CIDESCO Theory key terms

The outermost layer of the epidermis, made of flattened dead keratin-filled cells. It limits water loss and protects underlying tissues from friction, chemicals and micro-organisms.

A pigment-producing cell in the basal layer of the epidermis. It manufactures melanin, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation and gives skin its colour.

A gland usually attached to a hair follicle that secretes sebum onto the skin surface. Sebum lubricates skin and hair and contributes to the acid mantle.

A slightly acidic film on the skin surface formed from sebum, sweat and skin cells. It helps suppress harmful bacteria and supports the skin barrier.

A tough fibrous protein found in the epidermis, hair and nails. It gives these structures strength and water resistance and is the main component of the stratum corneum.

The main structural protein of the dermis, arranged in bundles. It gives skin strength and support and lessens with age and sun damage.

A protein in the dermis that allows skin to stretch and recoil. Loss of elastin contributes to sagging and wrinkle formation.

The body's ability to keep its internal conditions, such as temperature and pH, within stable limits despite outside changes. Normal cell function depends on it.

A network of vessels, nodes and organs that returns excess tissue fluid to the blood and helps defend the body against infection. It has no central pump.

Small bean-shaped structures along lymphatic vessels that filter lymph and contain immune cells. They can swell during infection.

Redness of the skin caused by widening of superficial blood vessels. It can result from friction, heat, massage, inflammation or infection.

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues. In massage and skin care it is a caution because pressure may move fluid unpredictably.

A hair follicle blocked by keratin and sebum. If the opening stays closed it forms a whitehead; if it opens and oxidises it forms a blackhead.

A six-point classification of skin phototype based on how skin responds to ultraviolet exposure. It helps estimate burning risk and guide safe treatment planning.

A galvanic treatment that softens sebum and keratin within congested follicles. It uses an alkaline solution and negative current to prepare skin for extraction.

Use of a gentle galvanic current to drive water-soluble cosmetic ingredients into the skin. The current moves charged particles toward an electrode of opposite polarity.

A condition or circumstance that makes a planned treatment unwise or unsafe. It may require postponing, adapting or refusing treatment and referring the client.

An unwanted reaction that occurs during or after a treatment, such as excessive redness, fainting or a burn. It should be managed promptly and recorded.

A process that reduces the number of harmful micro-organisms on surfaces or tools, but does not reliably destroy bacterial spores. It is used for items that cannot be sterilised.

A process that destroys all micro-organisms, including bacterial spores and viruses. In salons it is used for items that penetrate skin or contact blood.

Equipment that sterilises tools using high-pressure steam at a set temperature and time. Items must be cleaned and correctly loaded before the cycle.

Infection-control rules that treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. They include hand hygiene, gloves and safe disposal of sharps.

Transfer of harmful micro-organisms from one person, surface or object to another. Good hand hygiene and tool disinfection are key ways to prevent it.

A small controlled application of a product to the skin to check for an allergic or irritant reaction before a full treatment. Results are checked after a set time.

A structured conversation before treatment to gather health history, expectations and contraindications. It supports informed consent, safe planning and a personalised treatment.

A client's agreement to treatment after receiving clear information about benefits, risks, alternatives, costs and the right to refuse. It should be documented.

The professional duty to keep client information private and share it only with consent or when required by law. Records must be stored securely.

A structured way to record client notes: Subjective (what the client reports), Objective (what is observed), Action (treatment given) and Plan (next steps).

A written or electronic account of a client's consultation, treatment, products used, reactions and aftercare advice. It supports continuity, safety and legal defence.

First in, first out: a stock rotation rule that uses older products before newer ones. It reduces waste and helps prevent expired products being used on clients.

The level of sales at which total revenue equals total costs, so neither profit nor loss is made. Knowing it helps a salon set prices and targets.

Insurance that covers claims of negligence, injury or damage arising from professional services. It protects the therapist and business financially.

The safe use of posture, leverage and movement during massage to protect the therapist's body. It includes adjusting table height and using legs rather than back.

Covering a client with towels or sheets during body treatments to protect privacy, maintain warmth and expose only the area being worked on.

A massage stroke that glides over the skin with light to firm pressure. It is used to begin and end treatments and to link other strokes.

A massage manipulation that lifts, squeezes and kneads soft tissue. It aims to release tension and improve circulation in muscles.

A percussion massage stroke using quick alternating hand movements such as hacking or cupping. It is used briefly to stimulate circulation and muscle tone.

A gentle rhythmic massage technique that follows lymphatic pathways to encourage fluid movement. It uses light pressure and is often used for puffiness or swelling.

Inflammation of the skin causing redness, itching, scaling or blisters. It may be irritant or allergic and is a common reason to avoid certain products.

The resting tension present in a healthy muscle. It helps maintain posture and readiness for movement; massage can influence it.