ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Treatments flashcards

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

Autoclave sterilisation parameters

Moist heat sterilisation at 121°C and 15 psi for 15 minutes, or 134°C for 3 minutes; items must be cleaned first and cycles logged to prove effectiveness.

Disinfection versus sterilisation

Disinfection reduces most pathogens on surfaces but not spores; sterilisation destroys all micro-organisms including spores and is required for reusable tools that breach skin.

Blood spillage chlorine strength

Blood and body-fluid spills require cleaning with detergent then disinfection with chlorine-releasing product at 10,000 ppm available chlorine, using gloves and disposable materials.

Sharps container fill limit

Sharps containers must be UN-approved, assembled correctly, never overfilled beyond three-quarters, sealed when full and collected under a duty-of-care waste transfer note.

Informed consent requirements

Consent must be informed, specific, freely given, recorded and signed before treatment; it can be withdrawn at any time and must be re-obtained for new products.

Isotretinoin waxing contraindication

Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) thins and sensitises skin; waxing, peels and dermabrasion must be avoided during treatment and for six months after stopping.

ABCDE melanoma referral rule

Refer any lesion with Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter over 6 mm or Evolution; do not treat and advise urgent GP review.

Patch test timing

Apply a small amount of tint, adhesive or perming product to the inner elbow or behind the ear 24–48 hours before treatment; record the date and result.

Hair growth cycle phases

Anagen is active growth lasting 2–7 years; catagen is a 2–3 week regression; telogen is a 3-month rest before shedding; most scalp hair is in anagen.

Lymphatic drainage direction

Lymph moves toward cervical, axillary and inguinal nodes via muscle contraction and breathing; massage strokes follow these routes toward the heart, never against them.

Fingernail growth rate

Fingernails grow about 0.1 mm per day and toenails about 0.05 mm per day; the matrix produces the plate and the lunula is the visible matrix.

Facial muscles for massage

Frontalis, temporalis, masseter, orbicularis oculi, orbicularis oris, zygomaticus, buccinator, mentalis and platysma are the main muscles worked in facial massage.

UK GDPR data principles

Client records must be processed lawfully, fairly and transparently, minimised, accurate, kept no longer than necessary, secure and accountable under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Professional indemnity insurance

Cover protects against claims of negligence or injury from treatment; it must be current, match the services offered and be accepted by the therapist's professional body.

Scope of practice referral

Working outside training or insurance is misconduct; refer clients with medical conditions, undiagnosed lesions or complications to a GP, dermatologist or podiatrist.

Skin type classification

Normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive describe oil and water balance; conditions such as acne, rosacea and dehydration are separate and can occur in any type.

AHA versus BHA exfoliants

AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid work at the skin surface and need sun protection; oil-soluble BHA (salicylic acid) penetrates pores and suits oily, acne-prone skin.

Humectant, emollient, occlusive

Humectants attract water (glycerin, hyaluronic acid); emollients soften and smooth (fatty acids, squalane); occlusives prevent water loss (petrolatum, dimethicone, lanolin).

Steam contraindications in facial

Steam is contraindicated in rosacea, asthma, pregnancy, high blood pressure and sensitive or sensitised skin; keep the distance safe and limit exposure time.

Massage movement sequence

Effleurage warms and glides, petrissage kneads deeper tissue, tapotement percusses, friction applies circular pressure and vibration stimulates; all strokes follow venous and lymphatic flow.

Electrical equipment contraindications

Pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, pregnancy, epilepsy, thrombosis, active cancer and metal implants near the treatment area contraindicate most electrical body and facial equipment.

Galvanic current effects

Direct current drives desincrustation (alkaline, saponifying) at the cathode and iontophoresis (product penetration) at the anode; the client holds the inactive electrode.

Wax temperature and testing

Warm wax is applied at 37–40°C and hot wax at 55–65°C; test on the inner wrist or back of the hand and never re-dip a used spatula into the pot.

Depilatory cream mechanism

Thioglycolate depilatories break disulphide bonds in keratin so hair dissolves at skin level; patch test first and avoid broken skin, the face and retinoid users.

Waxing hair direction rule

Apply wax in the direction of hair growth, hold skin taut and remove against the growth; support the skin and apply pressure immediately after removal.

Nail matrix and lunula

The matrix produces the nail plate; the lunula is the visible portion of the matrix at the proximal end, and damage here causes permanent nail deformity.

Acrylate overexposure risk

Repeated skin contact with uncured acrylate monomer or gel causes allergic contact dermatitis; use gloves, correct mix ratios and avoid skin contact.

Nail service contraindications

Paronychia, onychomycosis, psoriasis, severe nail separation and undiagnosed discolouration require referral to a GP or podiatrist before any nail enhancement.

Lash tint development time

Lash tint develops for about 5–10 minutes and brow tint for 10–15 minutes; never exceed manufacturer times and remove thoroughly with damp pads.

Cyanoacrylate lash adhesive

Lash extension adhesive contains cyanoacrylate, a known sensitiser; patch test, keep eyes closed, protect the lower lid and avoid water and steam for 24–48 hours.

Cosmetic camouflage principles

High-pigment, water-resistant products conceal scars, vitiligo and redness; colour-correct first, match to jawline in natural light, set with powder and fix with setting spray.

Skin surface pH and acid mantle

Skin surface pH is about 4.5–5.5; alkaline soaps disrupt the acid mantle, while AHAs work at pH 3–4 and need daily SPF because of photosensitivity.