NJ Esthetician study materials
NJ Esthetician study resources

NJ Esthetician flashcards

NJ Esthetician · Build recall with a focused review session.

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

Portal of exit
The route by which a pathogen leaves its reservoir, such as blood, respiratory droplets, or skin lesions. Blocking it with gloves or barriers interrupts the chain of infection.
Hospital-grade disinfectant
An EPA-registered product labeled for use in hospitals that destroys most pathogenic organisms on nonporous surfaces. It must be used at the labeled dilution and for the full contact time.
Single-use item
A porous or otherwise non-disinfectable product, such as cotton, wooden sticks, or wax strips, that must be discarded after one client and never reused or shared.
Safety Data Sheet
A document required by OSHA for each hazardous chemical product, describing its hazards, safe handling, first aid, and storage. It must be kept on site and accessible to workers.
Stratum corneum
The outermost epidermal layer, composed of flattened, keratinized dead cells that form the skin's main barrier against water loss and environmental damage.
Acid mantle
The slightly acidic film on the skin surface, about pH 4.5-5.5, formed by sebum and sweat. It supports barrier function and limits growth of some pathogens.
Sebaceous gland
A gland attached to a hair follicle that secretes sebum, an oily substance that lubricates skin and hair. Glands are most concentrated on the face, scalp, and upper back.
Fitzpatrick phototype
A six-level classification of skin response to ultraviolet exposure, from type I (always burns, never tans) to type VI (deeply pigmented, rarely burns). It guides sun-protection counseling.
Contraindication
A condition that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable, such as an active infection, open lesion, or recent chemical peel. Services are deferred and the client is referred when needed.
Furuncle
A deep, contagious staphylococcal infection of a hair follicle, commonly called a boil. It is a strict contraindication to facial treatment and requires medical referral.
ABCDE rule
A screening guide for suspicious pigmented lesions: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6 mm, and Evolving change. Any suspect lesion is referred to a physician.
Comedone
A plugged hair follicle, either open (blackhead) or closed (whitehead). Comedones define grade I acne and are managed with gentle exfoliation and non-comedogenic products.
Humectant
An ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water in the skin, improving hydration. Humectants are most useful for dehydrated and dry skin types.
Emollient
An ingredient such as an oil or ester that softens and smooths the skin surface and improves flexibility. Emollients are especially useful for dry, rough, or mature skin.
Occlusive
An ingredient such as petrolatum or dimethicone that forms a barrier on the skin and reduces water loss. Occlusives are used for very dry skin and compromised barriers.
Effleurage
A gliding massage stroke performed with light, even pressure toward lymph nodes. It begins and ends a facial massage and is contraindicated over inflamed or infected areas.
Broad-spectrum SPF
A sun protection rating indicating the product shields against both UVB and UVA radiation. SPF 30 or higher is recommended daily, with reapplication every two hours of exposure.
Anagen phase
The active growth phase of the hair cycle, lasting weeks to years depending on body site. Hair in anagen has a strong bulb and gives the best waxing results.
Hard wax
A strip-free wax applied in a thick layer that sets and is removed without fabric. It is suited to sensitive areas such as the upper lip and bikini line.
Double-dipping
Reinserting a used applicator into a wax or product container, which contaminates the supply with skin cells and microbes. It is prohibited; use a fresh applicator each time.
Threading
A hair removal method using twisted cotton thread to trap and lift hair at the surface. It suits sensitive skin and clients who cannot tolerate wax or retinoid use.
Complementary colors
Color pairs opposite each other on the color wheel, such as green and red, that neutralize each other. In makeup, green cancels redness and peach cancels blue or purple.
Contouring
A makeup technique using darker shades to recede an area and lighter shades to bring it forward, balancing face shape and adding dimension. It is blended well to avoid visible lines.
Undertone
The underlying hue of the skin, classified as cool (pink, blue), warm (yellow, peach, gold), or neutral. Foundation and concealer should match the undertone, not just the depth.
Lash growth cycle
The repeating cycle of anagen (active growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest) phases. Normal daily shedding of one to five natural lashes reflects this cycle.
Volume lash set
A lash extension technique applying two to six lighter, hand-made lashes to each natural lash as a fan. It creates fuller results than a classic one-to-one set.
Cyanoacrylate adhesive
The main ingredient in lash extension glue, which cures with moisture in the air. Humidity and temperature affect cure speed, so the service area is controlled.
Lash lift
A service using a silicone shield and a reducing solution to break and reform disulfide bonds, curling natural lashes. A patch test is required for any accompanying tint.
Informed consent
A documented explanation of a service's benefits, risks, alternatives, and aftercare, with the client's agreement before the service begins. It protects both client and practitioner.
Scope of practice
The legally permitted services and limits of a license category. An esthetician performs cosmetic services but does not diagnose or treat disease and refers suspicious findings.
Confidentiality
The ethical and legal duty to protect client records, health information, and photographs from disclosure without written permission. It applies to conversations, files, and social media.
New Jersey State Board
The body that regulates cosmetology and hairstyling licensees under N.J.S.A. 45:5B, sets curriculum and sanitation rules, and may discipline licensees for violations.
Shop license
A license issued by the New Jersey Board to an establishment that meets sanitation and inspection standards. Services may only be performed in a properly licensed shop.