NM Esthetician key terms

Using an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant to destroy most bacteria, fungi, and viruses on hard, nonporous surfaces and tools after cleaning; it does not reliably kill bacterial spores.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on an implement; in salons it is typically done with an autoclave using steam under pressure after the item has been cleaned.

The lowest level of infection control: cleaning with soap or detergent and water to physically remove dirt, debris, and many microorganisms from surfaces, linens, and hands before a higher-level process is used.

The transfer of pathogens from one person, tool, or surface to another, often by hands, towels, or implements that were not cleaned and disinfected between clients.

Treating all blood, body fluids, and moist skin lesions as if infectious and wearing barriers accordingly, regardless of whether a client appears healthy or discloses an illness.

A standardized document from a product manufacturer listing a chemical's hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures, and storage requirements; salons must keep one accessible for each hazardous product on site.

Barriers such as disposable gloves, goggles, masks, and aprons worn to protect the esthetician and client from contact with blood, body fluids, and chemicals during treatments.

The outermost, avascular layer of skin that constantly renews itself; it provides the barrier against water loss, irritants, and microorganisms and is the layer most products and superficial treatments affect.

The thicker layer beneath the epidermis containing collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles; it gives skin strength and elasticity and is the target of deeper treatments.

The topmost sublayer of the epidermis, made of flattened, keratin-filled cells that form the skin's main protective barrier and are shed through normal exfoliation.

The slightly acidic film of sebum and sweat on the skin's surface, around pH 4.5 to 5.5, that helps suppress harmful bacteria and keeps the barrier intact.

An oily substance produced by sebaceous glands that lubricates skin and hair, helps retain moisture, and, when overproduced or trapped, contributes to comedones and acne.

A six-point classification of how skin responds to ultraviolet light, from very fair (always burns) to deeply pigmented (rarely burns); it is used to gauge sun sensitivity and treatment risk.

The amount of water that evaporates through the skin's surface; higher loss signals a compromised barrier, often from over-exfoliation, dryness, or irritation.

A pore blocked by a plug of sebum and dead keratin cells; open comedones (blackheads) are dark at the surface, while closed comedones (whiteheads) stay beneath the skin.

A condition, medication, or circumstance that makes a treatment inadvisable or unsafe for a particular client, such as pregnancy with certain ingredients or irritated skin before waxing.

A small, controlled application of a product on a discreet area, usually 24 to 48 hours before the service, to check whether the client reacts before full use.

The client's voluntary agreement to a service after being told what it involves, its benefits, risks, and alternatives, documented with a signature before treatment begins.

A questionnaire completed before service that records the client's health history, medications, allergies, prior treatments, and goals so the esthetician can plan safely.

A filtered ultraviolet light used in skin analysis; it makes certain conditions visible through fluorescence, helping distinguish dehydration, oiliness, pigmentation, and some bacterial or fungal issues.

A written schedule of services, home care, and expected outcomes tailored to the client's goals, skin condition, budget, and time frame, revised as the skin responds.

Removing dead cells from the skin's surface by mechanical means such as scrubs and brushes or chemical means such as acids and enzymes, revealing smoother skin and improving product penetration.

Application of an acid or enzyme solution that dissolves part of the skin's surface layers to improve texture, tone, and breakouts; strength and depth determine risk and downtime.

Manual removal of comedones, milia, or congestion from pores using gentle pressure with fingers wrapped in tissue or a comedone extractor after the skin has been softened and prepped.

A stripless wax applied in a thick layer that shrink-wraps hair as it cools and is lifted off without cloth, making it gentler for sensitive areas like the brows and bikini.

A thin wax applied with a spatula and removed with a cloth strip against the direction of hair growth; it is fast for large areas such as legs but can be harsher on delicate skin.

The active growth phase of the hair follicle, when hair is attached to the blood supply and is strongest; waxing removes hair most effectively when follicles are in this phase.

A galvanic treatment that softens sebum and keratin plugs in congested pores using a negative-pole current and an alkaline solution, preparing the skin for easier extraction.

A tinted cosmetic applied over the face to even skin tone, cover minor imperfections, and create a smooth base for other makeup; formulas range from sheer to full coverage.

Neutralizing an unwanted undertone, such as redness or darkness, with a complementary-colored concealer or primer before foundation so the final look appears even.

A more opaque cosmetic used in small amounts to hide blemishes, dark circles, and discoloration, usually applied after or blended with foundation.

A mechanical exfoliation treatment that passes a stream of fine crystals or a diamond-tipped wand over the skin to remove the top layer and improve texture and tone.

Use of non-thermal light-emitting diodes in specific wavelengths, such as blue for bacteria and red for inflammation and healing, applied to the skin as a calming add-on treatment.

A direct electrical current used in facials; the negative pole pushes water-soluble products in and softens sebum, while the positive pole tightens and draws impurities out.

The use of small amounts of essential oils, diluted in carrier oil or added to compresses and massage products, for their scent and soothing effects during a treatment.

Individual synthetic hairs bonded to natural lashes with adhesive to add length and fullness; application requires isolating each lash and patch testing for adhesive allergy.

The set of services an esthetician is legally licensed to perform under New Mexico rules, such as facials, waxing, and makeup, excluding medical procedures reserved for physicians or nurses.

Setting the fee for a treatment by covering product cost, the esthetician's time, overhead, and profit so the price is both competitive and sustainable.

Tracking product quantities, ordering at set minimum levels, and rotating stock first-in-first-out so supplies stay fresh and treatments are never interrupted by shortages.

Keeping intake forms, consent documents, and service notes for the period required by state rules and good practice, so past treatments can be reviewed and reactions or disputes investigated.