Texas Esthetician License Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of catephoresis in skin treatment?

1. Hydrate the skin

2. Calm or soothe nerve endings

3. Exfoliate dead skin cells

4. Detoxify the skin

The correct answer is: Calm or soothe nerve endings

The primary purpose of cataphoresis in skin treatment is to calm or soothe nerve endings. Cataphoresis is a technique that uses a direct current to facilitate the penetration of products into the skin, often employed during electrical facials. By utilizing a negatively charged electrode, this method can help in reducing irritation and inflammation in the skin, making it beneficial for calming sensitive skin or areas with heightened nerve response. While other choices may touch on benefits related to skin health, they don't specifically address the unique soothing properties of cataphoresis. For instance, hydration is typically achieved through the application of moisturizing products rather than the electrical method. Exfoliation focuses on the removal of dead skin cells through physical or chemical means, which is distinctly different from what cataphoresis provides. Detoxification usually refers to the elimination of waste products from the skin, often associated with different treatments or topical applications, and not directly linked to cataphoresis itself.