CO Esthetician cheat sheet

Colorado estheticians must follow the state's sanitation rules, which are enforced by the Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA).

A violation of a sanitation rule is grounds for discipline, up to and including license revocation.

Single-use items (e.g., spatulas, lancets, waxing strips) must be discarded after each client and never reused.

Implements that contact the skin must be cleaned of visible debris, then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant.

Porous or absorbent items that cannot be disinfected (e.g., wooden files, cotton, sponges) are single-use only.

Disinfectant solutions must be mixed and used according to the manufacturer's label directions; most require full immersion for the labeled contact time.

Hands must be washed with soap and water before and after each client, and before and after glove use.

Gloves are required for procedures that involve blood or body fluids (e.g., extractions, waxing of irritated skin) and must be changed between clients.

A blood exposure requires stopping the service, washing the area, applying an antiseptic, and reporting per the establishment's exposure control plan.

The epidermis has five layers (stratum corneum, lucidum, granulosum, spinosum, basale); the stratum basale is the germinative layer where new cells form.

Keratinocytes migrate upward and become keratinized; the entire epidermal turnover cycle takes roughly 28 days in healthy adult skin.

The dermis contains collagen (strength), elastin (recoil), and glycosaminoglycans (hydration); it also houses hair follicles, glands, and blood vessels.

The hypodermis (subcutaneous layer) is primarily adipose tissue and provides insulation and cushioning.

Melanocytes in the stratum basale produce melanin, which determines skin color and helps protect against UV radiation.

The acid mantle (pH roughly 4.5-5.5) is a film of sebum and sweat that helps inhibit bacteria and maintain barrier function.

Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles and are most concentrated on the face, scalp, and upper back.

Eccrine sweat glands regulate temperature and are distributed over most of the body; apocrine glands are concentrated in the axillae and groin.

The skin's barrier function resides mainly in the stratum corneum; over-exfoliation or harsh products compromise it and increase sensitivity.

Skin type is determined by oil production (dry, oily, normal, combination); skin condition is a temporary state (dehydration, sensitivity, acne).

The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin by response to UV (types I-VI); higher types have more melanin and greater risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Contraindications to treatment include active infection, open lesions, recent chemical peel or laser, sunburn, and certain medications (e.g., isotretinoin).

Acne is a disorder of the sebaceous follicle; inflamed lesions (papules, pustules) are not to be extracted.

Comedones are non-inflamed; open comedones (blackheads) may be extracted using proper technique and disinfection.

Rosacea presents as flushing, erythema, and telangiectasia, often triggered by heat and spicy food; aggressive exfoliation is contraindicated.

Melasma is a pigmentation disorder often triggered by UV and hormones; treatment focuses on sun protection and gentle care.

Skin cancer warning signs follow the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6 mm, Evolving.

Estheticians must refer suspected infections, undiagnosed lesions, and skin cancers to a physician rather than treat.

A standard facial sequence: consultation and analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, extractions (if indicated), massage, mask, and finishing products with sun protection.

Cleansers are selected by skin type: gel or foaming for oily skin, cream or milky for dry and sensitive skin.

Manual exfoliation (scrubs, brushes) removes corneocytes mechanically; chemical exfoliation uses acids (e.g., AHAs, BHAs) to loosen cell bonds.

AHA (glycolic, lactic) peels act on the epidermis; BHA (salicylic acid) is lipid-soluble and penetrates pores, making it useful for oily and acne-prone skin.

Estheticians may perform superficial peels only to the depth allowed by Colorado scope of practice; deeper peels require a physician.

Extractions are performed with fingers wrapped in tissue or with a comedone extractor, after softening the skin and disinfecting the area.

Facial massage techniques include effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (tapping), and friction; massage increases circulation and relaxes muscles.

Massage is contraindicated over active acne, open lesions, recent waxing, or areas with inflammation.

Masks are selected by function: clay for oil absorption, hydrating gels for moisture, and calming formulas for sensitive skin.

Waxing removes hair from the follicle; hair grows back in roughly 3-6 weeks, and repeated waxing can reduce density over time.

Hair must be at least about 1/4 inch (6 mm) long for wax to grip; clients should not shave for 2-3 weeks before a waxing appointment.

Wax temperature must be tested before application; overheated wax can cause burns, and wax should never be applied over moles, warts, or irritated skin.

Contraindications include isotretinoin use (within the past 6-12 months), recent chemical peels, laser, sunburn, and active skin infection.

Clients with diabetes, circulatory disorders, or compromised immunity require physician clearance before waxing.

Wax is applied in the direction of hair growth and removed against it, holding the skin taut.

Hard wax is applied and removed without strips and is often used on sensitive areas; soft wax requires strips.

Double-dipping is prohibited; a fresh applicator or spatula must be used for each client to prevent cross-contamination.

Post-wax care includes avoiding heat, sun, and tight clothing for 24 hours, and applying a soothing, non-comedogenic product.

Makeup application begins with skin prep and color matching; foundation should be tested along the jawline in natural light.

Color theory guides correction: green neutralizes redness, peach/orange corrects blue-toned darkness, and yellow brightens.

Sanitation requires that all makeup be dispensed with a clean spatula onto a palette; brushes must be cleaned and disinfected between clients.

Mascara and other wand-applicator products are single-use per client; never double-dip a mascara wand.

Eyebrow shaping includes tweezing, waxing, and threading; the brow should follow the natural bone structure and facial proportions.

Brow mapping uses three reference points: the inner corner, the arch (aligned with the outer iris), and the tail (aligned with the outer corner).

Lash and brow tinting requires a patch test 24-48 hours before the service and strict adherence to manufacturer instructions.

Eyelash extensions are applied with individual synthetic lashes and adhesive; clients must avoid water and steam for 24-48 hours.

Contraindications for lash and brow services include eye infections, recent eye surgery, and allergies to tint or adhesive.

pH measures acidity or alkalinity on a 0-14 scale; skin sits near pH 5, and products far from that range can disrupt the barrier.

Surfactants are the cleansing agents in shampoo and cleansers; they have a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a lipophilic (oil-loving) tail.

Emulsions combine water and oil using an emulsifier; creams and lotions are emulsions.

Humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) attract water; emollients (oils, esters) soften and smooth; occlusives (petrolatum, dimethicone) seal in moisture.

Antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide) neutralize free radicals and support the skin's defense against environmental damage.

Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, malic) exfoliate by loosening desmosomes; beta hydroxy acid (salicylic) is oil-soluble.

Retinoids increase cell turnover and collagen production; they cause photosensitivity, so daily sunscreen is essential.

Sunscreens are classified as physical (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) or chemical (avobenzone, octinoxate); SPF measures UVB protection.

Ingredient labels list ingredients in descending order of concentration; the first five ingredients typically make up most of the formula.

Colorado estheticians are licensed by the Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA) under the Office of Barber and Cosmetologist Licensing.

A license must be displayed at the work location, and services may only be performed in a licensed establishment.

License renewal occurs every two years; continuing education requirements must be met and documented.

The scope of practice for estheticians includes skin care, makeup, waxing, and related services; medical procedures such as injectables and deep peels are outside the scope.

Estheticians must not diagnose skin conditions or prescribe treatment; suspected disorders must be referred to a physician.

Establishments must maintain sanitation standards, including disinfected implements, clean linens per client, and proper waste disposal.

Client records, including service notes and patch-test results, should be kept confidential and retained per establishment policy.

Advertising must be truthful and must not imply medical qualifications the licensee does not hold.

Professional ethics require informed consent, respecting client boundaries, and declining services that are contraindicated.