ME Esthetician flashcards

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

Acid mantle

Thin film on skin surface with pH near 4.5–5.5, formed by sebum and sweat; it limits pathogen growth and protects barrier lipids from alkaline disruption.

Stratum corneum

Outermost epidermal layer of flattened, keratin-filled corneocytes embedded in intercellular lipids; it provides the primary barrier against water loss and irritants.

Anagen phase

Active growth stage of the hair follicle, lasting months to years; hair is rooted deepest and this is the stage most responsive to waxing and laser removal.

Hard wax

Wax applied in a thick layer and removed without strips once set; grips short hair and suits sensitive areas like the upper lip and bikini line.

Double dipping

Reinserting a used wax applicator into the pot, which introduces blood, skin cells, and pathogens; prohibited because it contaminates the entire wax supply.

Hospital-grade disinfectant

EPA-registered product labeled effective against HIV and HBV, used on nonporous implements and surfaces after cleaning, with full label contact time observed.

Fitzpatrick scale

Six-category classification of skin response to ultraviolet light, from type I (always burns) to type VI (never burns), used to guide treatment intensity and pigment risk.

Sebaceous gland

Gland attached to the hair follicle that secretes sebum; largest and most active on the face, scalp, and upper back, and stimulated by androgen hormones.

Melanocyte

Cell in the stratum basale that produces melanin and transfers it to neighboring keratinocytes through melanosomes, determining skin and hair color.

Comedone

A plugged follicle; open comedones (blackheads) have darkened oxidized contents, while closed comedones (whiteheads) sit beneath a closed surface and may become inflamed.

Isotretinoin

Oral retinoid for severe acne that thins skin and impairs healing; waxing and aggressive exfoliation are contraindicated during use and for months afterward.

Patch test

Application of a small amount of product to a discreet area, read after 24–48 hours, to detect sensitization before a full facial or tinting service.

Informed consent

Documented client agreement after risks, benefits, and alternatives are explained; required before treatment and recorded with the date and service details.

Scope of practice

Legal boundary of what a licensed esthetician may perform; excludes diagnosis, prescription, and invasive procedures, and requires referral when findings exceed training.

Contraindication

Condition or circumstance that makes a treatment inadvisable or unsafe, such as active infection, open lesions, pregnancy, or recent chemical peel.

Effleurage

Gliding massage stroke applied in the direction of muscle fibers and lymph flow; used to begin and end a facial massage and to distribute product evenly.

Petrissage

Kneading and compression technique that lifts and squeezes soft tissue; on the face it is applied lightly to the jaw, cheeks, and temples.

Tapotement

Rhythmic fingertip percussion that stimulates circulation; avoided on sensitive, couperose, or inflamed skin because it increases blood flow and redness.

Lymphatic drainage

Series of light, directional strokes moving fluid toward cervical lymph nodes; reduces facial puffiness and is contraindicated with active infection or thrombosis.

Surfactant

Molecule with water-loving and oil-loving ends that lifts oil, debris, and makeup into water so they rinse away; harsh types can strip the skin barrier.

Humectant

Ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water in the stratum corneum, improving hydration and plumping fine lines.

Occlusive

Ingredient like petrolatum or dimethicone that forms a film on the surface, reducing transepidermal water loss; richest option for dry, compromised skin.

Alpha hydroxy acid

Water-soluble acid such as glycolic or lactic that loosens bonds between corneocytes; strength depends on concentration, pH, and molecule size.

Salicylic acid

Lipid-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates pores to exfoliate; suited to oily and acne-prone skin, and avoided with aspirin allergy.

SPF

Sun protection factor measuring how much UVB exposure is needed to burn compared with unprotected skin; does not by itself indicate UVA protection.

Complementary colors

Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, such as green and red; used in corrective makeup to neutralize unwanted undertones.

Color correction

Use of complementary hues to neutralize discoloration: green for redness, peach for dark circles, lavender for sallow yellow tones, yellow for dullness.

Brow mapping

Technique locating brow start at the nostril line, arch at the iris line, and tail at the outer eye corner to create balanced, symmetrical brows.

Extraction

Manual removal of visible comedones after softening skin with warm steam; inflamed pustules and cysts are never extracted and are referred instead.

Keratinization

Process in which basal keratinocytes divide, migrate upward, flatten, and fill with keratin over about 28 days before shedding from the stratum corneum.

Maine Board of Barbering and Cosmetology

State body that licenses estheticians and sets sanitation, renewal, and scope rules; current requirements should be verified directly with the Board.

Confidentiality

Ethical and legal duty to protect client records, health information, and images; disclosure requires written consent except where law mandates reporting.