New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What is one effect of cataphoresis on the skin?

1. Increases collagen production

2. Tightens muscles and soothes nerve endings

3. Promotes acne development

4. Reduces melanin production

The correct answer is: Tightens muscles and soothes nerve endings

Cataphoresis is a technique used in electrotherapy that involves the application of a direct current to introduce products into the skin while also causing various physiological effects. One of the key effects of cataphoresis is the tightening of muscles and the soothing of nerve endings. This is due to the electrical current stimulating muscle contraction, which can lead to a temporary tightening effect, enhancing the overall firmness of the skin. Additionally, cataphoresis can have a calming effect on nerve endings, which is beneficial in reducing skin sensitivity and enhancing the overall comfort of the treatment. While the other options touch on relevant skin effects, they do not accurately describe the primary effect of cataphoresis. For instance, while collagen production is a desirable outcome from various treatments, cataphoresis does not directly stimulate collagen synthesis in the same way that some other modalities might. Similarly, promoting acne development contradicts the primary goal of esthetic treatments, which aim to improve skin condition rather than exacerbate it. The notion of reducing melanin production is more closely associated with specific light therapies or chemical peels rather than cataphoresis, which primarily focuses on calming effects and muscle tightening.