MS Esthetician flashcards

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

Mississippi esthetician license renewal

Licenses in Mississippi are renewed biennially by the end of the licensee’s birth month. Late renewal incurs a fee and may require reinstatement. Continuing education is not currently mandated.

Mississippi Board inspection authority

The Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology may inspect salons and schools without prior notice during business hours to ensure compliance with sanitation and licensing rules.

Chain of infection

Six links: pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host. Breaking any link prevents infection spread.

Disinfection vs sterilization

Disinfection kills most pathogens on surfaces but not spores; sterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores. Estheticians use hospital-grade disinfectants, not sterilizers.

EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant

A chemical disinfectant registered with the EPA that is effective against most pathogens. It must be used according to label instructions for contact time to be effective.

Stratum basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis where cell division occurs. It contains melanocytes and keratinocyte stem cells. Also called stratum germinativum.

Acid mantle

A protective film on the skin surface composed of sebum and sweat, with a pH of about 4.5–5.5. It inhibits bacterial growth and maintains skin barrier function.

Fitzpatrick scale

A classification of skin phototypes I–VI based on response to UV exposure. It helps predict sunburn risk and hyperpigmentation potential, guiding treatment choices.

Wood’s lamp colors

Under UV light: blue-white = normal hydration; yellow = oily skin; violet/purple = dehydration; brown = hyperpigmentation; coral-pink = acne bacteria.

Absolute contraindication

A condition that prohibits a treatment entirely, such as active infection or open lesion. Treatment must be rescheduled or avoided.

Informed consent

A client’s voluntary agreement to treatment after understanding risks, benefits, and alternatives. It must be documented and signed before service.

Isotretinoin (Accutane) contraindication

Clients using isotretinoin within the past 6–12 months should not receive waxing or exfoliation due to skin fragility and risk of tearing.

AHA vs BHA

AHAs (glycolic, lactic) are water-soluble, exfoliate surface; BHAs (salicylic acid) are oil-soluble, penetrate pores. BHAs are better for acne-prone skin.

Facial massage movements

Effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (tapping), friction (rubbing). Each has specific effects on circulation and muscle relaxation.

Hard wax vs soft wax

Hard wax is applied thick and removed without strips, good for sensitive areas. Soft wax requires strips and is used on larger areas.

Wax temperature safety

Wax should be heated to 125°F–135°F (52°C–57°C). Test on inner wrist before applying to client to prevent burns.

Sugaring paste removal direction

Sugaring paste is applied against hair growth and removed in the direction of hair growth, unlike waxing which is removed opposite to growth.

Eyelash extension adhesive

Contains cyanoacrylate, which can cause allergic reactions. Patch test 24–48 hours before application and ensure proper ventilation.

Brow mapping three points

Start: inner corner of eye; arch: outer edge of iris; end: outer corner of eye. These guide eyebrow shaping.

Skin pH

Skin surface pH is 4.5–5.5 (slightly acidic). Products should be close to this range to maintain barrier function and prevent irritation.

Humectant vs emollient vs occlusive

Humectants attract water (glycerin); emollients soften skin (oils); occlusives prevent water loss (petrolatum). Many products combine them.

Comedogenic ingredients

Substances that tend to clog pores, such as coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, and some silicones. Avoid in acne-prone skin.

Scope of practice for estheticians

Estheticians may perform skin care treatments, makeup, hair removal, and lash/brow services. They may not diagnose medical conditions or perform invasive procedures.

Professional ethics in esthetics

Includes honesty, integrity, confidentiality, and respect. Never diagnose or prescribe; refer clients to medical professionals when needed.

Client consultation purpose

To gather health history, allergies, medications, and skin analysis; to discuss goals and expectations; and to obtain informed consent before treatment.

Diabetes as relative contraindication

Clients with diabetes may have delayed healing and higher infection risk. Waxing and exfoliation may be performed with caution and physician approval.

Extraction technique

Use sterile comedone extractor; apply gentle pressure around the comedo. Avoid inflamed pustules and always follow with disinfectant.

Threading hair removal

A technique using cotton thread twisted to catch and remove hair. It is precise, good for eyebrows and upper lip, and requires no chemicals.

Makeup sanitation

Never share mascara or lip products; use disposable applicators; sharpen pencils before each use; spray palettes with alcohol.

Surfactant function

Surfactants attract both water and oil, allowing them to cleanse skin by lifting dirt and oil. Examples: sodium lauryl sulfate (harsh), cocamidopropyl betaine (gentle).

Physical vs chemical sunscreen

Physical (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) blocks UV; chemical (avobenzone, oxybenzone) absorbs UV. Both require reapplication every 2 hours.

Liability insurance

Professional liability insurance protects estheticians against claims of negligence or injury. It is essential for business owners and independent contractors.