CA Esthetician key terms

California law, found in the Business and Professions Code, that creates the licensing system for cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, manicuring, and electrology, and gives the state board authority to write rules and enforce them.

The California state agency that licenses estheticians and salons, sets sanitation and practice rules, investigates complaints, and disciplines licensees. It also conducts inspections and administers the licensing exams.

The specific services a license legally allows a person to perform. For California estheticians this includes skin care, makeup, hair removal by waxing, tweezing, sugaring, or depilatories, and brow and lash services, but not medical procedures.

A California credential issued after completing the required esthetics training hours and passing written and practical exams. It must be renewed every two years and kept current and available for inspection at the workplace.

A process that destroys most harmful microorganisms, but not bacterial spores, on hard, nonporous surfaces and implements. In salons it is done with an EPA-registered product used exactly as the label directs.

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually achieved in an autoclave using steam under pressure. It is required for implements that penetrate or break the skin.

The lowest level of decontamination: washing with soap and water or a detergent to remove visible debris, oil, and many germs from surfaces, tools, hands, and linens before disinfection.

A disinfectant registered with the EPA and labeled for hospital use, meaning it has been tested against a broad list of pathogens. It must be mixed correctly and left wet for the label contact time.

An infection-control approach that treats all blood, body fluids, and moist skin as potentially infectious. It means wearing gloves, washing hands, and using barriers for every client, not just those who look ill.

Viruses and other germs spread through blood and body fluids, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Estheticians avoid exposure by wearing gloves and never reusing sharps or implements that broke skin.

The transfer of germs from one person, tool, or surface to another. In esthetics it commonly happens through reused wax, dirty brushes, shared makeup testers, or unwashed hands.

An item designed to be used once and then thrown away, such as a disposable spatula, needle, or wooden applicator. Items that cut or pierce the skin must be discarded, never disinfected and reused.

A standardized document supplied with a chemical product that lists its hazards, safe handling, first aid, and spill cleanup. OSHA requires workplaces to keep these sheets accessible to employees.

The thin, slightly acidic film on the skin surface, formed by sebum, sweat, and skin cells, with a pH near 4.5 to 5.5. It helps keep harmful bacteria in check and protects the skin barrier.

The outermost, avascular layer of the skin, made of stacked layers of keratinizing cells. Its outer layer is the stratum corneum, which shields the body and constantly sheds and renews.

The middle layer of skin, containing collagen and elastin fibers, blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands. It gives skin strength and elasticity and supplies the epidermis with nutrients.

A cell in the lower epidermis that produces melanin, the pigment that gives skin and hair color and helps screen ultraviolet radiation. Sun exposure stimulates extra melanin production.

A gland in the dermis, usually attached to a hair follicle, that secretes sebum onto the skin. Sebum lubricates skin and hair; overactive glands contribute to oily skin and acne.

The natural shedding of dead cells from the outermost skin layer as newer cells push upward. It slows with age, which is why exfoliation and moisturizing help keep skin smooth.

A six-point classification of how skin responds to ultraviolet light, from type I, which always burns and never tans, to type VI, which is deeply pigmented and rarely burns. Estheticians use it to plan treatment intensity.

A plugged pore made of sebum and dead skin cells. An open comedo is a blackhead; a closed comedo is a whitehead. Removing comedones is a common part of a facial.

Removing dead cells from the skin surface, either mechanically with scrubs, brushes, or devices, or chemically with acids and enzymes. Over-exfoliating can irritate skin and weaken its barrier.

Removing comedones or milia from pores by gently pressing with the fingers wrapped in tissue or with a metal extractor. It is done after softening the skin with steam and must follow sanitation rules.

A gliding, stroking massage movement performed with the whole hand or fingers, used to begin and end a facial massage and to apply product. Pressure is light and usually directed toward the lymph nodes.

An ingredient that attracts water into the skin and holds it there, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Humectants are common in moisturizers and serums but need a sealant in very dry conditions.

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, when the hair is attached to the follicle and growing. Because the root is present, anagen hairs are the ones waxing can remove successfully.

A wax that sets without a cloth strip and is peeled off by its own edge. It is applied warm in a thick layer, grips shorter hairs, and is often used on sensitive areas like the face and bikini line.

Putting the wax stick back into the pot after it has touched a client's skin. This contaminates the whole supply and is prohibited; estheticians use a fresh stick or pour wax into a disposable cup.

A cream or lotion that chemically dissolves hair just below the skin surface. It is a temporary method, requires a patch test, and should not be used on irritated skin or near the eyes.

A hair removal method in which a twisted cotton thread is rolled over the skin to catch and pull hairs from the follicle. It is often used on the brows and upper lip and needs no wax or chemicals.

The underlying hue of a person's skin, described as warm, cool, or neutral, that stays constant regardless of surface color. Matching foundation to undertone keeps makeup from looking orange or ashy.

Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green or blue and orange. Makeup artists use them to neutralize unwanted tones, like green concealer over redness.

Applying a semipermanent dye to the brow hairs to darken or fill them. A patch test is required before the first application, and the dye must be kept away from the eyes and used per the manufacturer's directions.

A pigmented product used to hide blemishes, redness, dark circles, or scars, usually applied after foundation. It should be applied with a clean brush, sponge, or disposable applicator to prevent contamination.

A small amount of product applied to a discreet area, such as behind the ear or inner elbow, and observed for 24 to 48 hours to check for an allergic reaction before a full service.

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable, such as sunburn, active infection, or recent use of isotretinoin. Recognizing contraindications is a core consultation responsibility.

A client's agreement to a service after being told what it involves, the expected results, the risks, and the alternatives. Documenting it protects both the client and the practitioner.

A questionnaire completed before service that records health history, medications, allergies, previous treatments, and skin concerns. It guides the consultation and helps identify contraindications.