CO Esthetician flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Stratum basale
- The deepest epidermal layer where keratinocytes divide and melanocytes reside; new cells produced here migrate upward and eventually form the protective stratum corneum.
- Acid mantle
- A slightly acidic film of sebum and sweat on the skin surface, roughly pH 4.5-5.5, that helps inhibit bacteria and maintain barrier function.
- Fitzpatrick scale
- A six-point classification of skin based on its response to ultraviolet exposure, used to estimate burning and pigmentation risk before treatments.
- Comedone
- A non-inflamed plug of sebum and keratin within a follicle; open comedones appear dark (blackheads) and closed comedones appear as white bumps.
- ABCDE rule
- A screening guide for melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6 mm, and Evolving lesions warrant physician referral.
- Contraindication
- A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable, such as active infection, open lesions, or recent chemical peel.
- Effleurage
- A gliding massage stroke performed with light to medium pressure; it begins and ends most facial massage routines and promotes circulation and relaxation.
- Petrissage
- A kneading massage technique that lifts and compresses tissue; it is used on thicker areas and helps release tension in facial muscles.
- Tapotement
- A brisk, rhythmic tapping or percussive massage stroke performed with fingertips or the edge of the hand to stimulate circulation.
- AHA exfoliation
- Alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic and lactic acid loosen bonds between dead cells in the epidermis, producing superficial exfoliation and smoother texture.
- BHA (salicylic acid)
- A lipid-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates pores, making it useful for oily and acne-prone skin; it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Humectant
- An ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts and binds water, helping to increase hydration in the upper layers of skin.
- Occlusive
- An ingredient such as petrolatum or dimethicone that forms a barrier on the skin surface to reduce transepidermal water loss.
- Emulsion
- A mixture of water and oil stabilized by an emulsifier; creams and lotions are emulsions that combine hydrating and emollient properties.
- Surfactant
- A cleansing molecule with a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail that lifts sebum and debris from the skin so it can be rinsed away.
- SPF
- Sun protection factor, a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB radiation; higher values indicate greater protection when applied correctly.
- Hard wax
- A strip-free wax applied in a thick layer and removed once set; it grips hair rather than skin and is often used on sensitive areas.
- Double-dipping
- Reinserting a used applicator into a wax or product container; it is prohibited because it contaminates the supply and can spread infection between clients.
- Waxing contraindication
- A condition such as isotretinoin use, recent peel, sunburn, or active infection that makes waxing unsafe and requires postponing or declining service.
- Patch test
- A small application of a product such as tint or adhesive to the skin 24-48 hours before service to check for an allergic reaction.
- Brow mapping
- A technique that uses facial landmarks to locate the brow's start, arch, and tail, ensuring symmetry and balance before shaping.
- Color correction
- Using complementary colors to neutralize unwanted tones, for example green to reduce redness or peach to conceal blue-toned under-eye darkness.
- Single-use item
- A product or implement that cannot be adequately cleaned and disinfected, such as a wooden file or mascara wand, and must be discarded after one client.
- Hospital-grade disinfectant
- An EPA-registered product that kills a broad spectrum of pathogens on nonporous implements when used according to the label's contact time.
- Exposure control plan
- A written workplace procedure for handling blood or body fluid exposure, including stopping service, cleansing, reporting, and follow-up steps.
- Scope of practice
- The legally permitted range of services a licensee may perform; for Colorado estheticians it excludes medical procedures such as injectables and deep peels.
- DORA
- The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, which oversees the Division of Professions and Occupations and enforces licensing and sanitation rules.
- Informed consent
- A client's voluntary agreement to a service after being told its benefits, risks, contraindications, and alternatives, documented before treatment.
- Epidermis
- The avascular outer layer of skin composed of five strata; its basal layer produces new cells that migrate upward and keratinize.
- Sebaceous gland
- An oil-producing gland attached to a hair follicle, most concentrated on the face and scalp, that secretes sebum to lubricate skin.
- Extraction
- Removal of a comedone using fingers wrapped in tissue or a comedone extractor after softening the skin and disinfecting the area.
- Melasma
- A pigmentation disorder producing symmetric brown patches, often triggered by UV exposure and hormones; management emphasizes sun protection and gentle care.