OH Esthetician key terms

The use of a chemical product registered with the EPA to destroy most pathogenic microorganisms on nonporous implements and surfaces, except bacterial spores. In Ohio salons it is required for items that contact skin or are contaminated.

A process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually through an autoclave using steam under pressure. Estheticians rarely perform it, but must know it is a higher level of control than disinfection.

The lowest level of infection control: cleaning and reducing the number of microorganisms on surfaces and tools with soap, water, and detergents. It is performed before disinfection and does not destroy pathogens on its own.

A hospital-grade or salon-grade product carrying an Environmental Protection Agency registration number on its label, proven effective against specific organisms when used at the correct dilution and contact time. Ohio rules require its use on implements.

The number of minutes a disinfectant must stay wet on a surface or tool to kill the organisms listed on its label. Cutting contact time short makes disinfection ineffective even if the product is correct.

A device that sterilizes metal implements using high-pressure steam. Items must first be cleaned, dried, and placed in sterilization pouches; the machine requires regular spore testing to confirm it is working.

A document, now called a Safety Data Sheet, supplied by a product manufacturer that lists hazardous ingredients, safe handling, first-aid measures, and storage requirements. Ohio workplaces must keep these accessible to employees.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the federal agency that sets workplace safety standards, including the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requiring gloves, handwashing, and exposure control plans in salons.

A practice of treating all blood, body fluids, and non-intact skin as potentially infectious regardless of a client's known health status. It drives glove use, handwashing, and safe handling of sharp or contaminated items.

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

The topmost layer of the epidermis, composed of flattened, dead keratin-filled cells that form the skin's protective barrier. Products are formulated to penetrate or sit on this layer depending on their purpose.

The thicker layer beneath the epidermis containing collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles. It supplies nutrients to the epidermis and gives skin its strength and elasticity.

A cell in the basal layer of the epidermis that produces melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color and helps shield against ultraviolet radiation. Activity varies among individuals and is influenced by sun exposure.

A gland usually attached to a hair follicle that secretes sebum, an oily substance that lubricates skin and hair. Overactivity contributes to oily skin and acne; activity is influenced by hormones.

The passive loss of water vapor through the skin barrier. Elevated TEWL signals a compromised barrier, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and irritation; humectants and occlusives are used to reduce it.

A six-point scale classifying skin by its response to ultraviolet exposure, from type I (very fair, always burns) to type VI (deeply pigmented, rarely burns). It guides sun protection advice and treatment intensity.

A structured visual and tactile assessment of a client's skin performed under proper lighting, noting skin type, hydration, texture, pore size, pigmentation, and any lesions or contraindications before choosing a treatment plan.

An ultraviolet light device used during skin analysis to reveal conditions not visible in normal light, such as dehydration, sun damage, or bacterial and fungal presence, each showing characteristic fluorescence colors.

Describes an ingredient or product with a tendency to clog pores and contribute to comedones. Estheticians recommend non-comedogenic products for acne-prone and oily skin.

Any condition, medication, or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable for a client, such as active infection, recent surgery, or use of isotretinoin. Identifying these protects both client and practitioner.

A client's voluntary agreement to a treatment after being told its purpose, steps, expected sensations, risks, and alternatives. It is documented in the client record and obtained before service begins.

A questionnaire completed before service that records health history, medications, allergies, prior treatments, and skin concerns. It supports safe treatment planning and becomes part of the confidential client record.

A documentation format recording Subjective information from the client, Objective observations, Assessment of the skin, and the Plan or products used. Consistent notes support continuity of care and defensible records.

Removal of dead cells from the skin's surface, achieved mechanically with scrubs or brushes or chemically with acids and enzymes. Overuse damages the barrier, so frequency and strength must match the client's skin.

Manual removal of comedones or milia using gloved fingers or a comedone extractor after softening the skin with steam or a desincrustation product. It is avoided over inflamed lesions to prevent scarring and spread of bacteria.

A deep-cleansing facial technique that uses a galvanic current with an alkaline product to soften sebum and debris in follicles, preparing skin for extraction. It is not performed on clients with certain medical devices or conditions.

A direct electrical current used in facials: desincrustation uses the negative pole to soften sebum, while iontophoresis uses the positive pole to push water-soluble products into the skin. Contraindications include pregnancy and electrical implants.

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, when hair is produced and the follicle is deepest. Hair removal is most effective during this phase because the bulb and blood supply are fully present.

The resting stage of the hair cycle, when growth stops and the hair is eventually shed. Hair removed during this phase may regrow sooner because the follicle is not actively producing new fiber.

A temporary hair removal method using warm or hard wax applied against hair growth and removed with the grain. It requires a patch test, careful temperature control, and avoidance over irritated or recently treated skin.

A small application of a product on a discreet area to check for allergic or irritant reaction before full treatment. It is especially important for tinting, waxing, and new product lines.

The study of how colors relate and neutralize one another, applied in makeup to correct discoloration: green cancels redness, peach or orange cancels blue tones, and yellow cancels purple. Correctors are applied before foundation.

A pigmented product used under foundation to neutralize unwanted undertones, such as green for redness or peach for dark circles. Correctors are applied sparingly and only where needed.

A measure from 0 to 14 of acidity or alkalinity, with 7 neutral. Skin's acid mantle sits near pH 4.5 to 5.5; products far outside this range can disrupt the barrier and cause irritation.

The slightly acidic film of sebum and sweat on the skin's surface that discourages harmful bacteria and supports barrier function. Alkaline cleansers can strip it, leaving skin tight and vulnerable.

A water-soluble acid such as glycolic or lactic acid that loosens the bonds between dead surface cells, promoting exfoliation and smoother texture. Effects depend on concentration and pH, and sun protection is essential afterward.

An ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water in the skin, improving hydration. Humectants work best when paired with an occlusive to prevent moisture from evaporating.

The state agency that licenses estheticians and salons, sets sanitation and practice rules, and investigates complaints. Licensees must comply with its administrative code and display their license as required.

The legally defined set of services and techniques an esthetician may perform under state law. Working outside it, such as diagnosing disease or performing medical treatments, risks discipline and endangers clients.

Required coursework licensees complete to renew their Ohio license, covering topics such as sanitation, safety, and updated techniques. Documentation must be retained in case of audit.

An inflammatory skin condition involving plugged follicles, excess sebum, and bacterial activity, appearing as comedones, papules, or pustules. Estheticians manage mild cases and refer severe or cystic forms to a physician.

Darkened patches left after inflammation or injury to the skin, more common in deeper skin tones. Aggressive extractions or treatments can worsen it, so gentle technique and sun protection are emphasized.