Arkansas Esthetician Practice Exam

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Which acid is an alpha hydroxy acid?

Lactic acid
Citric acid
Glycolic acid
Salicylic acid

The correct answer is: Glycolic acid

The correct answer is glycolic acid, which is recognized as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). AHAs like glycolic acid are derived from plant sources and are widely used in skin care for their exfoliating properties. They work by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, helping to improve skin texture, hydrate the skin, and diminish the appearance of fine lines and age spots. Lactic acid is also an alpha hydroxy acid and is primarily derived from milk. While it has similar properties to glycolic acid, it was not selected here as the answer, possibly because glycolic acid is the most commonly referenced AHA in various esthetician contexts. Citric acid, although an organic acid found in citrus fruits, is classified as a fruit acid but not an AHA in the traditional context of alpha hydroxy acids. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), known for its effectiveness in treating acne due to its ability to penetrate oil and exfoliate inside the pores, distinguishing it from AHAs. Overall, glycolic acid is a key ingredient in many chemical peels and skin exfoliation treatments used by estheticians.