CT Esthetician cheat sheet

Skin layers: epidermis (stratum corneum, granulosum, spinosum, basale), dermis (papillary and reticular), subcutaneous layer (hypodermis).

Epidermal turnover averages about 28 days; keratinocytes migrate outward and keratinize, forming the barrier-rich stratum corneum.

Melanocytes in the stratum basale produce melanin; UV exposure stimulates melanogenesis, which is why pigmentation disorders are treated cautiously.

Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI are graded by erythema and tanning response to UV; type I burns easily and never tans, type VI rarely burns.

Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, mostly on the face, scalp, chest, and back; sebum production drives oily skin and acne formation.

Eccrine sweat glands regulate temperature; apocrine glands in the axillae and groin secrete odorless fluid that bacteria convert to odor.

Skin pH is mildly acidic (about 4.5–5.5); alkaline cleansers disrupt the acid mantle and raise irritation and water loss.

Aging changes include thinner epidermis, reduced collagen and elastin, slower cell turnover, and decreased sebum; these change product and treatment selection.

Sensory nerves detect pain, heat, cold, and touch; loss of sensation in a treatment area is a contraindication for heat, waxing, and exfoliation.

Client consultation precedes treatment: review health history, medications, allergies, prior treatments, and expectations; document findings and consent.

Skin analysis under good light: identify skin type (dry, oily, combination, normal), condition (dehydration, acne, hyperpigmentation), and sensitivity before selecting products.

Cleansing sequence: remove eye makeup with a nonirritating remover, then cleanse with a product matched to skin type, then tone and treat.

Exfoliation choice: mechanical (scrubs, brushes) versus chemical (AHA lactic or glycolic, BHA salicylic); BHA is oil-soluble and preferred for oily, acne-prone skin.

Extraction is limited to visible comedones after softening with steam or warm compress; inflamed, cystic, or unknown lesions are not extracted.

Massage movements follow direction of lymphatic drainage toward lymph nodes; avoid massage over inflamed, infected, or recently injured skin.

Mask selection: clay for oily and congested skin, hydrating gels or sheet masks for dehydrated skin, and soothing formulas for sensitive skin.

Waxing rules: patch test, check that hair is about 6 mm (quarter inch) for soft wax, apply wax in hair growth direction and remove against it, and avoid waxing over retinoid-treated or irritated skin.

Treatment documentation includes products used, skin response, home-care recommendations, and any adverse reaction; records support follow-up and legal protection.

Sanitation removes visible debris and reduces microorganisms on surfaces; disinfection destroys most harmful organisms on nonporous implements; sterilization destroys all microbial life.

Implement categories: porous (sponges, cotton, wooden sticks) are single-use; nonporous (metal, glass, hard plastic) may be disinfected or sterilized.

EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant with tuberculocidal claim is the standard for implements exposed to blood or body fluids; follow label contact time.

Immersion disinfection: clean implements with soap and water, dry, then fully submerge in disinfectant for the label-specified time; remove with clean tongs and store covered.

Hand washing with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds is required before and after each client and after removing gloves.

Single-use items (cotton, gauze, spatulas, applicators, gloves, paper towels) are discarded after one client; never re-dip a used spatula into product.

Blood or body fluid exposure: stop service, wear gloves, clean the area, disinfect with an EPA-registered product, and dispose of contaminated materials in a sealed bag.

Disinfectant containers are labeled with contents and date, kept covered, and tested or replaced per manufacturer instructions; cloudy or contaminated solution is replaced.

Client screening: visible lesions, fever, or contagious skin conditions are grounds to decline or postpone service and refer to a physician.

Connecticut licenses estheticians through the Department of Public Health; a license is required to perform skin care services for compensation.

Esthetician license pathway: complete a state-approved esthetics program (minimum hours set by statute) and pass the required licensing examination.

License renewal cycle in Connecticut is every two years; renewal requires the continuing education hours specified by the department.

License display: the current license must be available at the work location, and the licensee must carry identification linking them to the license.

Scope of practice: estheticians perform skin care, makeup, hair removal by waxing or tweezing, and related services; they do not diagnose skin disease or perform medical treatments.

Infectious disease control rules require disinfection of implements, single-use items, hand washing, and compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration bloodborne pathogen standards.

Salon or spa premises must meet sanitation standards and are subject to inspection; violations can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of license.

Advertising and title use: only licensed individuals may use the title esthetician; unlicensed practice and aiding unlicensed practice are prohibited.

Client records and consent: maintain treatment records and report suspected communicable disease concerns according to state and local health guidance.