Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam 2026 - Free Esthetician Practice Questions and Study Guide

A deep phenol peel primarily affects the reticular dermis, which is the deeper layer of the dermis situated below the papillary dermis and above the subcutaneous layer. This type of chemical peel penetrates into the skin more deeply than lighter peels, targeting the reticular dermis to promote significant rejuvenation.

The reticular dermis contains a dense network of collagen and elastin fibers, and by affecting this layer, a deep phenol peel can induce a more dramatic improvement in skin texture, tone, and overall appearance, making it suitable for treating deeper facial wrinkles, severe sun damage, and other forms of skin imperfections.

While the other layers do play roles in skin health and appearance, they are not the primary target of a deep phenol peel. The epidermis is the outermost layer and would be affected in lighter peels, while the papillary dermis is primarily involved in providing nutrients to the epidermis but does not undergo the same level of changes from a deep phenol peel. The stratum corneum, being the outermost layer of the epidermis, would also not be significantly impacted, since the focus of a deep phenol peel is much deeper within the skin.