QQI Level 6 Beauty & Body key terms

The outermost layer of the epidermis, made of flattened, keratin-rich cells that form the skin's main barrier against water loss, irritants and microbes. Cosmetic products and peels act on this layer first.

The avascular outer layer of skin that constantly renews itself, producing keratinocytes that harden and eventually shed. It contains no blood vessels, so it receives nutrients by diffusion from the dermis below.

The thick middle layer of skin containing collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerves, glands and hair follicles. It gives skin strength and elasticity and supplies the epidermis with nutrients and oxygen.

The deepest skin layer, composed mainly of fat and connective tissue. It insulates the body, cushions organs and anchors the skin to underlying muscle and bone.

The main cell type of the epidermis, produced in the basal layer and pushed upward as it matures. It eventually forms the tough, water-resistant keratin of the stratum corneum before shedding.

The process by which living epidermal cells fill with keratin, lose their nuclei and flatten as they move toward the skin surface. It normally takes around 28 days and creates the protective outer barrier.

The natural shedding of dead cells from the skin surface. Enzymes break the bonds holding corneocytes together so they flake away gradually, keeping the barrier smooth and functional.

A cell in the basal epidermis that produces melanin pigment and transfers it to surrounding keratinocytes. Melanin gives skin its colour and helps protect DNA from ultraviolet radiation damage.

A gland usually attached to a hair follicle that secretes sebum onto the skin surface. Sebum lubricates skin and hair, and overactivity contributes to oily skin and acne.

An oily substance produced by sebaceous glands that coats the skin and helps retain moisture. Excess sebum, combined with dead cells, can block follicles and lead to comedones and acne.

The slightly acidic film on the skin surface formed by sebum, sweat and skin-cell products, typically around pH 4.5 to 5.5. It supports beneficial flora and limits growth of harmful microorganisms.

The amount of water that evaporates through the skin from within. High values indicate a compromised barrier, and many moisturising and barrier-repair products aim to reduce it.

The skin's ability to keep water in and irritants, allergens and microbes out, mainly through the stratum corneum and its lipid matrix. It is weakened by over-cleansing, harsh peels and some skin conditions.

A structural protein in the dermis that gives skin strength and support. Production declines with age and sun exposure, contributing to fine lines, sagging and loss of firmness.

A flexible protein in the dermis that allows skin to stretch and spring back. Damage from ultraviolet light and ageing reduces elasticity, leading to laxity and wrinkles.

A cell in the dermis that manufactures collagen, elastin and other structural components of the extracellular matrix. Its activity slows with age and is affected by UV damage and lifestyle factors.

A network of vessels and nodes that drains excess tissue fluid, transports fats and supports immune defence. Manual lymphatic drainage and massage techniques can encourage this flow and reduce puffiness.

A condition, medication or circumstance that makes a treatment inadvisable, either completely or in a modified form. Identifying contraindications during consultation protects client safety and limits professional liability.

A restriction that applies only to a specific area of the body rather than the whole client. Examples include a verruca, open cut or recent sunburn on the treatment site.

A small application of a product, such as tint or wax, on a discreet area to check for an allergic reaction before full treatment. Results are usually read after 24 to 48 hours.

The transfer of microorganisms from one person or object to another, often via hands, tools or contaminated surfaces. Standard hygiene routines and disinfection aim to prevent this in the salon.

The use of chemical agents to reduce the number of viable microorganisms on tools and surfaces to a safe level. It does not necessarily destroy bacterial spores and differs from sterilisation.

Routine infection-control measures applied to every client regardless of known health status. They include hand hygiene, gloves, safe waste disposal and cleaning of equipment between clients.

Items worn by the therapist to reduce exposure to hazards, such as gloves, aprons, masks and eye protection. Correct selection and use are part of health and safety duties in the salon.

A document supplied with a chemical product that details its hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures and storage requirements. Therapists should consult it before using unfamiliar professional products.

A structured conversation before treatment that gathers health, lifestyle and skin information, identifies contraindications and agrees realistic outcomes. It forms the basis of informed consent and a safe treatment plan.

The client's voluntary agreement to treatment after receiving clear information about its nature, benefits, risks and alternatives. It should be documented and can be withdrawn at any time.

Systematic assessment of the client's skin under suitable lighting to identify skin type, condition and specific concerns. Findings guide product selection, treatment choice and realistic goal setting.

A classification of skin based on oil production and hydration, such as dry, oily, combination or normal. Type is generally stable, whereas skin conditions may change over time.

A temporary or ongoing state affecting the skin, such as dehydration, sensitivity, acne or pigmentation. Unlike skin type, conditions can change and often respond to targeted treatment.

A documented schedule of agreed treatments, products and home-care recommendations tailored to the client's needs and goals. It should include review points and be updated as the client's skin changes.

A confidential written or digital record of consultation findings, treatments performed, products used and aftercare advice. Accurate records support continuity of care and provide evidence if a dispute arises.

The legal and ethical duty to collect, store and use personal information fairly and securely. Salon records should be kept confidential, accessible only to authorised staff and retained only as long as necessary.

A gentle rhythmic massage technique that follows the direction of lymphatic flow to reduce fluid retention and puffiness. It uses light pressure and is often combined with body or facial treatments.

A smooth, gliding massage stroke used to apply product, warm tissue and begin or end a sequence. Pressure can be light for relaxation or firmer to assist venous and lymphatic return.

A group of massage manipulations that knead, squeeze and lift soft tissue to release tension and improve circulation. It is applied to muscle areas and should be adjusted to client comfort.

A structured sequence of manual techniques applied to the soft tissues of the body for relaxation, circulation and relief of muscular tension. It requires knowledge of anatomy, contraindications and appropriate pressure.

The recurring phases of anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (rest) that hair follicles pass through. Hair removal is most effective during anagen, when the hair is actively growing.

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, when the hair shaft is produced and the follicle is deepest. Waxing during this phase is most likely to remove the hair with its root intact.

A small sac in the dermis from which a hair grows, containing the root and often a sebaceous gland. Understanding its structure and growth cycle helps therapists choose safe, effective hair removal methods.

A temporary hair removal method in which warm or hot wax adheres to hair and is removed against the direction of growth. It removes hair from the root and requires careful skin assessment and hygiene.

A blocked hair follicle filled with sebum and dead skin cells, appearing as an open blackhead or closed whitehead. Comedogenic products and poor cleansing can encourage their formation.

Describes an ingredient or product with a tendency to block pores and contribute to comedone formation. Clients prone to acne are usually advised to choose non-comedogenic formulations.

An ingredient that attracts and holds water in the skin, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Humectants improve hydration but are usually combined with emollients and occlusives to prevent water loss.

An ingredient that softens and smooths the skin by filling gaps between skin cells and improving flexibility. Emollients are common in moisturisers and help reduce roughness and flaking.

A substance that forms a physical film on the skin surface to slow water evaporation. Examples include petroleum jelly and some silicones, which support barrier repair in very dry skin.

An agent that softens and helps break down keratin, encouraging the shedding of dead surface cells. Examples include salicylic acid and urea, used in peels and products for rough or congested skin.

A controlled application of an acid or exfoliating agent to remove outer skin layers and stimulate renewal. Strength, skin type, contraindications and aftercare must be carefully assessed before use.

The removal of dead cells from the skin surface by mechanical or chemical means. Regular gentle exfoliation can improve texture and product absorption, but overuse damages the barrier.

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

A delayed skin reaction to an allergen, causing redness, itching and sometimes swelling where contact occurred. It can develop after repeated exposure to ingredients such as fragrance or hair dye.

Skin inflammation caused by direct damage from a substance or repeated wet work, rather than an immune reaction. It is common on therapists' hands and is prevented by gloves and barrier creams.

The limits that define an appropriate therapeutic relationship between therapist and client. They cover confidentiality, physical contact, personal disclosure and avoiding dual relationships or inappropriate gifts.

The overall experience and support provided before, during and after treatment, including comfort, privacy, communication and aftercare. Good client care builds trust, loyalty and positive word of mouth.

Specific guidance given after treatment about skin care, activities to avoid and warning signs to report. Clear aftercare supports results, reduces complications and protects both client and therapist.

Advising a client on home-care products suited to their assessed needs, with clear reasons and realistic expectations. It should be honest and needs-led rather than driven by sales targets.

Fully concentrating on what a client says, noting both words and non-verbal cues, then reflecting back to confirm understanding. It improves consultation accuracy and helps clients feel respected.

A question that invites a descriptive answer rather than a simple yes or no, often beginning with how or what. It encourages clients to share concerns and gives the therapist richer information.

A scale from 0 to 14 measuring acidity or alkalinity, where 7 is neutral. Skin, hair and cosmetic products have characteristic pH values that affect comfort, barrier function and product performance.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on equipment. It is used for items that may contact broken skin and is stronger than disinfection.