NV Esthetician key terms

A six-level classification of skin based on how it responds to ultraviolet light, ranging from very fair skin that always burns to deeply pigmented skin that rarely burns. Estheticians use it to judge treatment intensity and waxing safety.

The outermost layer of the epidermis, made of flattened, keratin-filled dead cells that form the skin's primary barrier against water loss, microbes, and irritants. Its condition determines how products absorb and how well the skin tolerates exfoliation.

The avascular outer layer of skin where new cells are produced and pushed upward toward the surface. It contains no blood vessels, so it heals without scarring and receives nutrients from the dermis below.

The thicker middle layer of skin holding collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles. It supplies structure and nourishment to the epidermis and is where most visible aging changes occur.

A cell in the basal layer of the epidermis that produces melanin pigment and transfers it to surrounding skin cells. Its activity level, not its number, explains most differences in skin color and tanning response.

The natural pigment produced by melanocytes that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color and helps shield cell nuclei from ultraviolet damage. Uneven distribution or overproduction after injury appears as dark spots.

An oil-producing gland usually attached to a hair follicle that secretes sebum onto the skin surface. Overactive glands contribute to oily skin, congestion, and acne, while underactive glands leave skin dry.

The oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands that lubricates skin and hair and helps retain moisture. Excess sebum combined with dead cells can block follicles and lead to comedones and breakouts.

A blocked hair follicle filled with sebum and dead skin cells. It is called open when the plug is exposed to air and darkens, and closed when skin covers it and it appears as a small bump.

The main structural protein in the dermis, forming fibers that give skin strength and support. Production declines with age and sun exposure, which contributes to laxity and wrinkles.

A protein in the dermis that allows skin to stretch and snap back into shape. Sun damage and aging reduce its effectiveness, leading to sagging and creping.

A tough fibrous protein that fills skin, hair, and nail cells as they mature and die. It makes the outer skin layer water-resistant and gives hair and nails their strength.

The natural shedding of dead cells from the skin's surface as newer cells move upward. Estheticians support this process with exfoliation, but overdoing it can damage the barrier.

The amount of water that evaporates through the skin's surface without sweat gland activity. High loss signals a weakened barrier and shows up as tightness, flaking, or irritation.

Describes an ingredient or product that forms a film on the skin surface to slow water evaporation. Common examples include petrolatum, dimethicone, and heavy oils used on dry or compromised skin.

An ingredient that attracts and holds water in the skin, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or urea. Humectants work best when sealed in with an occlusive layer.

The removal of dead cells from the skin surface by mechanical scrubbing or chemical agents such as alpha hydroxy acids. It improves texture and product absorption but must be matched to skin sensitivity.

A water-soluble acid such as glycolic or lactic acid that loosens the bonds holding dead cells together. It smooths texture and can increase sun sensitivity, so client education and sunscreen matter.

A controlled application of an acid or enzyme solution that removes outer skin layers to improve tone, texture, and pigmentation. Strength, neutralization, and client skin type determine safety and downtime.

The manual removal of comedones or milia using gloved fingers or a properly disinfected extractor. It requires softened skin, gentle pressure, and stopping if inflammation or broken capillaries appear.

Darkened skin that develops after inflammation or injury, such as a picked blemish, wax burn, or aggressive peel. It is more common in deeper skin tones and is managed mainly by prevention.

The first step of a facial, using a product suited to the client's skin type to remove makeup, oil, and surface debris. Proper cleansing prepares skin for analysis and treatment and prevents product interference.

A structured visual and tactile assessment of the client's skin before treatment, noting type, condition, hydration, and contraindications. Findings guide product choice and determine whether treatment should proceed or be modified.

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment inadvisable or requires modification, such as active infection, recent surgery, or certain medications. Estheticians must identify these during consultation and document any decision to decline service.

A small application of a product on a discreet area, such as behind the ear or inner forearm, to check for an allergic reaction before full use. It is especially important for tinting, adhesives, and new wax products.

An immune reaction to a substance that can cause redness, swelling, itching, or hives, sometimes delayed by hours or days. Estheticians must ask about known sensitivities and stop service at the first sign of reaction.

The lowest level of infection control, reducing visible soil and some microbes on surfaces and tools to a safe level. It is required for items that touch only intact skin or the environment, not for items that pierce skin.

The use of an EPA-registered hospital-grade product to destroy most harmful microorganisms on nonporous implements and surfaces. It is required for tools such as tweezers, extractors, and shears between clients.

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually by autoclave or dry heat. It is the standard for implements that penetrate skin or contact blood.

A product carrying an Environmental Protection Agency registration number and label claims for hospital-grade disinfection. Estheticians must follow the label's dilution, contact time, and reuse instructions exactly.

The number of minutes an implement must stay fully submerged or wet with disinfectant for the product to work as labeled. Shortening it leaves surviving microbes and invalidates the disinfection step.

An infection-control approach in which all blood, body fluids, and non-intact skin are treated as potentially infectious regardless of the client's known health status. It drives glove use, handwashing, and safe handling of sharps.

Barriers worn to prevent contact with blood, body fluids, or chemicals, including gloves, eye protection, and aprons. Gloves must be changed between clients and never washed and reused.

A wax that sets without a cloth strip and is removed by lifting an edge once firm. It grips coarse hair well and is gentler on sensitive areas such as the face and bikini line.

A thin, resin-based wax applied in the direction of hair growth and removed with a cloth strip against the growth direction. It is used on larger areas and can remove finer hair.

The repeating phases of growth, transition, and rest that every hair follicle passes through independently. Waxing works best during the active growth phase, which is why regrowth timing varies between clients.

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, when the hair is attached to the follicle and most easily removed with wax. Only a portion of hairs are in this phase at any given time.

A pigmented liquid, cream, or powder product used to even skin tone and create a base for makeup. Shade matching should be done in natural light along the jawline, not on the hand.

The study of how colors relate and neutralize one another, applied to makeup and skin correction. Opposite colors on the wheel cancel each other, so green reduces redness and peach corrects blue-toned darkness.

A concentrated pigmented product used to hide blemishes, redness, or under-eye darkness. It is applied in thin layers after foundation and set with powder to prevent creasing.

The legally permitted range of services and activities an esthetician may perform under a license. Working outside it, such as diagnosing disease or using medical devices, can lead to discipline and endangers clients.

The state agency that licenses estheticians and salons, sets sanitation and practice standards, investigates complaints, and enforces the cosmetology statutes and regulations. Licensees must follow its rules and display their license as required.

The periodic process of paying fees and meeting continuing education or other requirements to keep a license active. Practicing on an expired license is unlawful and may result in fines or reapplication.

A client's voluntary agreement to a service after being told what it involves, its expected results, risks, and alternatives. Documenting consent protects both client and esthetician and supports ethical practice.

A structured conversation before service covering health history, medications, allergies, prior treatments, and goals. It identifies contraindications and sets realistic expectations, forming the basis of professional records.

The ethical and legal duty to keep client health information and personal details private, sharing only what is needed for care. Records should be stored securely and discussed only in appropriate settings.

The transfer of microbes from one person, surface, or object to another through hands, tools, linens, or products. It is prevented by handwashing, disinfection, single-use items, and never double-dipping into products.