ITEC Beauty Therapy (ITEC) flashcards

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

Informed consent

The client's voluntary agreement to a treatment after being told its purpose, method, risks, alternatives and cost; it must be documented and can be withdrawn at any time.

Duty of care

The legal and ethical obligation to act as a reasonably competent therapist would, avoiding foreseeable harm; failing this standard can lead to a negligence claim.

Stratum basale

The deepest epidermal layer where keratinocytes divide by mitosis and melanocytes transfer melanin; damage here affects skin renewal and pigmentation.

Hair growth cycle

Anagen (active growth, 2-7 years on the scalp), catagen (transition, weeks) and telogen (rest, about three months); only anagen follicles respond well to electrolysis.

Absolute contraindication

A condition that means a treatment must not be performed at all, such as active infection or a pacemaker for electrical treatments, because the risk always outweighs benefit.

Patch test timing

A small amount of product is applied 24-48 hours before the first treatment and after any product change, to detect sensitisation before full exposure.

Chain of infection

Six links: infectious agent, reservoir, exit portal, transmission mode, entry portal and susceptible host; breaking any one link prevents transmission in the salon.

Single-use items

Tools such as nail files, spatulas, wax strips and lash applicators that are discarded after one client because they cannot be reliably cleaned and disinfected.

Combination skin

A skin type with an oily T-zone and normal or dry cheeks; products are chosen per zone rather than treating the whole face as one type.

Chemical exfoliation

Use of acids such as glycolic (AHA) or salicylic (BHA) to loosen dead corneocytes; AHAs increase photosensitivity, so daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is required.

Effleurage direction

A gliding massage stroke applied toward the heart, following venous and lymphatic return; pressure is never applied directly over varicose veins or acute inflammation.

Pitting oedema test

Firm pressure over a bony area such as the shin leaves an indentation if fluid retention is present; persistent pitting warrants referral rather than massage.

Hot wax temperature

Hot wax is heated to a comfortable working temperature and tested on the therapist's inner wrist; it should not sting or leave lasting redness on the skin.

Selective photothermolysis

Laser and IPL hair removal targets melanin in the follicle while sparing surrounding skin; dark hair on light skin responds best, and tanned skin risks burns.

Nail matrix

The living growth area beneath the proximal nail fold that produces the nail plate; injury here causes permanent ridges or deformity of the growing nail.

Gel polish removal

Break the top seal, soak in acetone for 10-15 minutes, then gently push off softened product; peeling removes layers of the natural nail plate.

Complementary colour correction

Opposite colours on the colour wheel neutralise each other: green cancels redness, peach cancels blue-purple tones and yellow cancels purple bruising.

Lash extension adhesive

A cyanoacrylate-based glue that cures with moisture; fumes can irritate eyes, so a patch test 24-48 hours before and good ventilation are required.

Oil-in-water emulsion

A light, non-greasy cream where oil droplets are dispersed in water; suitable for oily and combination skin and easily absorbed.

Humectant

An ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water in the upper skin layers, improving hydration and plumpness.

Professional indemnity insurance

Cover protecting the therapist against claims of negligent treatment or advice; it is separate from public liability, which covers injury to third parties on the premises.

Confidentiality in practice

Client records and personal details are shared only with consent or where law requires it; records are stored securely and retained for the required period.

Facial nerve CN VII

The motor nerve supplying the muscles of facial expression; the trigeminal nerve CN V supplies sensation, which is relevant when assessing numbness.

Lymphatic drainage route

Superficial lymph vessels carry fluid toward regional nodes in the neck, axillae and groin; massage strokes follow this proximal direction to support drainage.

Relative contraindication

A condition that does not automatically prevent treatment but requires adjusted parameters, extra precautions or medical consent before proceeding.

Referral triggers

Findings such as changing moles, non-healing sores, unexplained lumps or nail discolouration that must be referred to a medical practitioner rather than treated.

Autoclave sterilisation

Pressurised steam at about 121-134 degrees Celsius destroys microorganisms including spores on reusable metal implements; items must be cleaned before sterilising.

Extraction contraindication

Inflamed, cystic or pustular lesions are not squeezed because of scarring and spread of infection; only softened, mature comedones are extracted.

Tapotement

A percussive massage stroke using rapid alternating hand movements; it stimulates circulation and is avoided over bones, kidneys and inflamed tissue.

Isotretinoin and waxing

Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) thins the skin and delays healing, so waxing is contraindicated during treatment and for 6-12 months afterwards.

Nail psoriasis referral

Pitting, onycholysis and discolouration of the nail plate can indicate psoriasis or fungal infection; these are referred rather than covered with enhancements.

Brow measuring rule

The brow starts above the inner corner of the eye, arches over the outer iris and ends at the outer corner, giving a balanced shape for most faces.