  4. Zygomaticus major

Explanation

The orbicularis oculi is a circular muscle that encircles the eye and contracts to close the eyelid. Surrounding facial muscles such as the frontalis and zygomaticus major produce brow elevation and smiling, respectively.

Question 29Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

In a solution, the substance that is dissolved by the solvent is called the:

  1. emulsion
  2. catalyst
  3. solute Correct answer.
  4. precipitate

Explanation

A solution consists of a solvent, which does the dissolving, and a solute, which is the substance dissolved within it. The terms emulsion, catalyst, and precipitate describe other chemical situations entirely.

Question 30Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

A cosmetic ingredient that lowers the surface tension between oil and water so the two can mix is called a(n):

  1. humectant
  2. emollient
  3. occlusive
  4. surfactant Correct answer.

Explanation

Surfactants are amphiphilic molecules that reduce the interfacial tension between oil and water, allowing cleansers and emulsions to combine the two phases. Humectants, emollients, and occlusives instead act on water content and skin softness.

Question 31Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Melanin protects skin cells from ultraviolet damage mainly by:

  1. convert UV energy into visible light
  2. repair DNA breaks after they occur
  3. increase blood flow to the skin surface
  4. absorb UV and shield the cell nucleus Correct answer.

Explanation

Melanin absorbs and scatters incoming UV radiation and is positioned over the keratinocyte nucleus, forming a protective cap that limits DNA damage. It does not convert UV to visible light, and DNA repair is carried out by enzymatic repair systems rather than by melanin.

Question 32Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

The arrector pili muscle is attached to the:

  1. sweat gland duct and epidermis
  2. nail matrix and nail bed
  3. sebaceous gland and dermal papilla
  4. hair follicle and surrounding dermis Correct answer.

Explanation

The arrector pili is a small smooth muscle anchored to the hair follicle and to the dermis; contraction pulls the hair upright and produces goose bumps. It plays no role in the structure of sweat ducts or the nail unit.

Question 33Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

In skin care formulations, a chelating agent such as EDTA is added mainly to:

  1. thicken the product and give it a gel texture
  2. bind trace metal ions that destabilize the formula Correct answer.
  3. add color and opacity to the finished product
  4. raise the pH to a mildly alkaline level

Explanation

Chelating agents sequester metal ions such as calcium and iron that can catalyze oxidation, inactivate preservatives, or cause clouding. They are not thickeners, colorants, or pH adjusters.

Question 34Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

The primary route by which most cosmetic ingredients cross intact stratum corneum is:

  1. the hair shaft cortex
  2. active transport across keratinocytes
  3. intercellular lipid spaces between corneocytes Correct answer.
  4. sweat ducts in the dermis

Explanation

The continuous lipid matrix that surrounds corneocytes forms the main pathway for penetration of topically applied molecules. Appendages such as ducts and follicles account for only a small fraction of absorption, and keratinocytes lack active transport systems for most cosmetic ingredients.

Question 35Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

During exercise in a warm room, dermal blood vessels dilate primarily to:

  1. release body heat to the environment Correct answer.
  2. slow water loss through the skin
  3. reduce blood pressure in the dermis
  4. increase collagen production in the dermis

Explanation

Vasodilation brings more warm blood close to the skin surface, where heat can be lost by radiation and evaporation of sweat. This thermoregulatory response is not a mechanism for making collagen or for conserving water.

Question 36Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

The main purpose of a preservative in a water-containing cosmetic product is to:

  1. inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast Correct answer.
  2. increase the viscosity and body of the product
  3. neutralize free radicals formed during storage
  4. improve the spreadability of the product on skin

Explanation

Any formula containing water can support microbial growth, so preservatives are included to keep bacteria, yeast, and mold from multiplying. Spreadability, viscosity, and antioxidant protection are handled by other ingredient categories.

Question 37Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Intrinsic (chronologic) aging of skin is characterized mainly by:

  1. thickening of the epidermis and increased sebum output
  2. enlarged sebaceous glands with an oily texture
  3. increased melanocyte density across all areas
  4. epidermal thinning and slower collagen production Correct answer.

Explanation

Intrinsic aging gradually reduces epidermal turnover and collagen synthesis, producing thin, finely wrinkled skin. Thickening, oiliness, and pigment increases are more typical of photoaging or other conditions, not of chronologic aging.

Question 38Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

A 10% glycolic acid product at pH 3 exfoliates more strongly than the same 10% at pH 5 because:

  1. glycolic acid acts only when the skin is alkaline
  2. lower pH makes the acid unable to penetrate skin
  3. more of the acid is in its un-ionized free-acid form Correct answer.
  4. the higher pH raises the molecular weight of the acid

Explanation

Glycolic acid has a pKa near 3.8, so as the pH approaches and exceeds the pKa a greater share of the molecules lose their proton and become ionized. The un-ionized free-acid form penetrates the stratum corneum far more readily, which is why lower pH increases exfoliation at the same percentage.

Question 39Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide differ from organic (chemical) UV filters mainly because they:

  1. absorb UV only after being activated by visible light
  2. must be applied only at night
  3. provide no protection against UVB
  4. scatter and reflect UV radiation at the skin surface Correct answer.

Explanation

Mineral filters act primarily by scattering, reflecting, and secondarily absorbing UV radiation at the skin surface, which is why they are called physical or inorganic filters. They protect against both UVB and, depending on particle size and formulation, UVA.

Question 40Scientific Concepts (skin care, anatomy, chemistry)

A formulation blends an anionic surfactant with a cationic surfactant in the same phase. The most likely result is:

  1. faster penetration of both surfactants into the dermis and beyond
  2. a rise in the product's pH to strongly alkaline levels overall
  3. a denser and more stable foam that cleanses more effectively
  4. the two surfactants neutralize each other and may separate Correct answer.

Explanation

Oppositely charged surfactants attract one another and form an insoluble complex that carries no net charge, which can destroy foaming and cleansing and cause clouding or phase separation. This is why anionic and cationic surfactants are normally kept in separate products or separated by other formulation strategies.

Question 41Skin Care Services and Treatments

Which skin type is described as having a shiny appearance over the entire face, enlarged pores, and frequent congestion?

  1. Normal
  2. Combination
  3. Oily Correct answer.
  4. Dry

Explanation

Oily skin shows uniform shine, enlarged pores and frequent congestion because sebaceous glands are overactive across the whole face. Combination skin is oily only in the T-zone while the cheeks are normal to dry, so the shine is not uniform.

Question 42Skin Care Services and Treatments

A client has very pale skin and light eyes and reports that she always burns and never tans. Which Fitzpatrick skin type is this?

  1. Type IV
  2. Type II
  3. Type I Correct answer.
  4. Type III

Explanation

Type I skin always burns and never tans and is the most sun-sensitive of the Fitzpatrick types. Each higher type has progressively more melanin activity, so burning becomes less frequent and tanning more likely.

Question 43Skin Care Services and Treatments

What is the primary purpose of the cleansing step at the start of a facial?

  1. To remove the stratum corneum completely
  2. To remove surface oil, debris and environmental residue Correct answer.
  3. To close the follicles and reduce sebum permanently
  4. To stimulate collagen production in the dermis

Explanation

Cleansing lifts surface oil, perspiration, makeup and environmental debris so that later products and manipulations can act evenly. It works at the surface only, so it does not remodel collagen, strip the entire stratum corneum, or change sebaceous output permanently.

Question 44Skin Care Services and Treatments

Which massage movement consists of light, rapid, rhythmic tapping or slapping?

  1. Petrissage
  2. Friction
  3. Tapotement Correct answer.
  4. Effleurage

Explanation

Tapotement, also called percussion, is performed with brisk alternating tapping movements of the hands or fingertips and is used to stimulate and tone. Effleurage glides, petrissage kneads and lifts, and friction applies small circular or cross-fiber pressure.

Question 45Skin Care Services and Treatments

A kaolin clay mask is most appropriate for which client?

  1. A client with oily, congested skin Correct answer.
  2. A client with sensitive skin and visible redness
  3. A client with dry, mature skin
  4. A client with dehydrated but normal skin

Explanation

Kaolin is an absorbent clay that draws out excess surface oil and temporarily reduces the look of congestion, making it a good fit for oily skin. Dry, dehydrated and sensitive skins need hydrating or calming masks instead, since clay can increase tightness and irritation.

Question 46Skin Care Services and Treatments

Before extracting comedones, the esthetician should first:

  1. Apply a high-percentage alcohol solution
  2. Numb the area with an ice cube
  3. Apply a rich moisturizer to the area
  4. Soften the area with warm steam Correct answer.

Explanation

Warm steam or a warm compress softens sebum and loosens the follicular opening so that less pressure is needed. Firm pressure on hardened sebum increases tissue trauma and the chance of follicular rupture.

Question 47Skin Care Services and Treatments

Facial waxing should be postponed for a client who reports:

  1. Freckles on the upper lip
  2. Current use of isotretinoin Correct answer.
  3. Sensitive skin on the cheeks
  4. Open comedones on the chin

Explanation

Isotretinoin thins the epidermis and impairs healing, so waxing can strip skin along with hair and cause injury; treatment must wait per physician guidance after the course ends. Freckles and comedones do not affect waxing safety, and sensitive skin calls for a patch test and a gentle wax rather than automatic cancellation.

Question 48Skin Care Services and Treatments

Wooden spatulas, cotton pads and disposable applicators should be:

  1. Stored in the wax pot between clients
  2. Disinfected in the same jar as metal tools
  3. Sanitized and reused until visibly soiled
  4. Discarded after a single use Correct answer.

Explanation

Porous single-use items cannot be adequately cleaned and disinfected, so they must be thrown away after one client. Reusable implements are cleaned, disinfected and stored separately from products and waste.

Question 49Skin Care Services and Treatments

An alpha hydroxy acid peel primarily works by:

  1. Dissolving sebum deep within the follicle
  2. Loosening cohesion of surface cells Correct answer.
  3. Constricting blood vessels in the dermis
  4. Destroying melanocytes in the basal layer

Explanation

Alpha hydroxy acids are keratolytic: they reduce the cohesion between corneocytes so dead surface cells shed more readily. They do not destroy melanocytes, constrict dermal vessels, or dissolve sebum deep in the follicle.

Question 50Skin Care Services and Treatments

During desincrustation, the negative pole produces an alkaline reaction that:

  1. Contracts the follicle and hardens sebum for easy removal
  2. Saponifies sebum and softens follicular congestion Correct answer.
  3. Causes mechanical vibration that shakes comedones loose
  4. Delivers positive ions of product into the skin

Explanation

In desincrustation the negative electrode creates an alkaline environment at the skin surface, which saponifies sebum and softens congestion so it can be removed. Cataphoresis uses the positive pole to drive positive ions of product deeper.