MI Esthetician study plan

Label the layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous) and name the stratum layers of the epidermis from memory

Describe the functions of each skin layer and relate each to a service implication (e.g., where wax grips, where product penetrates)

Identify the structure and function of hair follicle, sebaceous gland, sweat gland, and nail unit

Define basic anatomy and physiology terminology for body systems that affect treatment decisions (circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine)

Build a personal glossary of 60 histology and anatomy terms with one-line definitions

Classify at least 40 skin disorders and diseases by type (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, inflammatory, pigmentation, benign growth, precancerous/suspicious)

Distinguish conditions an esthetician may treat from those requiring referral, and state the referral reason for each

Recognize the visual and verbal descriptions of contagious and contraindicated conditions

Explain the difference between a lesion, a macule, a papule, a pustule, and a cyst using your own examples

Practice describing skin conditions in words only, without images, to prepare for scenario-style questions

Differentiate cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing, and state which one applies to each item and surface in a treatment room

List the correct contact times and dilution requirements for the disinfectants named in your state's rules, and record them on a reference card

Sequence a complete disinfection routine for a facial and for a waxing service, from before client entry to after client exit

Identify safety hazards in the treatment room (electrical, chemical, slip, burn, ergonomic) and write the control for each

Explain standard precautions, handwashing steps, and correct handling of blood or potentially infectious material incidents

Integrate skin-disorder knowledge with sanitation decisions by writing 10 client scenarios that each require both a skin judgment and a disinfection or safety action

Audit a hypothetical treatment room setup and list every item that would fail a state inspection

Re-test all Domain 1 material and log every missed item into a running error log

Explain contraindications that combine skin condition plus product or tool (e.g., acids, wax, exfoliation, extractions) and the safe alternative

Outline the full sequence of a basic facial, naming the purpose of each step and the product category used

Match skin types and conditions to appropriate cleansers, exfoliants, masks, and moisturizers, and justify each match

Describe extraction, massage movements, and electrical or heat modalities accurately in words, including indications and contraindications for each

List the steps and safety checks for a chemical exfoliation service, including patch testing and neutralization where applicable

Compare waxing, sugaring, threading, and depilatory methods by hair growth cycle, skin type suitability, and contraindications

Sequence a complete waxing service from consultation and patch test through post-care instructions and aftercare warnings

Identify causes of waxing complications (bruising, lifting, ingrown hair, burns) and state the prevention for each

Select and justify makeup products, tools, and application order for day, evening, and corrective makeup looks

Explain color theory and face-shape correction as applied to makeup application

Summarize Michigan licensing requirements for estheticians: scope of practice, licensing path, renewal, and continuing education

Identify the state rules that govern sanitation, record keeping, and client consent in a salon setting

Explain the difference between scope of practice and medical services, and describe when to refer a client out

Describe business fundamentals: pricing a service, retail margins, booking and cancellation policies, and basic record retention

List employment classifications and insurance considerations relevant to an esthetician

Complete three timed, full-length practice exams under test-day conditions and record every score

Review only the items in your error log, converting each into a flashcard or one-line rule

Re-drill the two lowest-scoring domains until both reach 85% or better on a fresh set

Recite your disinfection card and disorder/referral table from memory in a single pass

Finalize a one-page master sheet of high-risk facts (contraindications, contact times, referral triggers, scope limits)