CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma (Ireland) flashcards

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

Stratum basale function

The deepest epidermal layer where keratinocytes divide and migrate upward, and where melanocytes produce melanin that is transferred to surrounding keratinocytes for UV protection.

Fitzpatrick type III

Skin that sometimes burns and gradually tans; moderately fair. It guides conservative settings for peels, waxing and light-based treatments to reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk.

Acid mantle

The slightly acidic film on skin surface, roughly pH 4.5 to 5.5, formed by sebum, sweat and fatty acids. It suppresses bacteria and supports barrier enzymes.

Anagen phase

The active growth phase of the hair follicle, lasting years on the scalp. Follicles in anagen are the target of light-based hair reduction because pigment uptake is highest.

Eponychium

The living cuticle sealing the nail pocket at the base of the nail plate. Cutting it breaks the seal and raises risk of bacterial paronychia and infection.

Patch test timing

Applying a small amount of product, such as tint or peel, 24 to 48 hours before treatment and checking for redness or swelling. Result and batch are recorded.

Disinfection versus sterilisation

Disinfection destroys most pathogens on surfaces but not necessarily spores; sterilisation destroys all microorganisms including spores and is required for tools that breach skin.

Contraindication definition

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable, such as fever, acute infection or anticoagulant therapy. It requires postponement or medical referral, not adaptation.

Normal adult vital signs

Resting pulse 60 to 100 beats per minute, respiration 12 to 20 breaths per minute, body temperature about 36.1 to 37.2 degrees Celsius, blood pressure near 120 over 80.

Lymphatic return mechanism

Lymph has no central pump and moves through skeletal muscle contraction, breathing and vessel peristalsis. Manual drainage therefore uses light pressure directed toward lymph nodes.

Parasympathetic response

The rest-and-digest branch of the autonomic nervous system, lowering heart rate and promoting digestion. Relaxation massage aims to shift balance toward this state.

Cortisol

A steroid hormone released by the adrenal cortex during stress, raising blood glucose and suppressing some immune activity. Chronic elevation is linked to impaired skin barrier recovery.

ABCDE mole rule

Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter over 6 mm, Evolution over time. Any positive sign warrants medical referral rather than cosmetic treatment.

Scope of practice

The legal and professional limits of a beauty therapist's role: no diagnosis, prescription or medical procedure. Suspected pathology is referred and the referral documented.

Dehydration signs

Dry mucous membranes, dark concentrated urine, thirst, reduced skin turgor and fatigue. Adults generally need about 1.5 to 2 litres of fluid daily, more in heat.

Negative feedback loop

A control mechanism where a change triggers a response that reverses it, such as sweating lowering raised body temperature. It maintains homeostasis within narrow physiological limits.

Water thermal conductivity

Water conducts heat roughly 25 times faster than air, so a 37 degree bath feels much hotter than 37 degree air. Hot baths are therefore time-limited and monitored.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels in response to cold, reducing blood flow and heat loss at the skin surface. It explains the blanching and reduced swelling of cold hydrotherapy.

Sauna versus steam

A sauna is dry heat near 70 to 90 degrees Celsius; a steam room is humid near 40 to 50 degrees. Steam is avoided in asthma; sauna in unstable cardiac disease.

Effleurage

A gliding massage stroke using broad palm contact, used to open a treatment, link other strokes and close. It warms tissue and moves fluid toward lymph nodes.

Petrissage

A kneading and lifting massage stroke that compresses muscle and subcutaneous tissue. It is deeper than effleurage and is applied after tissues are warmed.

Tapotement

A rhythmic percussion stroke using cupped hands, fingertips or the ulnar edge, applied briskly to stimulate circulation and tone. It is avoided over bone, kidneys and inflamed areas.

Massage contraindication

A condition such as fever, DVT, acute inflammation, uncontrolled hypertension or skin infection that makes massage unsafe. Treatment is postponed and medical advice sought.

Aromatherapy dilution

Essential oil blended in carrier oil, typically 1 to 3 percent for body massage, about 6 to 18 drops per 30 millilitres. Patch testing precedes use.

Emulsion types

Oil-in-water emulsions feel light and cooling and suit normal or oily skin; water-in-oil emulsions feel rich and occlusive and suit dry skin. Emulsifiers hold the phases together.

Humectant action

A humectant such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water in the stratum corneum. It needs an occlusive layer on top in dry conditions.

Occlusive ingredient

A substance such as petrolatum or silicone that forms a film on the skin surface and reduces transepidermal water loss, supporting barrier repair in dry or irritated skin.

Glycolic acid

The smallest alpha hydroxy acid, giving the deepest and fastest penetration for its concentration. It requires careful timing, neutralisation and daily sun protection.

Retinoid precautions

Retinoids increase cell turnover and cause photosensitivity and irritation. Avoid waxing, peels and laser on treated skin, and advise medical advice in pregnancy.

SPF meaning

Sun protection factor mainly reflects UVB protection; UVA needs a separate rating such as PA. About 2 milligrams per square centimetre is applied, roughly a teaspoon for the face.

Hot wax use

Wax applied warm and removed without strips, suited to sensitive or coarse areas such as face, underarms and bikini. Hair should be about 5 millimetres for effective grip.

INCI ingredient list

The international naming system for cosmetic ingredients, listed in descending concentration order up to 1 percent. The first five entries usually define the product base.