Oregon Esthetician State Board

What type of peel is gommage?

1. A cream enzyme peel

2. A chemical facial peel

3. A clay-based peel

4. A natural fruit peel

The correct answer is: A cream enzyme peel

Gommage is classified as a cream enzyme peel, which utilizes a combination of exfoliating agents, enzymes, and often additional skin-benefiting ingredients. The process typically involves applying the cream onto the skin, allowing it to dry, and then gently rolling or rubbing the product off. This not only removes dead skin cells but also enhances circulation and overall skin texture. The formulation of gommage often includes natural substances that can help to soften and exfoliate the skin effectively without the intensity of a chemical peel or the drying properties of clay-based products. This gentle approach makes it suitable for various skin types, particularly sensitive ones. Other options, such as chemical facial peels, involve agents that chemically dissolve dead skin cells and may target deeper skin layers, which gommage does not. Clay-based peels primarily focus on absorbing excess oil and impurities, and natural fruit peels utilize enzymatic action primarily from fruit acids but in a different manner than gommage. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for selecting the appropriate treatment for different skin conditions in esthetics practice.