Master Esthetician flashcards

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

Transepidermal water loss

Movement of water from the dermis through the epidermis to the environment; increases when barrier lipids are depleted, leading to dryness and irritation.

Fitzpatrick skin type

Classification I–VI based on skin color and response to UV; higher types have more melanin and greater risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after resurfacing.

Humectant

Ingredient that attracts water from the environment or deeper skin layers into the stratum corneum; examples include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and sorbitol.

Emollient

Ingredient that softens and smooths skin by filling spaces between corneocytes; examples include oils, esters, and fatty alcohols.

Occlusive

Ingredient that forms a barrier on the skin surface to prevent water loss; examples include petrolatum, dimethicone, and lanolin.

Alpha hydroxy acid

Water-soluble acid such as glycolic or lactic acid that exfoliates by loosening corneocyte bonds; requires low pH and neutralization after application.

Beta hydroxy acid

Lipophilic acid, primarily salicylic acid, that penetrates pores and reduces inflammation; useful for acne and oily skin.

TCA peel

Trichloroacetic acid peel that self-neutralizes; depth depends on concentration: 10–20% superficial, 25–35% medium, 40%+ deep with higher risk.

Jessner’s solution

Medium-depth peeling solution containing resorcinol, lactic acid, and salicylic acid in ethanol; often combined with TCA.

Frosting

White appearance on skin during a chemical peel caused by protein coagulation; indicates depth and signals when to stop applying acid.

Microdermabrasion

Mechanical exfoliation using crystals or a diamond tip to abrade the stratum corneum; depth controlled by vacuum, speed, and number of passes.

Dermaplaning

Manual exfoliation using a sterile blade to remove vellus hair and stratum corneum; contraindicated on active acne or bleeding disorders.

Selective photothermolysis

Principle that a specific chromophore absorbs a specific wavelength, and pulse duration shorter than thermal relaxation time limits damage to the target.

Laser Class 4

High-power laser that can cause eye and skin damage; requires a controlled area, wavelength-specific eyewear, and trained personnel.

Intense pulsed light

Polychromatic light source, not a laser, used for hair removal, pigment, and vascular lesions; requires careful parameter selection for skin type.

ABCDE melanoma signs

Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6 mm, Evolving changes; any positive sign warrants immediate medical referral.

Basal cell carcinoma

Most common skin cancer; appears as a pearly papule with telangiectasia and a rolled border; refer to a physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Wood’s lamp

UV light device used in skin analysis; fluorescence colors help identify sebum, porphyrins, melanin, and depigmentation.

Primary lesion

Initial skin change such as macule, papule, vesicle, or pustule; secondary lesions evolve from primary lesions through scratching or healing.

Chain of infection

Six links: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host; breaking any link prevents infection.

Standard precautions

Infection control practices treating all blood and body fluids as infectious; includes hand hygiene, gloves, eye protection, and gowns when splashing is likely.

Disinfection levels

Low-level reduces some pathogens; intermediate kills most; high-level kills all except spores; sterilization kills all microorganisms including spores.

Epidermal turnover

Process by which keratinocytes move from the basal layer to the stratum corneum and shed; typically about 28 days and slows with age.

Melanocyte

Cell in the basal layer that produces melanin via tyrosinase and transfers it to keratinocytes through melanosomes, protecting skin from UV radiation.

Sebaceous gland

Gland attached to hair follicles that secretes sebum, controlled by androgens; overactivity contributes to acne.

Skin surface pH

Acidic mantle around pH 4.7–5.5; maintains barrier and microbial balance; acids lower pH and bases raise it.

Oil-in-water emulsion

Formulation with oil droplets dispersed in water; lighter and less greasy than water-in-oil emulsions; common in lotions and creams.

Antioxidant

Ingredient such as vitamin C, vitamin E, or ferulic acid that neutralizes free radicals and stabilizes formulations.

Scope of practice

Legal boundaries of an esthetician’s work, typically cosmetic treatment of the epidermis; diagnosis and treatment of disease require medical licensure.

Informed consent

Client’s voluntary agreement after understanding benefits, risks, alternatives, and aftercare; must be documented before treatment.

OSHA Hazard Communication

Standard requiring safety data sheets for chemicals and employee training; applies to esthetic products and disinfectants in the workplace.

Retail markup

Pricing strategy multiplying wholesale cost by a factor, often 2–2.5, to cover overhead and profit while remaining competitive.