QQI Level 6 Beauty & Body cheat sheet

Epidermis layers from deep to superficial: stratum basale, spinosum, granulosum, lucidum (palms/soles only), corneum.

Keratinocyte transit time from basal layer to desquamation averages 28 days; it lengthens with age and slows in winter.

Dermis contains collagen (mainly type I, tensile strength), elastin (recoil) and glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid (water binding).

Skin pH is 4.5-5.5 (acid mantle); lactic acid and free fatty acids in sebum maintain it, and alkaline cleansers raise pH for hours.

Melanocytes sit in the stratum basale; each supplies melanin to roughly 36 keratinocytes via melanosomes (epidermal melanin unit).

Sebaceous glands are holocrine, attached to hair follicles, and are densest on the face, scalp and upper trunk.

Eccrine sweat glands are controlled by sympathetic cholinergic fibres and cool the body by evaporation; apocrine glands are scent-related and open into follicles.

Skin functions: barrier, thermoregulation, vitamin D synthesis (UVB converts 7-dehydrocholesterol), sensation, excretion and immune surveillance.

Aging: intrinsic loss of collagen ~1% per year after the mid-20s; extrinsic photoaging adds elastosis, pigment irregularity and coarse wrinkles.

Two-stage cleaning: detergent removes soil and oils, then a disinfectant (e.g. quaternary ammonium or alcohol) is applied at label contact time; a dirty surface cannot be disinfected.

Single-use items: wax spatulas, disposable strips, cotton, gloves and files. Reusable metal tools must be cleaned, disinfected and stored dry and covered.

Wax pots and rollers are a cross-contamination risk; never double-dip, and use a fresh spatula each application.

Hand hygiene: soap and water wash of at least 20 seconds, or alcohol hand rub; hands must be decontaminated before and after every client.

Contraindications requiring referral or medical clearance: active infection, open lesions, recent surgery, uncontrolled diabetes, anticoagulant therapy, pregnancy (certain actives/heat), and allergies.

Patch test high-risk products (oxidative hair colour, lash adhesive, some depilatory or essential-oil products) 24-48 hours before treatment and record the result.

Salon first aid: burns cooled under cool running water for 20 minutes; allergic reaction - stop treatment, remove product, follow emergency plan and call 112 if anaphylaxis is suspected.

Waste segregation: sharps in rigid containers, contaminated dressings as clinical/hazardous waste, and chemical waste per local authority rules.

Electricity and water: RCD protection on sockets, no trailing leads near wet areas, and equipment visually checked before use.

Consultation sequence: record card and consent, medical and medication history, lifestyle (sun, smoking, sleep, hydration), current homecare, then skin and body assessment.

Medication flags: isotretinoin (fragile skin, avoid waxing and aggressive exfoliation), anticoagulants (bruising risk), photosensitisers such as tetracyclines, and topical retinoids.

Open questions gather history ('How does your skin feel by midday?'); closed questions confirm facts ('Do you use a retinol?').

Record verbatim what the client says about allergies and previous reactions, and have them sign and date the record.

Allergy versus irritation versus sensitisation: allergy is immune-mediated and repeatable; irritation is dose-dependent; sensitisation develops after repeated exposure.

Consent is informed, specific and revocable; it covers the treatment plan, products, expected outcomes, risks and alternatives.

Contraindication decision rule: if a condition is outside your scope, refer; if it is a local contraindication, treat around it; if systemic, defer.

Record keeping: GDPR-compliant storage, retained for the period set by the salon or insurer (commonly 7 years), and accessible to the client on request.

Fitzpatrick phototypes I-II burn easily and rarely tan; III-IV tan gradually; V-VI rarely burn - this guides exfoliation and laser/IPL suitability.

Glogau and Baumann classifications describe photoaging and skin type (oily/dry x sensitive/resistant x pigmented/non-pigmented) and drive product choice.

Lesion check: asymmetry, border irregularity, colour variation, diameter over 6 mm and evolving change (ABCDE) warrant referral, not treatment.

Skin type versus condition: type is genetic and stable (oily, dry, combination, normal); condition is temporary (dehydration, sensitivity, pigmentation).

Assess under consistent lighting, cleanse and allow skin to settle; palpation and a magnifying lamp reveal texture, pores and comedones.

Treatment plan structure: goals, sequence of sessions, homecare, review date and measurable outcome, documented and agreed with the client.

Homecare layering: cleanser, toner (optional), serum, moisturiser, SPF in the morning; introduce one active at a time to identify reactions.

Peel selection rule: start low (e.g. 10-20% lactic or mandelic), build strength and time gradually, and never stack incompatible acids in one session.

Chemical peel depth depends on agent, concentration, pH and time on skin; low pH and higher free acid increase penetration.

Common agents: glycolic (AHA, small molecule, deeper), lactic (AHA, hydrating), mandelic (AHA, large molecule, gentler for darker phototypes), salicylic (BHA, lipophilic, comedolytic), TCA (medium depth, medical).

Neutralise AHAs with a base (e.g. sodium bicarbonate solution) at the set time; BHA and TCA are typically self-neutralising or timed.

Post-peel care: gentle cleanser, barrier repair, broad-spectrum SPF 50 daily, no exfoliation or heat for 5-7 days.

Microdermabrasion uses aluminium oxide or diamond tips and vacuum; avoid on active acne, rosacea, thin skin or over recent peels.

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injury to stimulate collagen; contraindicated with isotretinoin, active infection, keloid history or pregnancy.

Lymphatic drainage uses light, rhythmic strokes toward nodes (cervical, subclavian, axillary) and supports oedema reduction, not deep tissue work.

Electrical facial modalities: high frequency for bacteria reduction, galvanic for product penetration, microcurrent for muscle tone; each has its own contraindications (pacemakers, metal implants, pregnancy).

Contraindication for heat and exfoliation: rosacea, couperose, active herpes, recent sun exposure or photosensitising medication.

Swedish massage strokes: effleurage (gliding, warming, toward the heart), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), friction and vibration.

Direction rule: effleurage and deep strokes follow venous and lymphatic flow toward the heart; never massage over varicose veins, thrombosis or inflamed tissue.

Absolute contraindications: DVT or thrombosis, fever, active infection, recent fracture, uncontrolled hypertension, cancer under treatment unless cleared.

Pregnancy: avoid deep abdominal work, certain acupressure points and heat; use side-lying positioning with pillows after the first trimester.

Body wraps and scrubs: exfoliate before wrap, monitor temperature, limit to 20-30 minutes, and hydrate the client afterwards.

Body composition metrics: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m) squared; healthy range 18.5-24.9; waist circumference flags central adiposity.

Cellulite describes dermal-subcutaneous fat herniation; massage and wraps give temporary appearance change, not permanent reduction.

Massage timing: allow 1-2 hours after a meal for abdominal work; avoid on clients who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

Record pressure preferences and areas to avoid on the client card to ensure continuity between therapists.

Hair growth cycle: anagen (active, best waxing response), catagen (transition), telogen (resting, shed). Waxing works best on anagen hair at least 5 mm long.

Wax type rule: strip wax (soft) for large areas and finer hair; hot film wax (hard) for sensitive areas, coarse hair and ingrown-prone skin.

Wax temperature should be tested on the therapist's inner wrist and should feel warm, not hot; overheated wax causes burns.

Direction: strip wax is applied in the direction of hair growth and removed against it, holding skin taut; hard wax is applied against and removed with the grain.

Contraindications: isotretinoin (within 6 months of stopping), anticoagulants, recent chemical peel, active infection, sunburn, moles over the treatment area.

Post-wax care: no heat, sun, swimming, tight clothing or fragranced products for 24 hours; exfoliate after 48 hours to prevent ingrown hairs.

Folliculitis and ingrown hair management: gentle exfoliation, avoiding occlusive products, and referral if infection persists.

Threading and sugaring are alternatives: sugaring paste is water-soluble, applied against the grain and removed with it, and is often gentler on sensitive skin.

Laser and IPL hair reduction targets melanin, so dark hair on light skin responds best; grey, red and very light hair respond poorly.

Emulsion basics: oil-in-water (lighter, absorbs quickly, good for daytime) versus water-in-oil (richer, more occlusive, good for barrier repair).

Humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea) draw water in; emollients (oils, esters, fatty alcohols) soften; occlusives (petrolatum, silicones) prevent water loss.

Active acid strengths: AHAs work by lowering corneocyte cohesion; BHA (salicylic) is lipid-soluble and penetrates pores.

Retinoids bind retinoic acid receptors to increase cell turnover and collagen; they cause photosensitivity, so evening use plus SPF is standard.

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitor; it is unstable and best formulated at low pH with ferulic acid or vitamin E.

Preservatives are essential in water-containing products; parabens, phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol are common, and 'preservative-free' claims usually mean self-preserving formulations.

INCI labelling lists ingredients in descending order of concentration above 1%; below 1% order is not mandated.

Fragrance and essential oils are leading contact allergens; patch testing and a short ingredient list reduce risk.

Shelf life: PAO symbol (e.g. 12M) is the period after opening; unopened products follow the manufacturer's expiry date.

Scope of practice: beauty therapists do not diagnose medical conditions; suspicious lesions, persistent changes and systemic symptoms are referred to a GP or dermatologist.

Informed consent and confidentiality are legal duties; client data must be processed lawfully under GDPR, stored securely and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

Insurance typically requires documented training, recorded consultations and adherence to manufacturer protocols; treatments outside training may void cover.

Record keeping: treatment details, products, batch numbers, timings, consent and any adverse reaction, signed and dated.

Pricing and costing: price must cover product cost, time, overhead and profit margin; calculate hourly rate from total overhead plus target income.

Professional boundaries: no treatment when the client is intoxicated, no personal relationships that compromise objectivity, and no guarantees of medical outcomes.

Continuous professional development and current first aid certification are expected; keep certificates and update when protocols change.

Advertising must be truthful and evidence-based; avoid medical claims ('cures acne') for cosmetic treatments.

Complaints procedure: acknowledge promptly, investigate, record the outcome and offer a remedy in line with consumer law.

Communication model: ask, listen, reflect back, then recommend; the client should talk more than the therapist during consultation.

Non-verbal cues: open posture, appropriate eye contact, matching tone, and privacy when discussing sensitive topics.

Retail recommendation rule: link the product to a stated client concern and the treatment just performed, and demonstrate application.

Features versus benefits: 'contains 10% niacinamide' is a feature; 'helps even out post-blemish marks' is the benefit the client buys.

Objection handling: acknowledge, clarify, then respond with evidence; never pressure or disparage a competitor's product.

Aftercare advice should be given verbally and in writing, with the review date booked before the client leaves.

Client journey: welcome, consultation, treatment, aftercare, retail, rebooking and follow-up; each stage affects retention.

Complaint response: listen without defensiveness, apologise for the experience, act, and follow up; record the outcome.

Retail targets should be met through needs-based recommendation, not upselling products the client does not need.