CIDESCO Theory study materials
CIDESCO Theory study resources

CIDESCO Theory flashcards

CIDESCO Theory · Build recall with a focused review session.

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Stratum corneum
The outermost epidermal layer of flattened, keratinised dead cells that provides the main barrier against water loss and environmental damage.
Melanocyte
A cell in the stratum basale that produces melanin pigment, which colours the skin and helps absorb ultraviolet radiation.
Facial nerve
Cranial nerve VII; it supplies the muscles of facial expression, so damage causes asymmetry or loss of movement on the affected side.
Trigeminal nerve
Cranial nerve V; it carries sensation from the face, including touch, temperature and pain, to the brain.
Collagen
A fibrous protein in the dermis that gives skin its strength and resistance to stretching; it declines and cross-links with age.
Papule
A small, raised, solid skin lesion less than one centimetre across with no visible fluid, such as a closed comedone.
Fitzpatrick scale
A six-point classification of skin response to ultraviolet light, from type I (always burns, never tans) to type VI (rarely burns).
Desincrustation
A galvanic technique using the negative pole and an alkaline product to soften and saponify sebum, preparing oily skin for extraction.
Iontophoresis
Galvanic current that drives water-soluble product into the skin by repelling ions of the same charge away from the electrode.
Electrical facial contraindications
Pregnancy, epilepsy, pacemakers, metal implants, heart conditions and recent surgery are reasons to avoid or modify electrical facial treatments.
Clay mask
A kaolin- or bentonite-based mask that absorbs excess sebum and draws impurities from the skin, suited to oily and combination types.
Glycolic acid
An alpha-hydroxy acid from sugar cane used in chemical exfoliation; it is water-soluble, works superficially and increases sun sensitivity.
Effleurage
A smooth, gliding massage stroke applied with the whole hand, used to open and close a routine and to link other movements.
Petrissage
A group of kneading movements that compress and release soft tissue, including kneading, wringing, picking up and rolling.
Tapotement
Brisk percussion movements such as hacking, cupping and clapping, applied with relaxed wrists for short periods over muscle, never over bone.
Lymphatic drainage
A gentle, rhythmic technique using light pressure toward regional lymph nodes to encourage removal of excess tissue fluid.
Photosensitive essential oils
Citrus and some other essential oils can make skin react to sunlight, so treated areas should be protected from UV for 12–24 hours.
Sterilisation
A process that destroys all microorganisms including bacterial spores, for example autoclaving instruments at 121°C for 15–20 minutes.
Disinfection
A process that reduces pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces or tools but does not reliably destroy bacterial spores.
Chain of infection
Six linked stages - infectious agent, reservoir, exit, transmission, entry and susceptible host; breaking any link prevents infection.
PASS fire extinguisher
Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle and Sweep side to side; only use if trained and safe.
COSHH
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health: the legal requirement to assess, control and record risks from chemicals used in the workplace.
Break-even point
The number of treatments or products sold at which total revenue equals total costs, calculated as fixed costs divided by contribution per unit.
Gross profit
Revenue minus the direct cost of goods sold; it shows profit before overheads such as rent, wages and utilities.
FIFO stock rotation
First In, First Out: older stock is used or sold before newer stock to reduce waste and expired products.
Rebooking rate
The percentage of clients who book their next appointment before leaving, calculated as rebooked clients divided by total clients seen.
Person specification
A recruitment document listing the skills, qualifications, experience and personal qualities required for a particular salon role.
Informed consent
Voluntary agreement by a competent client after receiving a clear explanation of the treatment, its benefits, risks and alternatives.
Absolute contraindication
A condition that means a treatment must not be carried out at all, such as active infection or uncontrolled hypertension.
Relative contraindication
A condition that does not forbid treatment but requires caution, modification of technique, or medical consent before proceeding.
SOAP notes
A record-keeping format: Subjective (client's words), Objective (observations), Assessment (analysis) and Plan (treatment and aftercare).
Active listening
Concentrating fully on the client, using eye contact, paraphrasing and clarifying questions to confirm understanding before responding.