Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What type of products does dry skin require?

1. Hydrating

2. Lightweight

3. Occlusive

4. Exfoliating

The correct answer is: Occlusive

Dry skin typically requires products that provide a barrier to prevent moisture loss and help to retain hydration. Occlusive products are formulated with ingredients that create a protective layer on the skin's surface, which can trap moisture and reduce transepidermal water loss. This is particularly important for dry skin, which often struggles to maintain adequate moisture levels. While hydrating products can be beneficial for dry skin, their effectiveness can be diminished without an occlusive layer to lock in the moisture they provide. Lightweight products might not deliver enough hydration for dry skin, and exfoliating products, although useful for removing dead skin cells, can further irritate or dry out already compromised skin. Therefore, occlusive products are essential for effectively managing and improving the condition of dry skin by providing the needed hydration retention.