North Carolina Cosmetic Arts Practice Exam

Which of these ingredients is often avoided before a chemical peel?

1. Cleansers

2. Moisturizers

3. Retinoids

4. Sunscreens

The correct answer is: Retinoids

Retinoids are often avoided before a chemical peel due to their ability to increase skin cell turnover and sensitivity. They are potent compounds commonly found in anti-aging and acne treatments, and using them in the days or weeks leading up to a chemical peel can heighten the risk of irritation, redness, and adverse reactions during the procedure. The skin is typically recommended to be in a calmer state before undergoing a chemical peel to minimize potential complications; therefore, discontinuing retinoids allows the skin to recover and become less reactive. This helps in achieving the best possible results from the chemical peel. In contrast, cleansers and moisturizers are typically part of a regular skincare routine leading up to a peel, while sunscreens are crucial to protect the skin from UV damage. Therefore, while they are important in skincare, they do not have the same contraindications as retinoids before a chemical peel.