NC Esthetician flashcards

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

Cocci

Spherical bacteria. Cocci are round-shaped microorganisms; some strains, such as staphylococci and streptococci, cause common skin infections and must be treated as potentially infectious.

Standard Precautions

An infection-control practice that treats all blood, body fluids, secretions, and non-intact skin as potentially infectious regardless of the client's known health status, so barriers are used for every client.

Hospital-Grade Disinfectant

An EPA-registered product labeled bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal, used on nonporous implements after cleaning; implements must stay fully submerged for the manufacturer's stated contact time.

Sterilization

A process that destroys all microorganisms including bacterial spores, typically using an autoclave with pressurized steam; routine esthetic implements require disinfection rather than sterilization.

Nonporous Implements

Tools with a smooth, sealed surface, such as metal or glass, that can be cleaned and disinfected for reuse; porous items like wood files, cotton, and sponges cannot be disinfected and must be discarded.

Hepatitis B

A bloodborne virus spread through blood and body fluids that attacks the liver; it is more contagious than HIV, survives longer on surfaces, and estheticians are encouraged to be vaccinated.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A document supplied by chemical manufacturers listing a product's hazards, safe handling, first aid, and disposal instructions; OSHA requires it to be available in the workplace.

Contagious Skin Condition

An infectious disorder such as impetigo, ringworm, conjunctivitis, or an active herpes outbreak; service must be refused and the client referred to a physician.

Stratum Basale

The deepest epidermal layer where mitosis occurs; it contains melanocytes that produce melanin and Merkel cells involved in the sensation of touch.

Acid Mantle

The slightly acidic film on the skin's surface, about pH 4.5 to 5.5, formed by sebum and sweat; it inhibits bacteria and helps maintain barrier function.

Fibroblasts

Cells in the dermis that synthesize collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans; their activity declines with age, contributing to wrinkles, thinning, and sagging skin.

Eccrine Glands

Coiled sweat glands distributed over most of the body, especially the palms and soles; they regulate body temperature by secreting watery sweat onto the skin surface.

UVA vs UVB

UVA has longer wavelengths, penetrates deeper into the dermis, and causes photoaging; UVB has shorter wavelengths, affects mainly the epidermis, and causes sunburn.

pH Scale

A zero-to-fourteen scale measuring hydrogen ion concentration: below seven is acidic, seven is neutral, and above seven is alkaline. Esthetic products are usually slightly acidic.

Emulsion

A mixture of two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, held together by an emulsifier; most lotions, creams, and cleansers are emulsions.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Water-soluble acids such as glycolic and lactic acid that loosen bonds between dead surface cells; because they increase sun sensitivity, daily sunscreen is required.

Fitzpatrick Scale

A six-category classification of skin pigmentation and its response to UV exposure, Types I through VI; it guides treatment intensity and sun-protection recommendations.

Contraindication

Any condition, medication, or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe, such as pregnancy, isotretinoin use, active infection, or recent surgery; the service must be modified or postponed.

Effleurage

A light, gliding massage stroke applied in the direction of lymph flow; it opens and closes most facial massages and promotes relaxation and circulation.

Anagen Phase

The active growth phase of the hair cycle, when hair is anchored in the follicle and most easily removed by waxing; hair should be about one-quarter inch long.

Wood's Lamp

A filtered ultraviolet light used during skin analysis; it reveals dehydration, sun damage, and bacterial or fungal conditions through the way the skin fluoresces.

Comedone Extraction

The manual removal of a blackhead or whitehead after cleansing and steaming, performed with gloved hands; it is never done on inflamed papules, pustules, or cysts.

Patch Test

Applying a small amount of a product, such as tint or dye, to the client's skin 24 to 48 hours before the full service to check for an allergic reaction.

Informed Consent

A client's voluntary agreement to a treatment after being told its purpose, benefits, risks, and alternatives; it is documented in writing and required for every service.

Scope of Practice

The legally permitted range of services an esthetician may perform; diagnosing skin disease, prescribing medication, and performing medical procedures fall outside that range.

Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners

The North Carolina state agency that licenses estheticians, sets sanitation and education standards, and investigates complaints and violations of the cosmetic art laws.

Professional Liability Insurance

Coverage that protects an esthetician against claims of client injury, negligence, or property damage arising from services; it is separate from general business insurance.

Independent Contractor

A self-employed worker who controls their own schedule and methods, often renting booth space; they are responsible for their own taxes, supplies, and liability coverage.

OSHA

The federal agency that enforces workplace safety, including the Hazard Communication Standard requiring Safety Data Sheets, container labeling, and training for hazardous salon chemicals.

Confidentiality

The ethical and legal duty to keep a client's personal, medical, and treatment information private; records should be stored securely and shared only with the client's permission.

FTC Act

Federal law prohibiting deceptive advertising and unfair business practices; claims in ads and before-and-after photographs must be truthful, substantiated, and used with client permission.

Keystone Pricing

A retail pricing rule of thumb that sets the selling price at roughly twice the product's wholesale cost, so the markup covers overhead and produces a profit.