Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What can contribute to the condition of asteatosis?

1. Aging and body disorders

2. Overproduction of sebum

3. Excessive exfoliation

4. High humidity exposure

The correct answer is: Aging and body disorders

Asteatosis is a condition characterized by the extreme dryness of the skin, which occurs when the skin lacks sufficient oil or sebum production. One of the leading contributors to this condition is aging and certain body disorders. As individuals age, their sebaceous glands often decrease in the production of sebum, leading to drier skin. Moreover, body disorders such as hypothyroidism or diabetes can also affect the skin's ability to maintain moisture, as these conditions can impair the normal function of the skin and its glands. In contrast, overproduction of sebum can lead to conditions like acne rather than asteatosis. Excessive exfoliation removes too many skin cells and can disrupt the skin's barrier, but it doesn't directly correlate to the underlying causes of asteatosis. High humidity exposure generally helps to keep the skin hydrated, thus contradicting the nature of this condition. Hence, aging and body disorders are significant factors in the development of asteatosis.