Wisconsin Esthetics State Board Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

The procedure that involves mechanically scraping off the top layers of skin is dermabrasion. This technique is designed to remove the outermost layers of skin using a specialized instrument that sands the skin's surface. This process helps in treating various skin conditions, such as acne scars, fine lines, and uneven texture, by allowing newer, smoother skin to emerge underneath as the skin heals.

In contrast, a chemical peel uses acidic solutions to exfoliate and peel away skin layers, while non-ablative laser treatment targets deeper skin tissues without damaging the surface. Microdermabrasion also exfoliates the skin but does so in a more superficial manner compared to dermabrasion, making it less intense in terms of skin resurfacing. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why dermabrasion is the procedure specifically characterized by the mechanical scraping method.