MT Esthetician flashcards

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

Sterilization vs. disinfection

Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores, usually by autoclave. Disinfection kills most pathogens on nonporous surfaces but not spores. Sanitation only reduces contaminants and is the lowest level.

EPA registration number

The number on a hospital-grade disinfectant label confirming EPA approval for that product. It must be used at the labeled dilution and contact time to be effective.

Porous vs. nonporous implements

Porous items such as wood, cotton, and sponges absorb liquids and cannot be disinfected, so they are single-use. Nonporous metal and glass can be cleaned and disinfected or sterilized.

Standard precautions

The practice of treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. Gloves are worn for any service that may contact blood or broken skin, and hands are washed before and after.

Stratum basale

The deepest epidermal layer where keratinocytes divide and melanocytes reside. New cells migrate upward and eventually form the protective stratum corneum.

Collagen and elastin

Dermal proteins made by fibroblasts. Collagen provides tensile strength and elastin provides recoil. Both decline with age and UV exposure, producing laxity and wrinkles.

Facial nerve

Cranial nerve VII, which supplies motor control to the muscles of facial expression. Damage causes facial paralysis, so massage avoids deep pressure over its branches.

Fitzpatrick scale

A six-type classification based on burning and tanning history. Type I always burns and never tans; type VI is deeply pigmented and rarely burns. It guides peel and laser risk.

Primary lesion

A lesion that arises directly from previously normal skin, such as a macule, papule, pustule, vesicle, or nodule. Secondary lesions evolve from primary lesions and include scale, crust, and scars.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Darkening that follows inflammation or injury, most common in darker skin types. Management controls inflammation, uses sun protection, and adds tyrosinase inhibitors such as vitamin C or azelaic acid.

ABCDE melanoma rule

Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6 mm, and Evolving lesion. Any positive sign warrants immediate referral to a physician rather than esthetic treatment.

Effleurage

A gliding massage stroke applied with light, rhythmic pressure. It begins and ends every facial massage sequence and follows lymphatic direction toward the submandibular and cervical nodes.

Tapotement

A percussion massage movement using rapid, alternating light strikes with the fingertips or hands. It stimulates circulation and is avoided on sensitive, couperose, or inflamed skin.

Manual extraction

Removal of comedones after softening the skin with warm steam or compresses. Fingers are wrapped in tissue and pressure is light; inflamed or cystic lesions are never extracted.

High-frequency current

A mild alternating current used for its germicidal and drying effect on acne-prone skin. It is contraindicated for clients with pacemakers, pregnancy, or metal implants in the treatment area.

Anagen phase

The active growth phase of the hair cycle, when the follicle is most responsive to laser and electrolysis. Telogen is the resting phase, when hair sheds.

Hard wax

A strip-free wax applied thick and removed once set. It grips short, coarse hair and is preferred for sensitive areas such as the upper lip and bikini line.

Waxing contraindications

Conditions that preclude waxing, including isotretinoin use within 6–12 months, recent retinoids or peels on the area, sunburn, and active skin infection. Reschedule or refer these clients.

Folliculitis after waxing

Small red papules or pustules at hair follicles caused by bacteria entering the opened follicle. Managed with gentle cleansing and soothing; persistent cases are referred.

Glycolic acid

The smallest alpha hydroxy acid, giving the deepest penetration of the AHAs. It is water-soluble, exfoliates the stratum corneum, and requires neutralization after the timed application.

Salicylic acid

A lipid-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates pores and is useful for comedonal acne. It is contraindicated in clients with aspirin allergy and requires a patch test.

Frosting

A white pseudofrost that appears during a TCA peel as protein coagulates. It marks the peel endpoint and signals that application must stop.

Peel depth factors

Depth depends on acid type, concentration, free-acid pH, number of layers, and contact time. Lower pH means more free acid and a stronger, deeper peel.

Post-peel protocol

After a chemical peel, use a gentle cleanser, bland moisturizer, and broad-spectrum SPF. Avoid retinoids, scrubs, heat, and sun exposure for 7–10 days.

Complementary color correction

Colors opposite on the color wheel neutralize each other. Green cancels redness, orange cancels blue undereye tones, and yellow cancels purple bruising or veins.

Foundation undertone

The underlying hue of skin, classified as warm (yellow or golden), cool (pink or blue), or neutral. Shade is matched along the jawline in natural light.

Cyanoacrylate lash adhesive

The adhesive used to bond individual lash extensions, which cures with moisture. It can sensitize skin, so ventilation and a 24–48 hour patch test are standard.

Makeup sanitation

Practices that prevent cross-contamination: never double-dip applicators, remove product with a metal spatula, sharpen pencils per client, and wash brushes after use.

Scope of practice

The procedures and services an esthetician is legally permitted to perform under state law. It typically excludes diagnosing skin disease and prescribing medication.

Client record retention

Documentation of services, products, consent, and reactions kept for a period set by state law, commonly 3–7 years. Records support liability defense and continuity of care.

Keystone pricing

A retail pricing method that doubles the wholesale cost of a product. It is a simple starting point before adjusting for market position and overhead.

Informed consent

A signed intake and consent form documenting allergies, medications, and contraindications before service. It reduces liability and supports referral decisions; minors may need parental consent.