Michigan Esthetician State Board Exam Practice 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

A patch test should be performed 24-48 hours before the treatment to ensure that the client does not have an allergic reaction to the products that will be used. This timeframe allows for any potential allergic responses to manifest without risking the client's skin health right before the scheduled treatment. Performing the patch test too close to the treatment could lead to unexpected adverse reactions during the procedure, compromising both the outcome of the treatment and the client's safety. Conducting the test a week prior is excessive, as the skin's sensitivity may change over time, and testing immediately before the treatment does not allow adequate time to observe any delayed reactions. Testing after the treatment would also not be advisable, as it offers no preemptive safety measure to protect the client. Hence, the recommended time frame of 24-48 hours is crucial for ensuring a safe and effective esthetic experience.