Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which procedure can only be administered by physicians?

1. Chemical peels

2. Deep peels

3. Microdermabrasion

4. Facials

The correct answer is: Deep peels

Deep peels are considered a more invasive procedure that often involves the use of stronger acids to penetrate further into the skin, reaching the deeper layers. These deep peels can cause significant changes in the skin's structure and may lead to complications such as infection, scarring, or changes in pigmentation if not administered correctly. Because of the potential for these serious side effects and the need for a thorough medical assessment of the patient's health and skin type, the administration of deep peels is typically restricted to licensed medical professionals, such as physicians or dermatologists. In contrast, chemical peels (which include lighter peels) can usually be performed by trained estheticians, although they also require knowledge of safe practices and the specific ingredients used. Microdermabrasion and facials are non-invasive and are within the scope of practice for estheticians, focusing on exfoliation and superficial improvements in skin texture and appearance without the extensive risks associated with deep chemical peels.