Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which skincare ingredients are primarily responsible for creating hydration in the skin?

1. Active Ingredients

2. Exfoliators

3. Film Formers

4. Pore Minimizers

The correct answer is: Active Ingredients

The correct choice highlights that active ingredients are primarily responsible for creating hydration in the skin. Active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and various botanical extracts, work to attract and retain moisture within the skin's layers, providing hydration and improving overall skin texture and elasticity. These components penetrate the skin barrier and actively enhance the skin's moisture content, making them essential for maintaining a hydrated complexion. On the other hand, exfoliators primarily function to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin rather than infusing moisture. While they can improve the appearance of the skin and prep it for better absorption of hydrating products, their main role is not hydration. Film formers, while they create a protective layer that can help to prevent moisture loss, do not directly hydrate the skin. They can provide a feeling of hydration by preventing transepidermal water loss but are not the primary source of hydration. Pore minimizers are typically products that aim to reduce the appearance of pores, often through tightening or oil control mechanisms, and do not serve the purpose of hydrating the skin. Thus, the role of active ingredients in providing hydration is distinct and foundational in skincare formulations focused on enhancing moisture.