Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin’s oil?

1. Slowing down water evaporation

2. Providing nutrients to the skin

3. Creating a barrier against pathogens

4. Maintaining skin elasticity

The correct answer is: Providing nutrients to the skin

The function of the skin’s oil, also known as sebum, primarily serves to protect and maintain the health of the skin. One of its main roles is to slow down water evaporation, which helps keep the skin hydrated. Additionally, sebum forms a barrier against pathogens, providing a layer of protection that helps to prevent infections. While sebum does contribute to maintaining skin elasticity by providing moisture, it does not directly provide nutrients to the skin. Nutrients are mainly delivered to the skin through blood circulation rather than through oil production. Therefore, stating that providing nutrients is a function of the skin's oil is incorrect—it is not a primary role of sebum. This clearly indicates that among the choices provided, nutrients are not a function of the skin's oil, leading to the conclusion that the correct answer is indeed regarding its lack of nutrient providing capability.