OR Esthetician key terms

The state agency that licenses estheticians and enforces the Oregon laws and rules governing the practice of esthetics, including sanitation, scope of practice, and continuing education requirements.

The legally defined set of services and procedures an esthetician is permitted to perform under their license, such as facials, waxing, and makeup application, but excluding medical treatments like chemical peels beyond a certain depth.

Required ongoing training hours that licensed estheticians must complete to renew their license, ensuring they stay current with industry standards, safety protocols, and Oregon law updates.

The process of cleaning and disinfecting tools, equipment, and surfaces to reduce the number of microorganisms to a safe level, preventing the spread of infection between clients.

Using chemical agents to destroy or inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms on non-living surfaces and implements, such as soaking combs in an EPA-registered disinfectant solution.

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, typically achieved with an autoclave or dry heat sterilizer for items that contact broken skin.

An infection control approach in which all blood and certain body fluids are treated as potentially infectious, requiring the use of gloves and other barriers with every client.

A disinfectant product approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for hospital-grade use, proven effective against specific pathogens when used according to label instructions.

Items such as gloves, masks, and eye protection worn by the esthetician to protect both themselves and the client from exposure to infectious materials and chemicals.

The outermost, avascular layer of the skin that provides a protective barrier and contains keratinocytes, melanocytes, and Langerhans cells; it is the layer most affected by esthetic treatments.

The middle layer of the skin beneath the epidermis, containing collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerves, and glands; it provides structural support and nourishment to the epidermis.

The outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead, flattened keratinized cells that form the skin's primary barrier and are shed regularly through desquamation.

The pigment produced by melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis that gives skin its color and provides some protection against ultraviolet radiation.

A fibrous protein in the dermis that gives skin strength and structure; its breakdown with age and sun exposure leads to wrinkles and sagging.

A protein in the dermis that allows skin to stretch and recoil; loss of elastin contributes to laxity and fine lines.

Oil-producing glands attached to hair follicles that secrete sebum, which lubricates the skin and hair; overactivity contributes to acne and oily skin types.

The classification of skin based on its oil production and hydration levels, typically categorized as normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive.

A temporary or chronic abnormality of the skin such as acne, rosacea, or dehydration, which may require modification of treatment or referral to a medical professional.

The central area of the face including the forehead, nose, and chin, which typically has more active sebaceous glands and may be oilier than the cheeks.

A condition or circumstance that makes a particular treatment inadvisable or unsafe for a client, such as active infection, recent surgery, or allergy to a product ingredient.

A measure of acidity or alkalinity ranging from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral; skin's natural pH is slightly acidic (around 4.5–5.5), and products should support this barrier.

The thin, slightly acidic film on the skin's surface made of sebum and sweat that helps protect against bacteria and environmental damage; disrupted by harsh cleansers.

The removal of dead skin cells from the stratum corneum using mechanical (scrubs, brushes) or chemical (AHAs, BHAs) methods to improve texture and cell turnover.

Water-soluble acids such as glycolic and lactic acid that exfoliate by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, improving texture and hydration; can increase sun sensitivity.

Oil-soluble acids like salicylic acid that penetrate pores to exfoliate inside the follicle, making them useful for oily and acne-prone skin.

Manual manipulation of facial tissues using specific movements to improve circulation, relax muscles, and enhance product absorption; must follow proper direction and pressure for each skin type.

A light, gliding massage stroke used at the beginning and end of a facial massage to warm the skin and apply product; performed with gentle, consistent pressure.

A kneading or compression massage technique that manipulates deeper muscle tissue to relieve tension and improve circulation; used sparingly on the face.

A wax that sets without cloth strips and is removed by hand, gripping hair rather than skin; suitable for sensitive areas like the face and bikini line.

A thin, sticky wax applied in a thin layer and removed with cloth strips; it adheres to both hair and skin and is commonly used on larger areas like legs and arms.

The practice of re-inserting a wax applicator that has touched a client's skin back into the wax pot, which is prohibited in Oregon because it can spread infection.

Conditions that make waxing unsafe, such as use of isotretinoin (Accutane), recent chemical peels, sunburn, active skin infections, or varicose veins in the treatment area.

A synthetic lash adhered to a natural lash with cyanoacrylate glue, requiring proper isolation and careful application to avoid damage to the natural lash and eye irritation.

A preliminary test in which a small amount of product (such as lash adhesive or tint) is applied to a discreet area to check for an allergic reaction before full application.

A cyanoacrylate-based glue used to attach eyelash extensions; it must be used in a well-ventilated area and kept away from the eye itself to prevent injury.

A pre-service conversation to gather health history, identify contraindications, understand client goals, and obtain informed consent before beginning any esthetic treatment.

A client's voluntary agreement to a treatment after being informed of its benefits, risks, alternatives, and the esthetician's scope of practice.

The systematic examination of a client's skin using visual inspection and touch to determine skin type, condition, and appropriate treatment plan.

The principles of conduct that guide estheticians to act with integrity, respect client confidentiality, maintain professional boundaries, and provide honest recommendations.