IN Esthetician flashcards

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

Sterilization versus disinfection

Sterilization destroys all microbial life including bacterial spores, while disinfection destroys most pathogens on nonporous surfaces but not spores. Esthetic implements normally require hospital-grade disinfection, not sterilization.

Single-use porous implements

Porous items such as nail files, buffers, sponges, cotton, and wooden sticks cannot be reliably disinfected because liquids cannot fully penetrate them. They must be discarded after one client.

Hand washing requirement

Wash hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds before and after every client. Alcohol sanitizer does not replace hand washing when hands are visibly soiled.

Safety Data Sheet requirement

A Safety Data Sheet must be kept on file for every chemical product in the salon and be accessible to workers. It lists hazards, first aid, handling, and disposal information.

Sharps container use

Lancets, needles, and broken blades go immediately into a rigid, closable, puncture-resistant sharps container. The container is never overfilled and is disposed of according to state rules.

Stratum corneum function

The outermost epidermal layer consists of flattened, keratinized dead cells that form the primary barrier against water loss, chemicals, and microbes. Its thickness and lipid content determine permeability.

Melanocyte role

Melanocytes in the basal layer produce melanin using the enzyme tyrosinase. Melanin absorbs ultraviolet radiation and determines skin and hair color, protecting DNA from damage.

Dermis structural proteins

Collagen provides tensile strength, elastin provides elasticity, and glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid bind water. Fibroblasts produce collagen and elastin throughout the dermis.

Skin barrier acid mantle

The acid mantle is a film of sebum and sweat with pH around 4.5 to 5.5. It inhibits microbial growth and supports barrier lipids that limit water loss.

Epidermal turnover time

Keratinocytes divide in the basal layer and migrate upward, converting to keratin. The full journey to shedding takes about 28 days in young adults and slows with age.

Fitzpatrick phototype scale

The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin types I through VI by response to ultraviolet exposure. Type I always burns and never tans; type VI rarely burns and tans deeply.

Comedones versus inflammatory lesions

Open and closed comedones are noninflammatory blockages of the follicle. Papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are inflammatory and should not be extracted during a facial.

ABCDE skin cancer warning

ABCDE stands for Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6 millimeters, and Evolving change. A suspect lesion is referred to a physician, never treated.

Rosacea triggers

Rosacea causes flushing, erythema, and telangiectasia. Heat, steam, alcohol, spicy food, sun, and aggressive exfoliation worsen it, so treatments should be cooling and gentle.

Contagious skin conditions

Tinea, impetigo, herpes simplex, and warts are contagious and are contraindications to service. The esthetician refers the client to a physician rather than treating the condition.

Standard facial sequence

A facial proceeds through consultation, cleansing, exfoliation, steam or desincrustation, extraction, massage, mask, toner, moisturizer, and sun protection, with each step adjusted to skin type.

Massage movement categories

Effleurage is gliding, petrissage is kneading, tapotement is percussion, and friction and vibration are oscillating movements. Each has specific effects on circulation and muscle relaxation.

Galvanic current uses

Galvanic current drives desincrustation, which softens sebum for extraction, and iontophoresis, which pushes water-soluble products into the skin. It is contraindicated with pacemakers and metal implants.

AHA versus BHA

Alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic and lactic acid are water soluble and act on the surface. Beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, is lipid soluble and penetrates follicles, suiting oily skin.

Hair growth stages

Anagen is active growth, catagen is transition, and telogen is resting. Waxing is most effective during anagen because the hair is firmly anchored with an intact bulb.

Waxing contraindications

Avoid waxing with isotretinoin use, recent chemical peel, laser or dermabrasion, sunburn, active infection, and blood thinners. Retinoids on the area also thin skin and raise injury risk.

Hard wax versus soft wax

Hard wax is applied thick and removed without strips, adhering to hair rather than skin. Soft wax is applied thin with strips and removed against the direction of hair growth.

No double-dipping rule

A used spatula or strip is never returned to the wax pot. Each application uses a fresh tool, and used wax is discarded to prevent cross-contamination between clients.

Color correction principles

Corrective makeup uses opposite colors on the color wheel: green neutralizes redness, peach or orange hides blue circles, lavender corrects sallow tones, and yellow corrects purple bruising.

Lash extension isolation

Each natural lash must be isolated before one extension is attached, and adhesive must not touch the skin. Poor isolation causes clumping, traction, and damage to the natural lash.

Eyebrow golden ratio

The brow begins above the inner eye corner, arches above the outer iris edge, and ends at the outer eye corner. These landmarks guide shaping for balanced proportions.

Makeup sanitation practices

Use disposable applicators or sanitized brushes, never double-dip into cream products, and never share mascara or liquid products. Brushes are washed and disinfected between clients.

Surfactant structure

A surfactant molecule has a hydrophilic head that bonds with water and a lipophilic tail that bonds with oil. This dual nature lets cleansers lift and rinse away sebum and debris.

Humectant, emollient, occlusive

Humectants such as glycerin attract water, emollients soften and fill gaps between cells, and occlusives such as petrolatum reduce water loss by forming a surface film.

Vitamin C instability

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, but it degrades with light, heat, and oxygen. It requires acidic pH and opaque, air-restrictive packaging to remain effective.

Indiana esthetician license renewal

Indiana esthetician licenses renew every two years, and continuing education requirements apply. A lapsed license must be reinstated through the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

Scope of practice limits

An Indiana esthetician may perform skin care, makeup, waxing, and lash and brow services. Diagnosing or treating disease, prescribing medication, and medical procedures are outside the license.