LA Esthetician key terms

The use of a chemical agent approved by the EPA to destroy most pathogenic microorganisms on hard, nonporous surfaces and implements, excluding bacterial spores.

A process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually through steam under pressure in an autoclave; required for items that contact broken skin or blood.

The lowest level of decontamination, involving washing with soap and water or detergent to physically remove dirt, debris, and many microorganisms from surfaces and linens.

A hospital-grade product carrying an Environmental Protection Agency registration number and label claims for killing specific pathogens; the label dictates dilution, contact time, and safe handling.

The number of minutes an implement or surface must stay visibly wet with disinfectant for the product to work as labeled; short-cutting it leaves pathogens alive.

A disease-causing microorganism transmitted through blood or body fluids, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV; exposure requires immediate washing and reporting under workplace rules.

The practice of treating all blood, body fluids, and non-intact skin as potentially infectious, using gloves and other barriers regardless of a client's known health status.

A manufacturer document, now commonly called an SDS, listing a product's hazardous ingredients, safe handling, first-aid measures, and storage requirements; it must be accessible in the workplace.

The outermost, avascular layer of skin, composed of five sublayers in thick skin; its basal layer produces new cells that migrate upward and eventually shed as dead keratinized cells.

The outermost sublayer of the epidermis, made of flattened, keratin-filled dead cells that form the skin's primary barrier against water loss and environmental injury.

The dominant cell type of the epidermis; it produces keratin, the tough fibrous protein that gives skin, hair, and nails their protective, water-resistant quality.

A pigment-producing cell located in the basal layer of the epidermis that manufactures melanin and transfers it to surrounding keratinocytes, determining skin and hair color.

The middle skin layer beneath the epidermis, containing collagen and elastin fibers, blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles; it supplies nutrients to the epidermis above.

The principal cell of the dermis, responsible for synthesizing collagen and elastin; its activity declines with age, contributing to laxity and wrinkle formation.

The most abundant structural protein in skin, forming strong protein fibers in the dermis that give skin firmness and support; it is damaged by ultraviolet exposure and aging.

The deepest skin layer, composed mainly of adipose tissue and connective tissue; it cushions underlying structures, insulates the body, and stores energy.

An oil-producing gland usually attached to a hair follicle that secretes sebum, lubricating skin and hair; overactivity contributes to oily skin and acne.

The passive movement of water vapor out through the epidermis; elevated values indicate a compromised barrier and point toward barrier-repair ingredients and gentler treatment choices.

A six-category scale classifying skin by its response to ultraviolet exposure, based on burning and tanning tendencies; it guides treatment intensity and sun-protection counseling.

Darkened skin left after inflammation or injury, such as acne or aggressive extractions; darker skin types are more prone, so treatments must be conservative and sun protection reinforced.

A clogged pore formed when sebum and dead cells block a follicle; an open comedone is a blackhead and a closed comedone is a whitehead.

An inflammatory condition of the sebaceous follicles involving excess sebum, plugged pores, and bacterial activity; estheticians manage non-inflamed cases and refer severe or cystic lesions.

A condition, medication, or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable, such as active infection, recent isotretinoin use, or irritated skin; it must be identified before service.

The structured intake conversation and skin assessment before a service that documents health history, medications, allergies, and goals, and supports informed consent and treatment planning.

A small controlled application of a product, usually on the inner forearm or behind the ear, observed for a reaction before full use; required or prudent for tints and dyes.

Manual removal of comedones using fingers wrapped in tissue or a comedone extractor after softening the skin; it is limited to non-inflamed lesions and avoided on inflamed acne.

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, when the follicle produces a new hair shaft; hair removal methods are most effective against hairs in this phase.

The resting stage of the hair cycle, when growth stops and the hair is eventually shed; follicles in this phase are less responsive to light-based hair reduction.

A temporary hair removal method that applies warm or hard wax to the skin and removes hairs by the root against the direction of growth; it requires clean technique and pre-service screening.

A hair removal technique using twisted cotton thread rolled over the skin to catch and lift hairs at the follicle, commonly used for shaping brows and removing facial hair.

The study of how hues relate and neutralize one another, applied in makeup and skin correction to counter redness, sallowness, or dark circles with complementary shades.

Selecting a base product whose undertone and depth blend with the client's natural skin along the jawline in natural light, avoiding a visible line of demarcation.

A small skin application of eyebrow or lash tint performed and observed before the full service, per manufacturer and board requirements, to detect an allergic reaction.

A measure of acidity and alkalinity from 0 to 14, with 7 neutral; skin's natural surface pH is mildly acidic, and product pH affects barrier function and hair chemistry.

The mildly acidic film of sebum and sweat on the skin surface that helps suppress bacteria and maintain barrier integrity; alkaline cleansers can disrupt it.

A molecule with water-loving and oil-loving ends that lets cleansers lift oil and debris from skin so it can be rinsed away; harsh surfactants can strip the barrier.

An ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water in the skin, improving hydration; it works best when an occlusive layer reduces water loss.

An ingredient that softens and smooths skin by filling spaces between surface cells and improving flexibility; examples include fatty alcohols, esters, and plant oils.

An ingredient that forms a film on the skin surface to slow water loss, such as petrolatum or dimethicone; it supports barrier repair rather than adding water directly.

The legally defined services and activities a licensed esthetician may perform in Louisiana; exceeding it, such as diagnosing disease, is grounds for discipline.

The credential issued by the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology after meeting required training hours, examination, and application requirements; it must be renewed and displayed as rules require.

A board rule specifying how implements, linens, and work surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected between clients, including approved products and proper storage of tools.

A client's documented agreement to a service after being told its purpose, expected results, risks, and alternatives; it protects both client and practitioner.