ND Esthetician flashcards

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

Contact time

The label-stated wet time an implement must remain fully submerged in disinfectant; removing it early voids the disinfection claim and leaves pathogens viable.

Standard precautions

Treating all blood and body fluids as infectious regardless of known diagnosis; requires gloves, hand washing, and safe sharps handling for every client.

Stratum basale

The deepest epidermal layer where keratinocytes divide and where melanocytes and Merkel cells reside; melanin is packaged into melanosomes and transferred to keratinocytes here.

Transepidermal water loss

Water that diffuses through the stratum corneum to the environment; it rises when the ceramide-cholesterol-fatty acid lipid matrix is disrupted, signaling barrier impairment.

Fitzpatrick phototype

A six-level classification of sun reactivity from type I (always burns, never tans) to type VI (deeply pigmented, almost never burns); higher types carry greater post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk.

Skin type versus condition

Skin type is largely genetic and stable (oily, dry, combination); skin condition is temporary and treatable, such as dehydration, sensitization, or environment-driven oiliness.

Isotretinoin contraindication

Isotretinoin thins and fragilizes skin; waxing, exfoliation, and aggressive extractions are avoided during use and for the prescriber-stated washout period to prevent injury and scarring.

Informed consent

A documented discussion of realistic outcomes, risks such as erythema or hyperpigmentation, alternatives including no treatment, and the client's right to stop at any time.

AHA versus BHA

Alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic and lactic are water-soluble and work at the surface; beta hydroxy acid salicylic is oil-soluble and penetrates pores, favoring acne-prone skin.

Humectant, emollient, occlusive

Humectants such as glycerin attract water; emollients such as squalane soften and fill corneum gaps; occlusives such as petrolatum reduce water loss by forming a surface film.

Anagen growth phase

The active growth phase of the hair cycle, when the hair is attached to the follicle and most effectively removed by waxing; scheduling every three to six weeks catches the next wave.

Double dipping

Reinserting a used spatula or applicator into a wax pot or product container, introducing blood and bacteria; single-use spatulas or fresh strips are required per application.

Cyanoacrylate adhesive

The main component of lash extension glue; it cures with moisture, requires a patch test 24 to 48 hours before service, and is removed with a dedicated gel remover.

Brow mapping three points

Inner brow at the nostril line, arch at the iris line, and tail at the outer corner line; these landmarks guide shape before waxing, tweezing, or tinting.

Frosting during a peel

A white appearance caused by protein coagulation, signaling deeper injury than intended; at esthetician level it is a stop signal requiring immediate removal and rinsing.

Peel neutralization

Glycolic and lactic peels are stopped with a neutralizing base; TCA and some salicylic peels self-neutralize and rely on timed application, so timing must be tracked from application.

Galvanic current polarity

Direct current with constant polarity; the negative pole drives alkaline products in (cataphoresis), and the positive pole drives acidic products in and is used for disincrustation.

Microcurrent contraindication

Low-amperage current in the microamp range is avoided for clients with pacemakers or implanted electronic devices, during pregnancy, and over metal implants.

Emulsion

A mixture of oil and water stabilized by an emulsifier; oil-in-water emulsions are lighter and absorb quickly, while water-in-oil emulsions are richer and more occlusive.

Ingredient list ordering

Components appear in descending concentration, except ingredients at or below one percent, which may be listed in any order after the main ingredients.

North Dakota Board of Cosmetology

The state agency that licenses estheticians, salons, and instructors, sets sanitation and scope rules, conducts inspections, and handles complaints and discipline.

Scope of practice

The legally permitted services for a license level; estheticians perform superficial peels and facial services but do not diagnose disease or perform medium and deep peels.

Milia

Small, firm, keratin-filled cysts often on the cheeks and around the eyes; they are not whiteheads and are not extracted by the esthetician.

Actinic keratosis

A rough, scaly lesion caused by cumulative sun damage and considered a precancer; it requires medical referral and is never treated in the esthetic room.

Glycolic acid

The smallest alpha hydroxy acid, giving the deepest penetration of the AHAs; its strength depends on concentration and pH, with lower pH increasing free-acid availability.

Salicylic acid

A lipid-soluble beta hydroxy acid derived from willow bark; it is comedolytic and suited to oily and acne-prone skin, typically effective around pH three to four.

Vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid

An antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitor most effective below pH 3.5; it oxidizes and browns with light and air exposure, and ferulic acid improves its stability.

High-frequency current

Alternating, oscillating current that produces ozone and warmth; indirect application uses the client's body as a conductor, and direct application uses a glass electrode.

Hard versus soft wax

Hard stripless wax is applied thick, cools to a pliable film, and is removed without a strip; soft wax requires a fabric strip and is removed against hair growth.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Darkening after inflammation or injury, more likely with deeper inflammation, higher Fitzpatrick types, and picking; prevention through gentle technique and photoprotection is primary.

Ceramide lipid matrix

The stratum corneum barrier composed of ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids in roughly equimolar ratio; disruption raises water loss and sensitivity.

Exposure incident documentation

Recording the time, source, and action taken after contact with blood or body fluids, followed by medical follow-up for the provider and confidentiality for the client.