LA Esthetician flashcards

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

Chain of infection

Six links: pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host. Breaking any single link stops transmission, which is why handwashing and disinfection work.

Disinfection

Use of an EPA-registered hospital-grade product to destroy most pathogenic organisms on hard, nonporous implements. Follow label dilution and contact time; it does not kill spores.

Sterilization

Destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually by autoclave at about 121 degrees Celsius and 15 psi for 15 to 20 minutes.

Single-use porous items

Cotton, gauze, sponges, wooden sticks, and paper towels cannot be adequately disinfected, so they are discarded after one client and never reused.

Standard precautions

Treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. Wear gloves, mask, and eye protection when splash is likely, and change gloves between clients.

Stratum basale

Deepest epidermal layer where keratinocytes divide and melanocytes reside. Cells migrate upward as they mature, eventually shedding from the stratum corneum.

Stratum corneum

Outermost epidermal layer of flattened, keratin-filled dead cells that forms the main barrier against water loss, chemicals, and microbes.

Melanocytes

Cells in the stratum basale that produce melanin in melanosomes and transfer it to keratinocytes, determining skin and hair color and UV protection.

Acid mantle

Sebum mixed with sweat creates a surface film with pH around 4.5 to 5.5, inhibiting bacteria and supporting barrier function.

Dermis layers

Papillary dermis is thin, loose connective tissue with capillaries and nerve endings; reticular dermis is thick, dense collagen and elastin holding follicles and glands.

Skin type versus condition

Type is the inherited baseline (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive). Condition is a changeable state such as dehydration, acne, or hyperpigmentation.

Fitzpatrick scale

Six-category scale of skin response to UV, from type I (always burns) to type VI (never burns). Higher types carry greater post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk.

Open versus closed comedones

Open comedones are blackheads with oxidized sebum at the pore surface; closed comedones are whiteheads sealed under the skin. Both are noninflamed.

Contraindication

A condition that makes a service unsafe, such as open lesions, active infection, sunburn, recent laser or peel, or isotretinoin use. Refer rather than treat.

Dehydrated skin

Skin lacking water, showing tightness and fine lines. It differs from dry skin, which lacks oil, and oily skin can also be dehydrated.

Facial treatment sequence

Consultation and analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, massage, extraction if indicated, mask, moisturizer with SPF, and home-care recommendations.

Effleurage

A gliding massage stroke applied with light, even pressure, used to begin and end massage and to move toward lymph drainage pathways.

Extraction rule

Soften skin with warm compresses, extract only visible comedones with wrapped fingers or a disinfected extractor, and never squeeze inflamed papules or pustules.

Mask selection

Clay or charcoal for oily, congested skin; hydrating gel or sheet masks for dehydration; cream masks for dry or mature skin. Remove before fully dry.

Hair growth cycle

Anagen is active growth and the most sensitive phase for waxing and laser; catagen is transition; telogen is resting and shedding.

Waxing hair length

Hair should be about one quarter inch (roughly 6 mm) long for wax to grip it. Trim longer hair first and reschedule if hair is too short.

Waxing contraindications

Isotretinoin use, recent peels or laser, sunburn, active infection, open lesions, and varicose veins over the area. Diabetes with poor circulation needs physician clearance.

Post-wax care

Soothe the area, avoid heat, sun, friction, and tight clothing for 24 hours, and skip retinoids and exfoliants for 24 to 48 hours.

Color correction

Green neutralizes redness, peach or orange corrects blue-purple circles, yellow corrects purple, and lavender brightens sallow tones.

Makeup sanitation

Never double-dip applicators, remove product with a spatula to a palette, sharpen pencils between clients, and wash then disinfect brushes.

Lash tinting patch test

Apply a small amount of tint product 24 to 48 hours before service to check for allergic reaction. Never use hair dye on lashes.

Brow mapping points

Start at the inner corner aligned with the nose side, arch at the outer iris edge, and end at the outer eye corner.

pH scale

Scale from 0 to 14: below 7 acidic, 7 neutral, above 7 alkaline. Skin-friendly products sit near 4.5 to 5.5.

Alpha hydroxy acids

Water-soluble acids such as glycolic and lactic that exfoliate the stratum corneum by loosening dead cell bonds. They increase sun sensitivity.

Retinoid precautions

Retinoids increase cell turnover and collagen but cause photosensitivity. Avoid with waxing and peels; retinoid drugs are contraindicated in pregnancy.

Emulsion

A blend of water and oil held together by an emulsifier. Oil-in-water is lighter; water-in-oil is richer and more occlusive.

Louisiana licensing rule

Estheticians must hold a current Board license, practice only in a licensed salon, and display licenses. Unlicensed practice is grounds for discipline.