CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma (Ireland) cheat sheet

Skin layers: epidermis (stratum corneum, granulosum, spinosum, basale), dermis (papillary and reticular), hypodermis; the basal layer is where keratinocytes divide and melanocytes sit.

Fitzpatrick phototypes I–VI: I always burns, never tans; VI rarely burns, deeply pigmented; type determines safe energy settings and waxing/peel caution.

Skin pH is about 4.5–5.5 (acid mantle); alkaline soaps raise pH and transiently reduce barrier function, so cleansers should be pH-balanced.

Hair growth cycle: anagen (active, 2–7 years scalp), catagen (transition, ~2–3 weeks), telogen (rest, ~3 months); only anagen follicles respond to light-based hair reduction.

Nail plate is keratin from the matrix; cuticle (eponychium) seals the nail pocket - cutting it opens a portal for paronychia.

Contraindications to heat, massage and electrical treatments: fever, acute infection, recent fracture, uncontrolled hypertension, pregnancy (specific modalities), anticoagulant therapy, active cancer without medical clearance.

Patch testing is required 24–48 hours before tinting, lash/brow tint, and chemical peels; document result and product batch in the client record.

Sanitation hierarchy: cleaning removes soil; disinfection kills most pathogens on surfaces; sterilisation destroys all microorganisms including spores - tools that breach skin need sterilisation.

Homeostasis is maintained by negative feedback; body temperature ~36.1–37.2 °C, resting pulse 60–100 bpm, adult respiration 12–20 breaths/min, blood pressure around 120/80 mmHg.

Lymphatic system has no central pump: lymph moves via skeletal muscle contraction, breathing, and vessel peristalsis - hence drainage techniques use light pressure and direction toward nodes.

Stress response: sympathetic (adrenaline, cortisol, raised heart rate) versus parasympathetic (rest-and-digest); relaxation treatments aim to shift autonomic balance toward parasympathetic.

Hydration guidance: roughly 1.5–2 L fluid daily for adults, adjusted for climate and activity; dehydration shows as dry mucosa, dark urine, poor skin turgor.

Sleep need is 7–9 hours for adults; chronic short sleep is linked to impaired barrier recovery, raised cortisol, and slower wound healing.

Red flags requiring medical referral, not treatment: unexplained lumps, changing moles (asymmetry, border, colour, diameter, evolution), persistent hoarseness, sudden hair loss, non-healing ulcers.

Scope of practice: beauty therapists do not diagnose, prescribe, or perform medical procedures; refer suspected pathology and record the referral.

Occupational health: repetitive strain from massage, latex allergy, and chemical sensitisation from monomers and essential oils are documented therapist risks; gloves and ventilation reduce exposure.

Water conducts heat about 25 times faster than air, so a 37 °C bath feels far warmer than 37 °C air; limit hot hydrotherapy to 10–15 minutes and monitor for dizziness.

Hydrotherapy categories: thermotherapy (hot), cryotherapy (cold), contrast (alternating); cold causes vasoconstriction, heat causes vasodilation.

Sauna (dry, 70–90 °C, low humidity) versus steam room (humid, ~40–50 °C): steam is contraindicated in asthma and claustrophobia; sauna is contraindicated in unstable cardiac disease.

Massage stroke sequence for a classic body massage: effleurage (opening, linking), petrissage (kneading deeper tissue), tapotement (percussion, stimulating), vibration/shaking, then effleurage to close.

Contraindications to body massage and wraps: fever, acute inflammation, DVT or known clot, uncontrolled hypertension, skin infection over the area, recent surgery, first trimester pregnancy.

Body wrap types: alginate (cooling, setting), mud/thermal (warming, mineral-rich), hydrating (film and serum); always leave the face and chest free and check circulation.

Aromatherapy dilution for body massage is typically 1–3 % essential oil in carrier oil (about 6–18 drops per 30 mL); patch test and avoid photosensitising oils before sun exposure.

Spa hygiene: whirlpool and steam systems require documented microbiological monitoring; single-use items per client; linens changed between clients; water pH and disinfectant residuals logged.

Emulsion basics: oil-in-water (lighter, cooling, good for normal/oily skin) versus water-in-oil (richer, occlusive, good for dry skin); emulsifiers bridge the two phases.

Humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea) attract water; emollients (oils, esters) soften and smooth; occlusives (petrolatum, silicones) reduce transepidermal water loss.

Alpha hydroxy acids: glycolic (smallest, strongest penetration), lactic (gentler, hydrating), mandelic (largest, suited to sensitive or deeper skin tones); peels need pH and concentration control plus sun protection.

Retinoids increase cell turnover and collagen synthesis but cause photosensitivity and irritation; avoid with waxing, peels, and pregnancy without medical advice.

Sunscreen: SPF measures UVB protection; UVA protection is rated separately (PA or Boots star); apply about 2 mg/cm², roughly a teaspoon for the face.

Hair colour chemistry: permanent colour uses ammonia or an alkaline agent plus peroxide to lift the cuticle and oxidise dye; semi-permanent deposits without lift; always strand test.

Waxing: warm wax for large areas (legs, back), hot wax for sensitive/coarse areas (face, underarms, bikini); hair should be ~5 mm; never wax over retinoid-treated or recently peeled skin.

Product label reading: INCI list is in descending concentration order up to 1 %, so the first five ingredients usually define the base and feel of the product.