Esthetician study materials
Esthetician study resources

Esthetician (South Korea National Technical Qualifications in Barbering and Beauty) flashcards

Esthetician · Build recall with a focused review session.

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

Hospital-grade disinfectant
An EPA-registered product formulated to kill specific pathogens on nonporous surfaces when used at the label's dilution and contact time; it is not a sterilant.
Handwashing duration
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under nails and between fingers, before and after each client and after removing gloves.
Single-use implement
An item used once on one client and then discarded, such as a wooden spatula, cotton swab, wax strip, lancet, or disposable mascara wand; it cannot be disinfected for reuse.
Stratum basale
The deepest epidermal layer where keratinocytes divide and melanocytes reside; it is the source of new skin cells and melanin production.
Acid mantle
A thin film on the skin surface made of sebum, sweat, and cellular debris that maintains a pH near 4.5 to 5.5 and helps limit microbial growth.
Transepidermal water loss
The passive movement of water through the epidermis into the environment; elevated TEWL indicates a compromised skin barrier and can lead to dryness and irritation.
Facial nerve
Cranial nerve VII, which provides motor control to the muscles of facial expression; injury can cause facial paralysis or asymmetry.
Trigeminal nerve
Cranial nerve V, which carries sensation from the face, scalp, and teeth; it has three branches: ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular.
Lymph nodes of head
Small immune structures that filter lymph, including the preauricular, parotid, submandibular, submental, and cervical nodes; swollen nodes may signal infection.
Wood's lamp
A UV lamp used in skin analysis; normal skin appears blue-white, sun damage yellow-brown, and some bacterial or fungal conditions show characteristic fluorescence.
Fitzpatrick scale
A six-point classification of skin phototypes based on burning and tanning response to UV exposure; it guides treatment intensity and sun-protection counseling.
Informed consent
A client's voluntary agreement to a service after receiving clear information about benefits, risks, alternatives, expected costs, and the right to refuse or stop treatment.
Effleurage
A gliding massage stroke performed with light to moderate pressure, usually directed upward and outward on the face; it begins and ends most facial massage sequences.
Extraction contraindication
Do not extract inflamed cystic acne, pustules with surrounding cellulitis, moles, or undiagnosed lesions; these require medical referral rather than esthetic squeezing.
Facial steam distance
Hold the steamer so the nozzle is about 12 to 18 inches from the client's face and limit exposure to roughly 5 to 10 minutes to avoid burns and dehydration.
Anagen phase
The active growth phase of the hair follicle, when hair is attached to the dermis and waxing is most effective; it lasts from months to years depending on body site.
Waxing contraindication
Avoid waxing over isotretinoin use, recent retinoid or acid peels, sunburn, open lesions, varicose veins, and compromised skin; refer clients with medical risk to a physician.
Epilation versus depilation
Epilation removes hair from the root, as with waxing, tweezing, or electrolysis; depilation removes hair only at the skin surface, as with shaving or chemical depilatories.
Foundation shade matching
Test foundation on the jawline in natural light, comparing it to both the face and neck; the correct shade blends without a visible line or undertone mismatch.
Color correction green
Green concealer or corrector neutralizes redness such as acne, rosacea, or broken capillaries; use a thin layer and follow with foundation to avoid an ashy look.
Lash extension isolation
Separate one natural lash with tweezers before attaching an extension so the adhesive does not bond multiple lashes together, which can cause traction and damage.
Brow mapping points
Establish three brow landmarks: the start at the inner corner, the arch above the outer iris, and the tail at the outer corner; adjust for client features and symmetry.
AHA chemical peel
A water-soluble exfoliant such as glycolic or lactic acid that loosens corneocyte bonds; strength depends on concentration, pH, and time, and neutralization may be required.
BHA salicylic acid
An oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores and helps reduce comedones; avoid in clients with aspirin allergy and use caution during pregnancy or with compromised skin.
Peel neutralization
The process of stopping acid activity at the planned time with a neutralizing solution or water, depending on the product; leaving acid too long increases burning and pigmentation risk.
High-frequency modality
An alternating electrical current that produces ozone and is used for antibacterial and drying effects; avoid with pacemakers, pregnancy, metal implants, or photosensitivity unless cleared.
LED blue light
A noninvasive light modality around 405 to 420 nanometers used to target acne bacteria; eye protection is required and results depend on consistent, correctly timed sessions.
Microdermabrasion contraindication
Avoid mechanical exfoliation on active acne, rosacea, thin or compromised skin, recent chemical peels, and uncontrolled diabetes; it can worsen inflammation and cause injury.
Scope of practice
The legal boundaries of an esthetician's services, which exclude medical diagnosis, prescription, and invasive procedures; clients with suspicious conditions must be referred.
Client record retention
Keep accurate treatment notes, consent forms, and product records for the period required by state law or employer policy; documentation supports continuity and legal defense.
Break-even point
The number of services or revenue needed to cover fixed and variable costs before profit begins; calculate by dividing fixed costs by the contribution margin per service.
Before-and-after consent
Obtain written permission before photographing or posting client images; specify where images will appear, how long they will be used, and the client's right to withdraw consent.