Which areas of the skin should be protected with a barrier cream before a chemical peel?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of protecting sensitive and vulnerable areas of the skin during a chemical peel. The corners of the eyes, nose, lips, and under the ear lobes are particularly delicate and more prone to irritation or damage from chemical agents used in peels. These areas have thinner skin and often contain more nerve endings, making them more reactive to chemical substances.

Applying a barrier cream to these specific regions helps prevent adverse reactions, such as redness, burning, or peeling, which can result from exposure to the chemicals used in the procedure. This protective measure not only enhances client safety but also ensures the efficacy of the chemical peel on less sensitive areas of the face.

In contrast, the other options involve larger or different areas of the body that may not require the same level of protection or are less susceptible to the effects of the chemical peel. For example, applying barrier cream to the forehead, cheeks, and neck may not be necessary if these areas are specifically targeted for treatment, as they are typically more robust compared to the sensitive zones listed in the correct answer.