KS Esthetician key terms

The use of a chemical product registered as a hospital disinfectant to kill most harmful microorganisms on hard, nonporous implements after they have been cleaned. It does not reliably destroy bacterial spores.

A process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on an implement. In esthetics it applies to items such as metal extractors and tweezers, typically using an autoclave or approved chemical sterilant.

The routine cleaning and lowering of microorganism counts on surfaces, linens, and tools using soap, detergent, or a low-level product. It is the minimum standard applied to floors, counters, and laundry.

An OSHA rule requiring employers to protect workers from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials through training, hepatitis B vaccination offers, personal protective equipment, and safe handling of contaminated sharps.

Barriers such as gloves, eye protection, and aprons worn to prevent contact with blood, body fluids, and chemicals. Gloves must be changed between clients and whenever torn or contaminated.

A document supplied with a chemical product that lists its hazards, safe handling, storage, first-aid measures, and spill response. Estheticians must keep these sheets accessible for every product in the salon.

A product or tool intended for one client only, such as wooden applicators, cotton swabs, wax strips, and disposable spatulas. It must be discarded after use and never disinfected and reused.

A material that absorbs liquids and cannot be safely disinfected, such as towels, sponges, and buffing cloths. Porous items must be single-use or laundered appropriately between clients.

The outermost, avascular layer of the skin, composed of keratinocytes that migrate outward and eventually shed. It provides the primary barrier against water loss, microbes, and irritants.

The vascular middle layer of skin containing collagen, elastin, hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands, and nerve endings. It supplies nutrients to the epidermis and gives skin strength and elasticity.

The outermost sublayer of the epidermis, made of flattened, keratin-filled cells embedded in a lipid matrix. Its integrity determines barrier function, hydration, and how products penetrate.

A cell in the basal layer of the epidermis that produces melanin pigment and transfers it to surrounding keratinocytes. Melanocyte activity determines skin color and how skin responds to ultraviolet exposure.

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

The principal cell of the dermis, responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans. Its activity declines with age and sun exposure, contributing to laxity and thinning skin.

The movement of water from inside the body through the epidermis to the environment. Elevated water loss signals a compromised barrier and is associated with dryness, sensitivity, and irritation.

A classification of a client's baseline skin behavior, usually described as normal, dry, oily, or combination. Type is largely genetic and guides product texture and cleansing choices.

A temporary or treatable state of the skin, such as dehydration, sensitivity, or acne, that can change over time and may be influenced by products, environment, or habits. Conditions are assessed separately from type.

A plugged hair follicle formed when keratin and sebum block the pore. An open comedone is a blackhead; a closed comedone is a whitehead beneath the skin surface.

Darkened skin that develops after inflammation or injury, such as an inflamed acne lesion or aggressive extraction. It is more common in darker skin tones and is worsened by sun exposure.

The protective function of the outer skin that keeps water in and irritants, allergens, and microbes out. It depends on intact corneocytes and lipids and is weakened by over-exfoliation or harsh cleansers.

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment inadvisable or unsafe for a client, such as active infection, recent isotretinoin use, or a sunburn. Identifying these protects the client and the esthetician.

A client's voluntary agreement to a service after being told its benefits, risks, alternatives, and aftercare. It should be documented in the client record before the service begins.

A confidential file holding intake information, skin observations, products used, services performed, consent, and any reactions. Entries should be dated, factual, and retained according to state requirements.

A small application of a product, such as tint or adhesive, to a discreet area to check for an allergic reaction before a full service. Results are observed for the manufacturer's recommended time.

The manual removal of comedones or milia using gentle pressure with gloved fingers or a disinfected metal extractor. It is performed only on suitable lesions after softening the skin and is avoided on inflamed acne.

The removal of dead cells from the skin surface by mechanical scrubbing or chemical agents such as alpha hydroxy acids. Overuse damages the barrier and increases sensitivity and pigmentation risk.

A series of light, rhythmic massage strokes that follow lymph flow toward drainage nodes to reduce puffiness and support circulation. It uses gentle pressure rather than deep kneading.

A gliding massage stroke applied with light to medium pressure, used to begin and end a facial massage and to spread product. It follows the direction of muscle and lymph flow.

A sequence of manual strokes on the face, neck, and décolleté intended to relax muscles, improve circulation, and aid product absorption. Pressure and direction are adjusted to the client's skin condition.

A controlled application of an acid solution that removes a defined depth of skin to improve texture, pigmentation, or acne. Strength, client selection, and neutralization must follow the manufacturer's instructions.

A wax formulated to be applied in a thick strip and removed without a cloth backing. It grips shorter hair and is often used on sensitive areas such as the face and bikini line.

A thin, resin-based wax applied with a spatula and removed using a cloth strip pressed over it. It is suited to larger areas such as legs and arms and requires careful temperature control.

Reinserting a used spatula or applicator into a wax pot after it has touched a client's skin. The practice can transfer bloodborne pathogens and is prohibited; a new applicator is used each time.

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, during which the hair is most firmly attached and best targeted by waxing or laser treatment. Hair grows continuously during this phase.

Hair removal using a paste of sugar, water, and lemon applied against the hair growth and removed in the direction of growth. It is water-soluble, applied at room temperature, and often gentler on skin.

A blend of water and oil held together by an emulsifier so the two do not separate. Most lotions and creams are emulsions, and their texture depends on the ratio of the phases.

An ingredient that attracts and holds water in the skin, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. It supports hydration but needs a sealant in dry conditions to prevent moisture loss.

An ingredient that softens and smooths the skin by filling gaps between surface cells and slowing water loss. Examples include plant oils, fatty alcohols, and silicones.

The services and procedures an esthetician is legally permitted to perform under state law and license. Working outside it, such as diagnosing disease, may result in discipline or liability.

The state regulatory body that licenses estheticians and salons, sets sanitation and safety rules, and investigates complaints. Licensees must follow its statutes and administrative regulations.