QQI Level 5 Beauty Therapy flashcards

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

Epidermis

The outer avascular layer of skin, divided into stratum corneum, granulosum, spinosum and basale; it renews roughly every 28 days and provides the primary barrier against water loss and pathogens.

Dermis

The vascular middle layer of skin containing collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, nerves, glands and hair follicles. It provides strength, elasticity and nutrition to the epidermis above it.

Fitzpatrick phototype

A six-point classification of skin response to ultraviolet light, from type I (always burns, never tans) to type VI (rarely burns, deeply pigmented). It guides sun protection advice and treatment intensity.

Anagen phase

The active growth phase of the hair cycle, when the hair is anchored deeply in the follicle. Waxing is most effective on anagen hairs because the root is fully formed.

Acid mantle

The mildly acidic film on skin, around pH 4.5 to 5.5, formed by sebum and sweat. It limits bacterial growth and supports barrier enzymes; alkaline cleansers can disrupt it.

Combination skin

A skin type with an oily T-zone across forehead, nose and chin, and normal or dry cheeks. Products are usually selected per zone rather than for the whole face.

Dehydrated skin

A condition of low water content showing tightness, fine lines and dullness, distinct from dry skin which lacks oil. It is treated with humectants and reduced cleansing intensity.

Wood's lamp

An ultraviolet examination lamp used in skin analysis. Blue-white fluorescence suggests normal hydration, yellow-white suggests sebum, and coral-red may indicate porphyrins associated with acne bacteria.

Comedone

A non-inflammatory acne lesion formed when a follicle is blocked by sebum and keratin. Open comedones are blackheads; closed comedones are whiteheads.

Informed consent

A client's voluntary agreement to treatment after receiving clear information about purpose, method, expected outcome, risks and alternatives. It can be withdrawn at any time.

Patch test

A small application of a product such as tint or adhesive to the skin, assessed 24 to 48 hours later for redness or swelling. The result is recorded before first full use.

Contraindication

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable, such as active infection, open wounds, recent surgery or uncontrolled diabetes. It requires deferral or medical referral.

Effleurage

A smooth, gliding massage stroke following muscle and lymphatic direction. It warms tissue, aids product spread and supports drainage, and is used to begin and end a facial massage.

BHA exfoliant

Beta hydroxy acid, typically salicylic acid, which is oil soluble and penetrates pores. It suits oily and comedone-prone skin but is avoided on sensitive or broken skin.

Broad-spectrum SPF

Sun protection covering both UVA and UVB radiation, rated SPF 30 or higher for daily use. It is applied as the final step of a daytime skincare routine.

Onycholysis

Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, appearing as a white or discoloured patch. It may follow trauma, psoriasis or fungal infection and is referred rather than treated cosmetically.

Eponychium

The living tissue at the base of the nail plate, often called the cuticle. It seals the proximal nail fold against infection and should not be cut during manicure.

Paronychia

Inflammation or infection of the tissue around the nail, showing redness, swelling and pain. It is a contraindication to manicure and is referred for medical treatment.

Hot wax

A strip wax applied warm and removed with a fabric strip, used on large areas such as legs. It is applied in the direction of hair growth and removed against it.

Double dipping

Re-inserting a wax applicator into the pot after it has touched a client's skin. It transfers microorganisms and is prohibited; single-use spatulas or a fresh stick are used instead.

Post-wax aftercare

Advice given after hair removal: avoid heat, sun, chlorinated pools and perfumed products for 24 to 48 hours, and use soothing lotion to reduce irritation.

Colour correction

Neutralising unwanted skin tones with complementary make-up shades: green for redness, peach for blue-grey, lavender for sallow tones. It is applied before foundation.

Brow golden ratio

A shaping guideline placing the brow start at the inner corner of the eye, the arch above the outer iris, and the end at the outer corner of the eye.

Lash tint patch test

A small application of tint or adhesive, assessed 24 to 48 hours before treatment for allergic reaction. A positive result cancels the treatment and is recorded.

Disinfection

A process that kills most pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate surfaces and tools, but not necessarily bacterial spores. It follows cleaning and precedes reuse.

Single-use item

A tool or material used once and discarded, such as a nail file, orange stick, spatula or wax strip. It reduces cross-contamination between clients.

Safety data sheet

A document supplied with a chemical product listing hazards, handling, storage, first-aid and disposal information. It must be accessible in the salon.

Complaint handling

A structured response: listen, acknowledge, investigate, offer a remedy, record the outcome and follow up. It protects the client relationship and identifies service improvements.

Scope of practice

The treatments and tasks a therapist is trained, insured and legally permitted to perform. Working outside it creates risk and may invalidate insurance.

Humectant

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

INCI list

The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients list printed on product packaging. It declares ingredients in descending order of concentration above one percent.

Retinol

A vitamin A derivative that accelerates cell turnover and improves texture and pigmentation. It causes photosensitivity, so daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and gradual introduction are required.