CO Esthetician key terms

The lowest level of infection control: cleaning and reducing visible soil and some microorganisms from surfaces and tools with soap, detergent, or an appropriate cleaner. It does not kill all pathogens and is always performed before disinfection or sterilization.

The process of destroying most pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on hard, nonporous implements and surfaces using an EPA-registered hospital-grade product mixed and used exactly as the label directs.

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually achieved with an autoclave using pressurized steam. Estheticians rarely need it but should recognize it as the highest level of infection control.

A product carrying an Environmental Protection Agency registration number and label claims for hospital-grade disinfection. It must be diluted, used, and replaced at the labeled interval, and only on pre-cleaned implements.

A written protocol for handling blood or other potentially infectious fluids: wear gloves, stop service, contain and clean the area, disinfect with an EPA-registered product, dispose of contaminated materials properly, and document the incident.

The practice of treating all blood, body fluids, and non-intact skin as potentially infectious, so gloves and other barriers are used with every client rather than only with clients known to carry a disease.

Any condition, medication, or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable for a client. Identifying contraindications during consultation protects the client and limits the esthetician's professional liability.

The outermost, avascular layer of skin, built of keratinocytes in five layers on thick skin and four on thin skin. It provides the barrier against water loss and environmental damage and renews itself through cell turnover.

The outermost epidermal layer of flattened, keratin-filled dead cells embedded in lipids. It is the main barrier to water loss and penetration, and its condition strongly influences how products and exfoliants behave.

The dominant cell of the epidermis, produced in the basal layer and pushed upward as it matures into a corneocyte. It manufactures keratin, forms the barrier, and is the target of most exfoliation and resurfacing treatments.

A cell in the basal layer of the epidermis that produces melanin and transfers it to surrounding keratinocytes. Its activity determines skin color and how skin responds to UV exposure, inflammation, and resurfacing treatments.

The thick, vascular middle layer of skin containing collagen, elastin, fibroblasts, nerves, glands, and hair follicles. It supplies nutrients to the epidermis and gives skin its strength, elasticity, and much of its aging change.

A dermal cell that synthesizes collagen, elastin, and the ground substance of the extracellular matrix. Its declining output with age and sun exposure underlies thinning, laxity, and wrinkle formation.

A gland usually attached to a hair follicle that secretes sebum, an oily mixture that lubricates skin and hair. Its activity level is central to classifying skin as oily, dry, or combination and to acne formation.

The passive movement of water from inside the body through the epidermis into the air. Elevated loss signals a compromised barrier and shows up as tightness, flaking, and sensitivity, guiding moisturizer and barrier-repair choices.

The structured assessment of a client's skin under good light, using consultation, observation, and sometimes magnification, to determine skin type, condition, and contraindications before choosing a treatment plan.

The relatively stable classification of skin as normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive, based largely on sebum production and barrier behavior. It differs from a skin condition, which is a temporary or treatable state.

A change in skin that is not the client's baseline type, such as dehydration, hyperpigmentation, acne, or couperose. Conditions guide product and treatment choices and may require medical referral.

A plugged hair follicle. An open comedone is a blackhead whose dark color comes from oxidized contents; a closed comedone is a whitehead sealed by skin. Both are hallmarks of acne-prone skin.

Darkening of skin at a site of injury or inflammation, caused by excess melanin production after acne, waxing, or aggressive treatments. It is more common in deeper skin tones and is a key reason to avoid unnecessary trauma.

The first treatment step: removing makeup, oil, and debris with a product suited to the client's skin type, using gentle pressure and correct water temperature. Thorough cleansing prepares skin for exfoliation and analysis.

Removal of dead cells from the stratum corneum, either mechanically with scrubs, brushes, or gauze or chemically with acids and enzymes. Overuse damages the barrier and can cause irritation or hyperpigmentation.

Controlled hand movements on skin and muscle to improve circulation, relax the client, and support product absorption. Direction, pressure, and duration follow the treatment plan and avoid contraindicated areas.

A wax applied warm in a thick layer that sets without a cloth strip and is removed by hand. It grips shorter hair and is often used on sensitive areas such as the face, underarms, and bikini line.

A thin, sticky wax applied in the direction of hair growth and removed with a cloth strip against the growth. It is used on larger areas such as legs and arms and requires careful temperature control.

A reason not to wax, such as use of isotretinoin or certain acids, recent chemical peel, sunburn, active infection, or fragile skin. Waxing these clients risks skin lifting, tearing, or hyperpigmentation.

A small application of a product on a discreet area to check for an adverse reaction before a full service. It is required or advised for certain tints, adhesives, and chemical products and should be documented.

Selecting a base whose undertone, depth, and finish blend with the client's skin, tested along the jawline in natural light. A correct match keeps the face and neck continuous in color.

The underlying hue of skin, usually described as cool, warm, or neutral, which stays constant regardless of surface color. It guides foundation, concealer, and color cosmetic choices.

A cyanoacrylate-based glue that cures with moisture to bond a synthetic lash to a natural lash. Fumes and vapors require ventilation, and a patch test and careful isolation prevent irritation and damage.

A scale from 0 to 14 measuring acidity or alkalinity, with 7 neutral. Skin is mildly acidic near pH 5, and products far from that range can disrupt the barrier, sting, or alter how acids and soaps act.

The slightly acidic film of sebum, sweat, and cellular material on skin that helps suppress harmful bacteria and supports barrier function. Alkaline cleansers can temporarily raise skin pH and weaken it.

An acid or enzyme that loosens the bonds between dead cells, such as glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid. Strength depends on concentration, pH, and contact time, and misuse can burn or discolor skin.

An ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water in the skin. It supports hydration but works best when paired with an emollient or occlusive to prevent water loss.

An ingredient that softens and smooths skin by filling spaces between corneocytes and improving flexibility, such as fatty acids, esters, and plant oils. It improves texture but does not add water on its own.

The treatments and services an esthetician is legally permitted to perform under Colorado law. Working outside it, such as diagnosing disease or performing medical procedures, is unlicensed practice and a serious violation.

A client's agreement to a service after understanding its benefits, risks, alternatives, and aftercare, given without pressure. Documenting it protects both the client and the esthetician if a question arises later.

The ethical and legal duty to protect a client's personal and health information, sharing it only as required by law or with permission. It covers intake forms, treatment notes, and conversations.