KY Esthetician flashcards

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

Sanitation vs. disinfection

Sanitation reduces pathogens on surfaces to a safe level; disinfection destroys most pathogens on nonporous implements. Sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores.

EPA hospital-grade disinfectant

A product registered with the EPA for hospital use; it must be mixed at the label dilution and left wet for the full contact time to be effective.

Chain of infection links

Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host. Breaking any single link prevents transmission of infection.

Universal precautions

Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious regardless of a client's appearance or stated health status; includes gloves and eye protection when splash risk exists.

Stratum basale function

The deepest epidermal layer where cell division occurs; it contains melanocytes that produce melanin and is the source of new skin cells.

Dermis components

The layer beneath the epidermis containing collagen and elastin fibers, blood vessels, lymphatics, nerve endings, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. It is the site of wrinkles.

Acid mantle

A slightly acidic film on the skin surface with pH about 4.5-5.5. It inhibits bacteria and maintains barrier lipids, so alkaline cleansers can disrupt it.

Eccrine vs. apocrine glands

Eccrine sweat glands regulate body temperature and are found over most of the body; apocrine glands are in axillae and groin and become active at puberty.

Fitzpatrick phototypes

A scale from I to VI classifying sunburn and tanning response. Higher types have more melanin and greater UV protection but still risk photodamage.

Dehydrated vs. dry skin

Dry skin lacks oil (alipidic); dehydrated skin lacks water. Dehydration can occur with oily skin, so the terms are not interchangeable.

Primary skin lesions

Lesions present at the start of a condition: macule, papule, pustule, vesicle, bulla, nodule, and wheal. Secondary lesions include scale, crust, fissure, and scar.

Combination skin

Skin with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and normal or dry cheeks. Treatment uses lighter products on the T-zone and richer products on the cheeks.

Informed consent

Documented client agreement after being told about the service, products, risks, and alternatives. It is obtained during consultation and kept in the client record.

Effleurage

A massage movement using light, gliding strokes in the direction of lymph drainage. It begins and ends most facial massage sequences.

Extraction limits

Only mature pustules and comedones should be extracted. Avoid inflamed cystic lesions and the triangle of death area around the nose and mouth.

Triangle of death

The area around the nose and mouth drained by veins connected to the cavernous sinus. Infection here can spread; avoid deep extraction in this region.

Hair growth stages

Anagen is active growth, catagen is transition, and telogen is resting. Waxing is most effective in anagen when hair is attached to the follicle.

Hard vs. soft wax

Hard wax is applied thicker and removed without a strip; soft wax requires a cloth or paper strip. Both are applied in the direction of hair growth.

Waxing contraindications

Isotretinoin use, recent chemical peel or laser, sunburn, active herpes, open lesions, varicose veins, and blood thinners (with physician clearance) are reasons to avoid waxing.

Double-dipping

Reinserting a spatula that touched skin into the wax container. It contaminates the product and is prohibited; discard wax that contacted skin.

Complementary color correction

Opposite colors on the color wheel cancel each other: green cancels redness, yellow cancels purple, and peach or orange cancels blue. Used in concealing.

Foundation shade testing

Match undertone (warm, cool, neutral) and shade at the jawline in natural light. Testing on the hand gives a poor match.

Face shape contouring

Oval, round, square, heart, diamond, and oblong shapes. Dark contour recedes features; highlight brings them forward.

Mascara sharing risk

Mascara and eye products should never be shared, and mascara should be replaced about every 3 months. Shared eye makeup can spread infection.

pH scale

A 0-14 scale where below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and above 7 is alkaline. Skin-friendly products are typically pH 4.5-5.5.

Humectant, emollient, occlusive

Humectants (glycerin) attract water; emollients (oils) soften and smooth; occlusives (petrolatum, dimethicone) reduce water loss by forming a barrier.

O/W vs. W/O emulsion

Oil-in-water emulsions are lighter and non-greasy; water-in-oil emulsions are heavier and more occlusive. The first listed phase is the outer phase.

AHAs vs. BHA

Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic) exfoliate and increase sun sensitivity; beta hydroxy acid (salicylic) is lipid-soluble and suited to oily, acne-prone skin.

Ingredient label order

Ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration. The first five ingredients usually determine the product's main function.

Kentucky scope of practice

Estheticians may perform skin care, makeup, waxing, and hair removal. They may not diagnose or treat medical conditions or perform physician-reserved procedures.

Kentucky license display

The current license must be displayed at the work station or salon, and the salon must hold a current salon license. Renewal is annual with fees.

Kentucky esthetics hours

Licensure requires completion of an approved esthetics program (typically 750 hours) and passing state written and practical exams. Verify current hours with the board.