CT Esthetician key terms

A six-point classification of skin types based on how deeply skin tans or burns after sun exposure. Estheticians use it to predict reaction to waxing, peels, lasers, and other treatments.

The outermost layer of the epidermis, made of flattened, keratin-filled cells that form the skin's main barrier. It limits water loss and blocks microbes and chemicals from entering deeper tissue.

The deepest single layer of the epidermis where cells divide and push new keratinocytes upward. It also holds melanocytes, which produce pigment and transfer it to surrounding skin cells.

The pigment made by melanocytes that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color and absorbs ultraviolet radiation. Its amount and distribution largely determine how a client's skin responds to treatments and sun.

Darkened patches left where skin was injured or inflamed, such as after acne, waxing, or aggressive exfoliation. It is more likely in darker skin tones and requires gentle treatment and daily sun protection.

The amount of water that evaporates through the skin surface without sweating. High loss signals a weakened barrier and shows up as tightness, flaking, or dullness, guiding moisturizer and barrier-repair choices.

An oily substance released by sebaceous glands that lubricates skin and hair and helps hold moisture in. Excess sebum contributes to oily skin, clogged pores, and acne breakouts.

A pore blocked by sebum and dead skin cells, appearing as an open blackhead or a closed whitehead. Comedones are non-inflamed acne lesions and are a common esthetic extraction target.

Breakouts triggered by friction, pressure, heat, or occlusion from helmets, straps, masks, or tight clothing. It differs from hormonal acne and improves when the irritating contact is removed.

The water content of the skin, as opposed to its oil content. Dehydrated skin can feel tight and look dull even when it is oily, so water-binding ingredients are used to correct it.

An ingredient that attracts and holds water in the skin, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Humectants draw moisture into the upper layers and are usually paired with an occlusive to seal it in.

An ingredient that forms a film on the skin surface to slow water loss, such as petrolatum or dimethicone. Occlusives do not add water; they trap what is already there.

Removing dead cells from the skin surface by physical scrubbing or chemical means such as alpha hydroxy acids. It improves texture and product absorption but must be matched to skin type and sensitivity.

A galvanic current technique that softens sebum and debris in congested pores so they can be cleared. It is followed by extraction and is avoided on clients with contraindications to electrical current.

Manual removal of comedones and clogged pore contents using fingers wrapped in tissue or a metal extractor. It requires clean hands, proper pressure, and avoidance of inflamed or broken skin.

A direct electrical current used in facial treatments for desincrustation or for driving water-soluble products into skin. Polarity matters, and the client's health history must be checked first.

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable for a client. Examples include open lesions, recent cosmetic surgery, pregnancy for certain ingredients, and active infection.

A small controlled application of a product on a limited skin area to check for an allergic or irritant reaction before full use. Results are read after a set waiting period, often 24 to 48 hours.

The first practical step of any facial, removing makeup, oil, and surface debris with a product suited to the skin type. Proper cleansing prepares skin for analysis and allows later products to work.

A structured assessment of a client's skin before treatment, noting type, condition, texture, pores, and areas of concern. Findings guide product selection, treatment steps, and any needed referrals.

The named hand movements used in facial massage, such as effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, and friction. Each has a direction, pressure, and purpose, and all follow the client's muscle and lymph flow.

A tendency to react to products or treatments with stinging, redness, or irritation. Sensitive skin calls for fewer actives, shorter contact times, and careful patch testing before service.

Using a chemical agent to destroy most pathogenic organisms on surfaces and implements, except bacterial spores. It is the standard level of protection for non-porous tools and work surfaces in a salon.

A process that destroys all microbial life, including spores, usually through heat, steam, or chemical sterilants. It is required for items that contact broken skin or blood.

The basic cleaning step that physically removes visible dirt, oil, and many microbes from surfaces and hands. It lowers contamination but does not kill all pathogens, so it precedes disinfection.

A product registered with the EPA for use in healthcare settings and labeled effective against specific pathogens. Estheticians use it according to label contact time for implements and surfaces.

The duration an implement or surface must stay wet with a disinfectant for it to work as labeled. Cutting it short leaves pathogens alive, so the label timing must be followed exactly.

A microorganism carried in blood or body fluids that can cause disease, such as hepatitis B and HIV. Estheticians must use standard precautions, gloves, and proper spill cleanup to prevent exposure.

The practice of treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious regardless of a client's known health status. It includes gloves, hand washing, barriers, and safe handling of sharps and waste.

Thorough cleansing of hands with soap and running water for at least the required duration, including between fingers and under nails. It is the single most effective routine step against cross-contamination.

The transfer of microbes from one person, tool, or surface to another, often by hands, towels, or shared products. Preventing it depends on clean linens, disinfected implements, and no double-dipping.

A product or implement intended for one client only and then discarded, such as spatulas, cotton, and wooden sticks. Reusing single-use items spreads infection and violates sanitation standards.

The state agency that licenses estheticians and salons in Connecticut and enforces the cosmetology and esthetics regulations. It also handles inspections, complaints, and disciplinary actions.

The credential issued by Connecticut that authorizes a person to perform skin care services for compensation. It requires approved training hours, examination, and renewal to stay active.

Required ongoing training hours that a licensed esthetician must complete within a renewal cycle to keep a license active. Connecticut sets the hour count and acceptable subject areas.

The periodic process of updating a Connecticut esthetician license, including paying fees and showing required continuing education. Missing the deadline can result in a lapsed or inactive license.

The specific services and techniques a licensed esthetician is legally allowed to perform under Connecticut law. Working outside it, such as certain medical or invasive procedures, is prohibited.

The appointed body in Connecticut that advises on licensing standards, approves training programs, and reviews disciplinary matters for cosmetology and esthetics. It works with the Department of Public Health.

The approval a Connecticut establishment must hold to legally offer esthetic services to the public. It requires meeting sanitation, equipment, and supervision standards and is subject to inspection.