DC Esthetician flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Sanitation vs. disinfection

Sanitation is cleaning that reduces microbes on surfaces; disinfection is a stronger chemical process that kills most pathogenic organisms on nonporous implements and surfaces.

Sterilization definition

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually achieved by autoclave, dry heat, or chemical sterilant. Required for items that penetrate skin or contact blood.

Single-use porous items

Cotton, gauze, sponges, wooden spatulas, and nail files cannot be disinfected because they absorb liquids. They must be discarded after one client and never reused.

Standard precautions

Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. Requires gloves for non-intact skin contact, handwashing before and after each client, and eye protection when splash risk exists.

Contraindicated skin conditions

Active herpes, impetigo, ringworm, conjunctivitis, undiagnosed rashes, sunburn, and open lesions. These are infectious or compromised states that require postponing treatment and possible medical referral.

Washington CE requirement

Licensed estheticians renew annually and complete 10 continuing education hours per year, including at least 3 hours of infection control and 1 hour of Washington law and rules.

Stratum corneum function

The outermost epidermal layer of flattened corneocytes embedded in a lipid matrix. It provides the primary barrier against water loss, chemicals, and microbes.

Epidermal layer order

From deep to superficial: basale, spinosum, granulosum, lucidum (palms and soles only), corneum. Keratinocytes migrate upward and flatten as they mature.

Melanocyte role

Melanocytes in the stratum basale produce melanin and transfer it to keratinocytes. Melanin absorbs UV radiation and protects DNA, and its activity determines Fitzpatrick skin type response.

Dermal structural proteins

Collagen provides tensile strength, elastin provides recoil, and glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid bind water. Fibroblasts synthesize these components and decline with age and sun damage.

Fitzpatrick scale

A six-level classification of skin response to UV exposure. Type I always burns and never tans; type VI rarely burns and tans deeply. It guides treatment intensity and laser settings.

Skin type vs. condition

Skin type is genetically determined oil and moisture behavior. Conditions such as dehydration, sensitivity, acne, and photoaging are temporary or treatable states that can occur with any skin type.

Barrier impairment signs

Tightness, stinging, erythema, and flaking with increased transepidermal water loss. Treatment should shift to gentle cleansing, humectants, and occlusives rather than exfoliation.

Sebaceous gland distribution

Sebaceous glands are largest and most numerous on the face, scalp, and upper trunk. Sebum output is androgen-driven, which explains the onset of acne at puberty.

Standard facial sequence

Consultation and analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, steam, extractions if indicated, massage, mask, toner, moisturizer, and sun protection. Each step prepares skin for the next.

Steam contraindications

Rosacea, sensitive skin, broken capillaries, and respiratory conditions. Steam softens sebum but heat dilates vessels and can worsen redness and flushing.

Extraction limits

Extract only pustules and open comedones using gloved fingers or an extractor with gentle pressure. Never extract cystic lesions, moles, or inflamed papules; refer those to a physician.

Massage movement directions

Effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration are directed toward lymph nodes. Light upward pressure supports venous and lymphatic return and reduces facial puffiness.

Massage contraindications

Active acne, skin infection, recent surgery, uncontrolled hypertension, thrombosis, and malignancy in the area. Massage could spread infection or dislodge clots in these states.

High-frequency current

Alternating current used for stimulation and spot treatment of acne. Indirect application has the client hold the electrode. Contraindicated with pacemakers, pregnancy, and metal implants.

Galvanic current uses

Direct current with polarity effects: desincrustation uses the negative pole to soften sebum, and iontophoresis uses polarity to drive water-soluble actives into skin. Contraindicated with metal implants.

Treatment record contents

Document skin analysis findings, products, modalities, extraction sites, and adverse reactions. The record supports continuity of care and serves as a legal document.

Hair growth cycle and waxing

Anagen hair releases best from the follicle during waxing. Telogen hair tends to break at the surface, so regrowth appears in 3 to 6 weeks and repeated sessions are needed.

Wax temperature testing

Test melted wax on the inner wrist before application. Hard wax melts near 55 to 65 degrees Celsius; wax should be warm, never hot enough to burn skin.

Waxing contraindications

Varicose veins, moles, warts, active herpes, sunburn, recent retinoid or isotretinoin use, and anticoagulant or photosensitizing medications. These increase risk of tearing, burns, or infection.

Retinoid timing before waxing

Stop topical retinoids about 5 to 7 days before waxing. Clients on isotretinoin should generally avoid waxing for 6 months after discontinuing because skin remains fragile.

Double-dipping rule

Reinserting a used wax stick into the pot contaminates the entire container. Use a fresh stick for each application or a disposable roll-on system.

Laser hair removal basis

Targets melanin in the hair follicle, so it works best on dark hair and light skin. It is ineffective on white or gray hair and requires eye protection for client and operator.

Acid mantle pH

Skin surface pH averages about 4.5 to 5.5. This acidity inhibits pathogens and supports barrier enzymes; alkaline cleansers can raise pH and cause temporary irritation.

AHA vs. BHA

AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid are water-soluble and exfoliate the surface. Salicylic acid is lipid-soluble, penetrates pores, and suits oily and acne-prone skin.

Emulsion types

Oil-in-water emulsions are light and absorb quickly; water-in-oil emulsions are heavier and more occlusive. An emulsifier keeps the oil and water phases from separating.

SPF and broad spectrum

SPF measures UVB protection while broad-spectrum labeling indicates UVA coverage. Reapply every 2 hours with sun exposure because protection degrades with time and sweat.