Esthetician (Esthetician License) flashcards

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 and melanocytes divide; also called the germinativum. Cells produced here migrate upward and are shed about 28 days later.

Acid mantle

A thin film on the skin surface made of sebum, sweat and epidermal lipids at pH about 4.5–5.5. It suppresses bacteria and helps maintain the barrier against water loss.

Fibroblasts

Dermal cells that synthesize collagen and elastin fibers and ground substance. Collagen gives tensile strength; elastin lets skin stretch and recoil; both decline with age and sun damage.

Open comedo

A follicle plugged with keratin and sebum whose surface is exposed to air and oxidized, creating a dark tip. It is a blackhead, not trapped dirt.

Vitiligo

An autoimmune disorder in which melanocytes are destroyed, leaving sharply bordered depigmented patches. It is not contagious and lies outside an esthetician's treatment scope.

Herpes simplex

A contagious viral infection producing clusters of fluid-filled vesicles, commonly around the lips. Active lesions are a treatment contraindication; estheticians must not treat and should refer.

Fitzpatrick scale

A six-point classification of skin by how it burns and tans in sunlight. Type I always burns and never tans; type VI never burns and tans deeply.

Wood's lamp

An ultraviolet analysis light. Yellow-green fluorescence suggests oiliness, violet suggests dehydration, brown shows hyperpigmentation, coral-pink indicates acne bacteria, and white shows dead surface cells.

Primary lesions

Skin changes that are the direct, initial result of a disease process, such as macules, papules, pustules, vesicles, nodules, wheals and cysts. Secondary lesions are later changes like crusts and scars.

Disinfection

Use of an EPA-registered hospital-grade product to destroy most microorganisms, including many bacteria and viruses, on nonporous surfaces and implements. It does not reliably kill bacterial spores.

Sterilization

Complete destruction of all microorganisms, including spores. In esthetics it is achieved by autoclaving implements with pressurized steam at roughly 250°F and 15 psi for 15–20 minutes.

Universal precautions

An OSHA-based practice treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. Gloves and other barriers are used with every client regardless of known infection status.

AHA (alpha hydroxy acid)

Water-soluble acid such as glycolic or lactic that loosens epidermal cell cohesion and speeds desquamation. It increases photosensitivity, so daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is required after use.

BHA (beta hydroxy acid)

Oil-soluble salicylic acid that penetrates sebaceous follicles and exfoliates inside the pore, making it useful in acne. Because it is aspirin-related, aspirin allergy is a caution.

Clay mask

A mask containing kaolin or similar absorbent clay that lifts surface oil and temporarily tightens pores. It suits oily and combination skin; dry or dehydrated skin needs a hydrating gel mask instead.

Effleurage

A light, continuous gliding stroke applied with the palms, moving upward and outward. It opens and closes a massage and improves circulation and relaxation.

Petrissage

A kneading technique that lifts, squeezes and rolls muscle tissue. It is deeper than effleurage, warms tissue, and is used mainly on the neck, shoulders and body.

Tapotement

A brisk percussion stroke made with fingertips, cupped hands or the hand's edge. It stimulates circulation and nerve endings and is used briefly, usually near the end of a massage.

Anagen phase

The active growth phase of the hair follicle, when hair is firmly attached to the bulb. Waxing is most effective during anagen because hairs are well anchored.

Hard wax

A stripless, low-temperature wax that shrink-wraps hair as it cools and is lifted without a cloth strip. It is preferred for the face, bikini area and sensitive skin.

Hirsutism

Excessive dark, coarse hair growth in women following a male pattern, usually hormonally driven. It is a medical condition requiring referral, not merely a cosmetic hair removal problem.

Complementary colors

Colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green. In makeup they neutralize unwanted tones; green concealer cancels redness and peach cancels blue circles.

Warm undertone

A skin undertone with yellow, peach or golden tones. It is matched with warm-labeled foundations and flattered by coral, gold and warm brown shades rather than blue-based pinks.

Monochrome makeup

A color scheme using different values of a single hue on eyes, cheeks and lips for a cohesive look. Varying texture, such as mixing matte and shimmer, keeps it dimensional.

pH scale

A 0–14 measure of hydrogen ion concentration: below 7 is acidic, 7 neutral, above 7 alkaline. Healthy skin surface sits near pH 4.5–5.5.

Emulsion

A stable blend of two immiscible liquids, usually oil and water, held together by an emulsifier. Oil-in-water products feel light; water-in-oil products are richer and more water-resistant.

Humectant

An ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts and binds water in the skin, increasing hydration of the stratum corneum. It draws water in rather than sealing it out.

Superficial peel

A chemical peel affecting only the epidermis down to the papillary dermis, using low-percentage acids. It causes light flaking with minimal downtime and is within esthetic scope.

Microdermabrasion

Mechanical exfoliation using propelled crystals or a diamond-tip wand with vacuum suction to remove the stratum corneum. It is contraindicated over active acne, rosacea and telangiectasia.

LED blue light

Light near 415 nanometers used in facials because it targets acne bacteria within the follicle and reduces inflammation. It supports but does not replace medical acne treatment.

Scope of practice

The legally defined services an esthetician may perform under state law, generally cosmetic skin care. Diagnosing disease, prescribing medication and medical procedures fall outside it.

Informed consent

A client's voluntary agreement to treatment after being told the benefits, risks, alternatives and expected outcome. It should be documented in the client record before services begin.