Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

What is the typical pH of the glycolic or lactic acid solution used for a medical peel?

1. 4

2. 7

3. 2

4. 10

The correct answer is: 2

The typical pH of glycolic or lactic acid solutions used in medical peels is around 2. This low pH is important because it indicates that the solution is quite acidic, which is necessary for the effectiveness of the peel. Acids like glycolic and lactic acid work by exfoliating the top layers of the skin, helping to improve texture, tone, and clarity. The acidity allows these acids to penetrate the skin more effectively, thereby promoting cellular turnover and helping to dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells together. This results in smoother, more radiant skin post-peel. In contrast, a higher pH, such as 7 or 10, would indicate a more neutral or alkaline solution, which would not provide the same level of exfoliation and may not effectively facilitate the peel's intended results. A pH of 4 might be somewhat beneficial but is still not acidic enough to achieve the same depth of treatment that a pH around 2 would offer.