Oregon Esthetician State Board

What is the barrier created by skin using both sebum and sweat?

1. Acid barrier

2. Hydrophobic layer

3. Acid mantle

4. Moisture shield

The correct answer is: Acid mantle

The correct answer is the acid mantle, which is a crucial component of the skin's overall barrier function. The acid mantle is a thin film of fatty acids and lactic acid that sits on the surface of the skin. It is formed by a mixture of sebum (an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands) and sweat (which contains water, salts, and other substances). This combination creates a slightly acidic environment that not only protects the skin from pathogenic bacteria and fungi but also helps maintain the skin's overall hydration. This protective layer is essential for skin health, as it aids in regulating the skin's pH and keeping it balanced. A healthy acid mantle prevents moisture loss and safeguards the skin against harmful irritants from the environment. Other terms like "acid barrier" or "hydrophobic layer" may not accurately represent the specific function and composition of this protective layer. While these terms touch on aspects of skin protection and moisture retention, they do not encompass the full role and nature of the acid mantle as effectively as the correct answer does. The choice "moisture shield" similarly fails to capture the chemical and biological significance that the acid mantle has in skincare. By knowing that the acid mantle is composed of sebum and sweat, one can better