CIBTAC Beauty Therapy flashcards

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

Acid mantle

A slightly acidic film on the skin surface (about pH 4.5–5.5) made of sebum and sweat that limits pathogen growth and protects barrier function.

Fitzpatrick scale

A six-point classification of skin response to UV, from type I (always burns, never tans) to type VI (deeply pigmented, rarely burns), used to guide treatment caution.

AHA vs BHA

Alpha-hydroxy acids are water-soluble and work on the skin surface; beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic) is oil-soluble and penetrates pores, suiting congested and oily skin.

Effleurage

A gliding massage stroke performed with flat hands in the direction of venous and lymphatic flow, used to open and close a facial or body treatment.

Patch test timing

A small amount of product applied to a discreet area, usually behind the ear or inner elbow, and assessed after 24–48 hours before a full tinting or essential oil service.

ABCDE lesion rule

Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter over 6 mm and Evolving change are warning signs in a pigmented lesion that require medical referral.

Comedogenic

Describes an ingredient or product with a tendency to block follicles and contribute to blackheads and congestion, so it is avoided on oily or acne-prone skin.

Lymphatic drainage direction

Facial massage moves toward the submental and cervical nodes; body massage moves toward the groin, axillae and supraclavicular nodes, following the lymphatic pathways.

Nail matrix

The living tissue beneath the proximal nail fold that produces the nail plate; damage here causes permanent ridges, thinning or dystrophy of the growing nail.

Lunula

The pale half-moon at the proximal end of the nail plate, formed by visible matrix tissue that is not yet fully keratinised.

Onychomycosis

A fungal infection of the nail plate and bed causing thickening, discolouration and crumbly edges; it is infectious and requires medical referral, not a nail service.

Pseudomonas infection

A bacterial infection producing green-black discolouration under artificial or lifted product; the product is removed and the client referred, with tools sanitised.

Paronychia

Inflammation or infection of the tissue around the nail fold, showing redness, swelling and sometimes pus; treatment is deferred and the client referred.

Nail growth rate

Fingernails grow about 3 mm per month and replace in 4–6 months; toenails grow about 1 mm per month and replace in 12–18 months.

Buffer grit numbers

Lower grit numbers are coarser and remove more product; 180–240 suits natural nails, 100–180 suits gel, and 80–100 suits acrylic only.

Acrylic liquid-to-powder ratio

The balance of monomer and polymer forming the bead; too wet causes lifting and shrinkage, too dry causes brittle, cloudy product with poor adhesion.

Sterilisation

A process that destroys all microorganisms including spores, required for reusable tools that may contact blood, whereas sanitising only reduces pathogen numbers.

Onycholysis

Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, appearing as a white or discoloured patch; causes include trauma, psoriasis and infection, and it is not treated cosmetically.

Beau's lines

Transverse grooves across the nail plate caused by interrupted matrix activity after illness, trauma or severe stress; they grow out rather than being treated.

Undertone vs depth

Undertone is the warm, cool or neutral hue beneath the skin; depth is how light or dark the skin is. Foundation must match both.

Colour correction green

Green neutralises red tones such as blemishes, rosacea and redness; it is applied thinly and covered with foundation so the green does not show.

Peach corrector use

Peach or orange corrector neutralises blue-purple tones, making it useful for dark under-eye circles and bruising before concealer is applied.

Foundation coverage levels

Sheer contains roughly 10–20% pigment, medium 30–50% and full over 60%; coverage is built in thin layers to avoid a heavy, cakey finish.

Transition shade

A mid-tone eye shadow blended into the crease to soften the boundary between lid colour and brow bone, creating depth without harsh lines.

Natural vs synthetic brushes

Natural hair bristles hold powder well and suit eyeshadow and bronzer; synthetic bristles suit cream, liquid and concealer because they do not absorb water.

Contouring a round face

Shading is applied to the temples, sides of the cheeks and jawline, with highlight on the centre of the face, to create the illusion of length and definition.

Make-up contraindication

Active infection such as conjunctivitis, a stye, cold sore or broken skin in the treatment area means make-up is withheld and the client referred.

Aromatherapy dilution 1 percent

One percent dilution equals about six drops of essential oil in 30 ml of carrier oil, used for sensitive skin, children, pregnancy and the elderly.

Photosensitive essential oils

Cold-pressed citrus oils such as bergamot and lemon increase skin sensitivity to UV; they are avoided before sun exposure or tanning.

Reflexology arch zone

The arch of the foot corresponds to the digestive organs, including stomach and intestines, and is worked with thumb-walking pressure in reflexology.

Hot stone temperature

Basalt massage stones are heated to about 50–55 °C and never above 60 °C; each stone is tested on the therapist's skin before contacting the client.

Swedish massage contraindication

DVT, fever, uncontrolled hypertension, acute injury, recent surgery, infectious skin disease and first-trimester pregnancy are reasons to withhold or modify massage.