Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to review key concepts. Succeed in your exam!

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Which ingredient class helps to restore moisture to the skin after being lost?

Surfactants
Humectants
Emollients
Astringents

The correct answer is: Humectants

Humectants are ingredients that play a vital role in skin care by attracting and binding moisture to the skin. They pull in water from the environment or deeper layers of the skin, helping to replenish hydration that may have been lost due to various factors like environmental conditions, skin treatments, or aging. This characteristic makes humectants essential for maintaining skin hydration, promoting a healthy, plump appearance. Emollients, while also beneficial for the skin, primarily serve to soften and smooth the skin's surface by providing a barrier that prevents moisture loss, rather than actively drawing in moisture. Surfactants are ingredients mainly used to help cleanse the skin by breaking up oils and dirt, and astringents work to tighten skin and reduce oiliness, often at the cost of causing dryness. In this context, humectants are specifically focused on restoring moisture after it has been lost, making them the correct choice.