Aesthetician / Beauty Therapist Prometric exam questions with answers

1. Question 1Client safety, first aid and complicationsmedium

   A client's skin is burned by wax that was too hot. What is the correct first aid?

   1. AIce applied directly for 5 minutes
   2. BButter or oil spread over the burn
   3. CCool running water for 20 minutes
   4. DPop any blister, then apply cream
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: C. Cool running water for 20 minutes

   Cool running water for 20 minutes is the recommended first aid for burns, followed by a clean covering and medical advice if needed. Ice, butter and popping blisters can worsen damage or cause infection.

2. Question 2Exfoliation, peels and electrical treatmentshard

   During galvanic desincrustation, which pole is used as the active electrode and why?

   1. APositive pole; it creates an alkaline reaction that softens sebum
   2. BNegative pole; it creates an alkaline reaction that softens sebum
   3. CNegative pole; it creates an acid reaction that tightens pores
   4. DPositive pole; it creates an acid reaction that softens sebum
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: B. Negative pole; it creates an alkaline reaction that softens sebum

   Desincrustation uses the negative pole (cathode), which produces an alkaline reaction that saponifies sebum and softens the skin. The positive pole produces an acidic, tightening effect.

3. Question 3Exfoliation, peels and electrical treatmentsmedium

   A client has oily, acne-prone skin with blackheads. Which acid is most suitable because it is oil-soluble and penetrates pores?

   1. AGlycolic acid
   2. BLactic acid
   3. CMandelic acid
   4. DSalicylic acid
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: D. Salicylic acid

   Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is lipid-soluble and penetrates the follicle, making it well suited to oily and congested skin. Glycolic and lactic acids are water-soluble alpha hydroxy acids.

4. Question 4Facial treatments and skincare productsmedium

   Why does an open comedone (blackhead) appear dark?

   1. ADirt trapped deep in the follicle
   2. BBleeding inside the pore
   3. CA fungal infection of the follicle
   4. DOxidation of sebum and melanin at the opening
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: D. Oxidation of sebum and melanin at the opening

   In an open comedone the plug is exposed to air, and oxidation of its lipids and melanin makes it dark. It is not caused by dirt, so scrubbing harder does not help.

5. Question 5Skin anatomy, physiology and skin analysiseasy

   Which is the deepest layer of the epidermis, where new skin cells are formed?

   1. AStratum corneum
   2. BStratum granulosum
   3. CStratum lucidum
   4. DStratum basale
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: D. Stratum basale

   The stratum basale (basal layer) contains dividing cells that move upward to replace the surface. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of dead, flattened cells.

6. Question 6Facial treatments and skincare productsmedium

   Which skincare ingredient works mainly as a humectant, drawing water into the skin?

   1. AZinc oxide
   2. BHyaluronic acid
   3. CSalicylic acid
   4. DBenzoyl peroxide
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: B. Hyaluronic acid

   Humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin attract and hold water in the skin. Zinc oxide is a mineral UV filter, salicylic acid exfoliates and benzoyl peroxide treats acne.

7. Question 7Skin conditions, contraindications and referralhard

   A client stopped oral isotretinoin 2 months ago and requests facial waxing. What is the safest advice?

   1. AAvoid waxing until at least 6 months after stopping
   2. BWax as normal, as she has stopped the drug
   3. CWax with hotter wax to improve grip
   4. DWax only if she applies a retinoid cream first
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: A. Avoid waxing until at least 6 months after stopping

   Isotretinoin makes skin fragile, and waxing can tear the skin; avoiding waxing until about 6 months after stopping is commonly advised. Hotter wax and topical retinoids increase the risk further.

8. Question 8Skin conditions, contraindications and referraleasy

   A client booked for a facial has an active cold sore on her upper lip. What should the therapist do?

   1. ACover it with makeup and continue
   2. BPostpone treatment until it has healed
   3. CSteam the area so that it dries out
   4. DGently extract the fluid from the blister
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: B. Postpone treatment until it has healed

   An active herpes simplex lesion is contagious and is a contraindication to facial treatment, as treatment can spread the virus. Steaming or touching the lesion increases the risk.

9. Question 9Hair removal: waxing, threading and light-based methodsmedium

   Which phase of the hair growth cycle is the active growth phase and the best target for laser hair removal?

   1. ACatagen
   2. BTelogen
   3. CAnagen
   4. DExogen
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: C. Anagen

   Anagen hairs are actively growing and attached to the papilla with the most pigment, so they respond best to laser and IPL. This is why several sessions are needed to catch hairs in anagen.

10. Question 10Hygiene, infection control and sterilisationmedium

    Why should a wax spatula never be put back into the wax pot after touching the client's skin?

    1. AIt cools the wax too quickly
    2. BIt makes the wax too sticky
    3. CIt can transfer microorganisms into the wax
    4. DIt changes the colour of the wax
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: C. It can transfer microorganisms into the wax

    Re-dipping a used spatula contaminates the whole pot of wax with skin flora and possibly blood, risking infection for later clients. A new spatula should be used for each dip.

11. Question 11Skin anatomy, physiology and skin analysismedium

    What is the normal pH range of the skin surface (acid mantle)?

    1. AAbout 7.0 to 7.5
    2. BAbout 8.5 to 9.5
    3. CAbout 4.5 to 5.5
    4. DAbout 2.0 to 3.0
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: C. About 4.5 to 5.5

    The skin surface is mildly acidic, which supports barrier function and discourages pathogens. Harsh alkaline cleansers can disturb the acid mantle and cause dryness.

12. Question 12Skin anatomy, physiology and skin analysismedium

    Where are sebaceous glands absent?

    1. AForehead, nose and central face
    2. BScalp and hair-bearing areas
    3. CUpper chest and upper back
    4. DPalms of the hands and soles of the feet
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: D. Palms of the hands and soles of the feet

    Sebaceous glands open into hair follicles and are absent from hairless palms and soles. They are most numerous on the face, scalp, chest and back, where acne commonly occurs.

13. Question 13Skin conditions, contraindications and referralmedium

    A child's mother asks for a brow shape, and you notice honey-coloured crusts around the nose. What is the correct action?

    1. AProceed while wearing gloves
    2. BClean the crusts with toner and proceed
    3. CApply an exfoliating mask first
    4. DDo not treat and advise her to see a doctor
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: D. Do not treat and advise her to see a doctor

    Honey-coloured crusts suggest impetigo, a contagious bacterial infection, which is a contraindication needing medical referral. Gloves do not make treatment safe.

14. Question 14Skin conditions, contraindications and referralmedium

    During a back massage you see a mole with irregular borders and several colours, which the client says has grown. What should you do?

    1. ARemove it with a cautery device
    2. BAvoid the area and advise her to see a doctor
    3. CExfoliate over it to see it clearly
    4. DTell her it is harmless and continue
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: B. Avoid the area and advise her to see a doctor

    Asymmetry, irregular border, colour variation, increasing diameter and evolution are warning signs of melanoma (ABCDE). The therapist should not diagnose but should advise prompt medical review.

15. Question 15Skin conditions, contraindications and referralmedium

    A client with rosacea and visible facial redness books a facial. Which part of a standard facial should be avoided?

    1. AHot steam and vigorous massage
    2. BA gentle cream cleanser
    3. CA calming soothing mask
    4. DA broad-spectrum sunscreen
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: A. Hot steam and vigorous massage

    Heat and friction trigger flushing in rosacea, so steam and vigorous massage should be avoided. Gentle products and sun protection are appropriate.

Last reviewed September 2026. Questions are original and written to the published exam blueprint; they are not taken from any real paper.