Texas Esthetician License Practice Exam

What causes the acid mantle and barrier function to be less healthy in dry skin?

1. Excess hydration

2. Too many lipids

3. Lack of lipids

4. Increased sun exposure

The correct answer is: Lack of lipids

The acid mantle and barrier function of the skin are crucial for maintaining hydration and protecting against external irritants and pathogens. In the case of dry skin, a healthy barrier function is compromised primarily due to a lack of lipids. Lipids are natural fats that play a significant role in the structure of the skin barrier. They help to seal in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss, which is especially important for keeping the skin hydrated. When there is an insufficient amount of lipids, the skin's protective barrier becomes weak, leading to increased permeability and making the skin more susceptible to dryness, irritation, and infection. This lack of lipids disrupts the balance of the acid mantle, which is essential for maintaining the skin's pH and overall health. In contrast, options that refer to excess hydration or too many lipids do not address the core issue of moisture retention and protective barrier integrity in dry skin. Increased sun exposure, while detrimental to skin health overall, is not the direct cause of compromised lipid levels in the skin, although it can exacerbate existing conditions. Thus, the presence of adequate lipids is vital for the proper functioning of the acid mantle and barrier, making a lack of lipids the correct answer in this context