ND Esthetician key terms

The six-link sequence by which pathogens spread: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Breaking any single link stops transmission.

Infection-control practices applied to every client regardless of known health status, including hand hygiene, gloves, and barrier protection when contact with blood or body fluids is likely.

Using an EPA-registered hospital-grade product to destroy most pathogenic organisms on nonporous implements and surfaces. It does not reliably kill bacterial spores and is not the same as sterilization.

A process that destroys all microbial life, including spores, typically through autoclave steam under pressure or dry heat. Required for implements that may contact broken skin or blood.

A standardized document supplied by a product manufacturer that lists hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures, and storage requirements for a chemical product. Must be accessible in the workplace.

An international system for classifying and labeling chemicals using consistent pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements. The pictograms on salon product labels follow this system.

The outermost avascular layer of skin, composed of stratified squamous epithelium. Its basal layer produces new cells that migrate upward and eventually shed from the surface.

The outermost epidermal layer of flattened, keratin-filled dead cells that forms the skin's primary barrier against water loss and outside irritants. Cosmetic exfoliation targets this layer.

The predominant cell of the epidermis, which produces keratin as it matures and migrates toward the surface. Its life cycle drives the skin's renewal rate.

The natural shedding of dead keratinocytes from the skin surface, supported by enzymes that break down the bonds holding corneocytes together. Accelerated or impaired shedding changes skin texture and appearance.

A gland attached to a hair follicle that secretes sebum, an oily mixture that lubricates skin and hair. Its activity strongly influences whether skin behaves oily or dry.

The skin's ability to retain water and resist penetration by irritants and microbes, maintained largely by corneocytes, intercellular lipids, and the acid mantle. Impaired barrier shows as tightness, redness, or flaking.

The slightly acidic film on the skin surface, roughly pH 4.5 to 5.5, formed by sebum, sweat, and fatty acids. It discourages pathogenic bacteria and supports barrier enzymes.

The passive diffusion of water vapor through the epidermis to the environment. Elevated values suggest a compromised barrier and are associated with dryness and sensitivity.

A six-category classification of skin based on response to ultraviolet exposure and tendency to burn or tan. Estheticians use it to estimate photodamage and laser or peel risk.

A classification of skin's baseline behavior, commonly normal, dry, oily, or combination, based on oil production and moisture retention. It is distinguished from skin conditions, which are treatable concerns.

A temporary or ongoing concern present on the skin, such as dehydration, sensitivity, acne, or hyperpigmentation, that may occur in any skin type. Conditions guide product and treatment choices.

A condition, medication, or circumstance that makes a proposed treatment unsafe or inadvisable. Absolute contraindications require declining service; relative ones require modification or postponement.

A client's voluntary agreement to a service after receiving an explanation of the procedure, expected results, risks, alternatives, and aftercare. It should be documented in the client record.

A record completed before service that captures health history, medications, allergies, prior treatments, and skin concerns. It supports safe treatment planning and provides a legal record of disclosure.

A structured progress note recording Subjective client reports, Objective observations, Assessment of skin findings, and the Plan or treatment performed. It creates consistent, defensible documentation.

Applying a small amount of a product to a limited area, such as behind the ear or inner forearm, and observing for a reaction before wider use. Common before tinting, waxing, or peel services.

A delayed immune reaction to a specific substance, producing redness, swelling, itching, or blisters where contact occurred. It may appear hours to days after exposure and can worsen with repeat contact.

Skin inflammation caused by direct chemical or physical damage rather than an immune response, often from acids, solvents, or repeated wet work. It generally stays confined to the contact area.

A painful, pus-filled infection of a hair follicle and surrounding tissue, commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It is contagious and a contraindication for waxing or extractions in the area.

A resin-based wax applied warm and removed without a strip once it sets. It grips shorter hair and is often preferred for sensitive or facial areas.

A low-melting wax applied thinly and removed with a cloth or paper strip pressed over it. It is suited to large areas and finer hair but can adhere to live skin.

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, when the hair shaft is anchored deeply and connected to blood supply. Waxing during anagen removes hair most effectively but may be more uncomfortable.

The resting stage of the hair cycle, when growth stops and the hair is loosely held before shedding. Hair in this phase releases easily with wax but regrows on its own cycle.

A water-soluble acid such as glycolic or lactic acid that loosens bonds between dead surface cells, promoting exfoliation. Concentration and pH determine strength and irritation potential.

A logarithmic measure of acidity or alkalinity on a 0 to 14 scale, where 7 is neutral. In peels and skincare, small pH shifts substantially change how much free acid reaches the skin.

Removal of dead cells from the skin surface by mechanical means such as scrubs or by chemical means such as acids and enzymes. It improves texture and product penetration but can injure a compromised barrier.

Darkened skin that develops after inflammation or injury, more common in deeper skin tones. Aggressive extractions, waxing, or peels can trigger or worsen it.

A direct electrical current used in esthetics for disincrustation, which softens sebum and debris for easier extraction, or for iontophoresis, which drives water-soluble products into skin.

An alternating, oscillating current applied through a glass electrode to produce a mild germicidal and warming effect. Often used on blemish-prone skin after extraction.

Mechanical exfoliation that propels abrasive crystals or a diamond-tipped handpiece across the skin to remove surface cells. It is avoided over active acne, broken skin, and recent waxing.

A stable blend of two immiscible liquids, usually oil and water, held together by an emulsifier. Most lotions and creams are emulsions whose texture depends on which phase is continuous.

A molecule with a water-loving head and oil-loving tail that allows oil and water to mix and lifts debris from skin. It is the active mechanism in cleansers and shampoos.

An ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water in the upper skin layers. It supports hydration but needs an occlusive layer to prevent water loss in dry conditions.

An ingredient that forms a film on the skin surface to slow water evaporation, such as petrolatum, dimethicone, or lanolin. Occlusives support barrier repair rather than adding water.

The legally permitted range of services and activities a licensed professional may perform under state law. In North Dakota, estheticians work within limits set by statute and board rules.

The state-granted authorization to practice a regulated profession after meeting required education, examination, and application standards. Practicing without a current license is unlawful.

Routine cleaning and hygiene measures that reduce microbial counts on surfaces, tools, and hands to a safe level. It is the baseline practice between every client, not a substitute for disinfection.