IA Esthetician key terms

A six-level classification of skin tone based on how it responds to ultraviolet light, used to judge burning risk and select safe treatment intensity. Type I burns most easily; Type VI rarely burns.

The outermost layer of the epidermis, made of flattened, keratin-filled cells that form the skin's main barrier. It sheds continuously and holds moisture through natural moisturizing factors and intercellular lipids.

The avascular outer layer of skin where new cells form at the basal layer and migrate upward. It contains no blood vessels, so it heals without scarring and absorbs topical products selectively.

The pigment produced by melanocytes that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color and helps shield cell nuclei from ultraviolet damage. Its amount and distribution largely determine a client's Fitzpatrick type.

An oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands that lubricates skin and hair and helps retain moisture. Excess sebum combined with dead cells contributes to acne and comedone formation.

The passive escape of water vapor through the skin barrier. High loss signals a compromised barrier and leads to tightness, flaking, and sensitivity; occlusive and humectant ingredients reduce it.

A plugged hair follicle formed when sebum and dead skin cells block the pore. Open comedones darken at the surface (blackheads); closed comedones stay covered and appear as white bumps.

An ingredient that attracts and holds water in the upper skin layers, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. It improves hydration but needs an occlusive layer to prevent moisture loss.

An ingredient that softens and smooths skin by filling gaps between surface cells, improving flexibility and texture. Examples include oils, esters, and fatty alcohols used in moisturizers.

A condition, medication, or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable for a client. Estheticians must identify contraindications during consultation and decline or modify service accordingly.

A small controlled application of a product on a discreet area, such as behind the ear or inner forearm, to check for an allergic or irritant reaction before a full treatment.

Manual removal of comedones or milia using gentle pressure with fingers wrapped in tissue or a comedone extractor. It requires soft tissue, clean technique, and stopping when inflammation worsens.

A galvanic current technique that softens sebum and debris in follicles to prepare skin for extraction. An alkaline solution and negative pole are used, followed by thorough cleansing.

A direct electrical current used in facials for desincrustation (negative pole) and for product penetration (positive pole). Intensity must stay comfortable, and the modality is contraindicated for some clients.

Removal of dead surface cells by mechanical means such as scrubs and brushes or chemical means such as alpha hydroxy acids. Over-exfoliation damages the barrier and causes irritation or pigmentation changes.

Darkened skin that develops after inflammation or injury, such as picking at acne or aggressive waxing. It is more common in darker skin tones and is managed with sun protection and gentle care.

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, when hair is anchored deepest in the follicle. Waxing is most effective during anagen because the hair and root sheath are firmly attached.

The resting stage of the hair cycle, when the hair detaches from the blood supply and sheds. Hairs in this phase release easily during waxing, so timing sessions around growth cycles improves results.

Temporary hair removal by applying warm or hard wax to the skin and pulling it off against the direction of hair growth. It requires clean technique, skin support, and attention to medications and contraindications.

Reinserting a used wax applicator into the wax pot after it has touched a client's skin. It transfers blood and microorganisms between clients and is prohibited by sanitation rules.

Destruction of most pathogenic microorganisms on nonporous surfaces and tools using an EPA-registered hospital-grade product. It is required for implements after cleaning and before reuse.

Complete destruction of all microbial life, including spores, on reusable implements. It is achieved with an autoclave or approved dry-heat device and is stronger than disinfection.

A microorganism carried in blood that can cause disease, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Estheticians follow standard precautions, including gloves and handwashing, to prevent exposure.

Infection-control practices applied to every client regardless of known health status, including hand hygiene, gloves, and safe handling of sharps and soiled items.

A document, now often called a Safety Data Sheet, that lists hazards, safe handling, and first-aid steps for a chemical product. It must be accessible where products are stored and used.

The federal agency that sets workplace safety requirements, including hazard communication and bloodborne pathogen standards that apply to salons and spas.

The state board that licenses estheticians and salons and enforces Iowa's barbering and cosmetology statutes and administrative rules.

The periodic process by which a licensed esthetician pays fees and documents continuing education or other required hours to keep the license active. Late renewal may require reinstatement steps.

A regulation specifying how implements, linens, and work surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected between clients. Violations can lead to inspection findings, fines, or license discipline.

The set of services a licensed esthetician is legally permitted to perform. Treatments outside that boundary, such as certain medical procedures, require a different license or physician supervision.

The pre-service conversation in which the esthetician reviews health history, medications, skin condition, and goals, then explains the plan and obtains informed consent.

The process by which repeated exposure to an ingredient causes a person to develop an allergic reaction. It explains why a product used for years can suddenly cause redness or itching.

The tough protein that forms the structural material of skin, hair, and nails. In the stratum corneum it contributes to barrier strength and water retention.

The deepest layer of the epidermis, where new skin cells divide and push older cells toward the surface. Pigment-producing melanocytes also reside here.

Overproduction of sebum that leaves skin oily and prone to congestion. It is managed with gentle cleansing and oil-balancing products rather than harsh stripping.

An inflammatory condition of the follicles involving excess sebum, plugged pores, and bacterial activity. Estheticians treat surface symptoms and refer severe or cystic cases to a physician.