MI Esthetician flashcards

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

Stratum basale

Deepest layer of the epidermis where keratinocytes divide by mitosis; it also contains melanocytes that produce melanin and Merkel cells involved in touch sensation.

Acid mantle

Thin film of sebum and sweat on the skin surface with a pH of about 4.5 to 5.5; it inhibits bacteria and helps preserve the barrier.

Sebaceous gland

Oil gland attached to a hair follicle that secretes sebum to lubricate skin and hair; overactivity contributes to oily skin and acne.

Papule

Small, firm, raised lesion containing no visible fluid; in acne an inflamed papule indicates infection and should never be squeezed or extracted.

Wheal

Raised, itchy, swollen lesion with a pale center and red flare, such as a hive or insect bite; also called a welt.

Melanin

Pigment made by melanocytes in the stratum basale that protects skin from ultraviolet radiation and determines Fitzpatrick skin type and treatment response.

ABCDE rule

Melanoma warning signs: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than 6 mm, and Evolving; suspicious lesions are referred to a physician.

Elastin

Protein fiber in the dermis that allows skin to stretch and recoil; its breakdown with age and sun damage causes sagging and wrinkles.

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

Transepidermal water loss is the passive escape of water through the epidermis; it rises when barrier lipids are depleted, leaving skin dry and tight.

Tinea

Contagious fungal infection such as ringworm; it is a contraindication for facial service until a physician confirms it has cleared.

Disinfection

Use of an EPA-registered chemical on nonporous surfaces and implements to destroy most microorganisms, though not bacterial spores.

Sterilization

Process that destroys all microbial life including bacterial spores; in salons it is done with an autoclave using steam under pressure.

Double dipping

Reinserting a used spatula or applicator into a product container, which transfers microbes; it is prohibited, so a clean tool is used each time.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Document supplied by the manufacturer listing hazards, first aid, storage, and handling for each chemical product; it must be kept on file.

Tuberculocidal

Disinfectant label claim meaning the product kills the bacteria that cause tuberculosis; often required when cleaning up blood or body fluid spills.

GFCI

Ground fault circuit interrupter outlet that cuts power when current leaks to ground; required near water to prevent electric shock.

Single-use item

Item such as a cotton swab, wooden stick, facial sponge, or nail file that is used once on one client and then discarded, never reused.

Effleurage

Gliding, stroking massage movement applied with light to medium pressure; used to begin and end a facial massage and to apply product.

Anagen phase

Active growth stage of the hair growth cycle; hair is attached to the follicle and waxing is most effective during this phase.

AHA

Alpha hydroxy acid such as glycolic or lactic acid; a water-soluble exfoliant that loosens dead surface cells, with lower pH producing stronger exfoliation.

BHA

Beta hydroxy acid, usually salicylic acid; it is oil soluble, so it penetrates sebum-filled pores and suits oily or acne-prone skin.

Patch test

Applying a small amount of a product such as tint, wax, or peel to the skin to check for allergy, usually 24 to 48 hours before service.

Comedone extraction

Removing a blackhead or whitehead after softening skin with steam, using tissue-wrapped fingers or an extractor; inflamed papules and cysts are never extracted.

Hard wax

Stripless wax applied warm and removed after it firms; it grips short, coarse hair and suits sensitive skin and small areas.

Keystone markup

Retail pricing at twice the wholesale cost, which is a 100 percent markup; a common baseline for setting product prices.

Break-even point

Number of services that must be sold for total revenue to equal total costs; found by dividing fixed costs by price minus variable cost.

Cost of goods sold

Direct cost of the products used to perform services and sold at retail, subtracted from revenue to calculate gross profit.

Booth rental

Self-employment arrangement in which a licensed professional pays fixed rent to a salon and keeps all service income and tips.

Scope of practice

Legally defined set of services a licensed esthetician may perform; diagnosing or treating a disease falls outside that scope.

LARA

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs; its Board of Cosmetology and Barbering issues esthetician licenses and enforces sanitation rules.

Unlicensed practice

Performing esthetic services for compensation without a valid license; a criminal offense that can bring fines and refusal of future licensure.

Informed consent form

Signed document showing the client agreed to a service and disclosed health conditions, medications, and allergies before treatment began.