PA Esthetician flashcards

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

Hospital-grade disinfectant

EPA-registered product labeled bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal and pseudomonacidal; implements are immersed for the label contact time after cleaning and rinsing.

Sanitation versus disinfection

Sanitation reduces pathogens on surfaces by cleaning; disinfection destroys most pathogenic organisms on implements; sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores and is not standard for esthetic tools.

Cocci, bacilli, spirilla

Three bacterial shapes: cocci are round, bacilli are rod-shaped and spirilla are spiral; pathogenic forms can cause infection and require disinfection of all contact surfaces.

Safety Data Sheet purpose

OSHA-required document listing hazards, first aid, handling and disposal information for a product; it replaces the MSDS and must be accessible in the salon.

Stratum basale function

Deepest epidermal layer where keratinocytes divide and migrate upward; melanocytes here produce melanin that colors skin and hair and shields cell nuclei from UV damage.

Acid mantle pH

Thin film on the skin surface with a pH of about 4.5 to 5.5; its mild acidity inhibits bacteria and helps the skin hold moisture.

Papillary versus reticular dermis

Papillary is the thin upper dermis with capillary loops feeding the epidermis; reticular is the deeper, thicker layer of collagen and elastin bundles providing strength and elasticity.

ABCDE melanoma warning signs

Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6 mm, Evolving size or shape; any lesion with these features is referred to a physician, never treated.

Effleurage massage movement

Light, continuous gliding strokes with palms and fingers used at the start and end of a facial massage to improve circulation and relax the client.

Petrissage technique

Kneading and squeezing movements that compress soft tissue; used on face, neck and shoulders to stimulate deeper circulation and release tension.

Clay mask indication

Absorbent mask that pulls excess sebum and temporarily tightens pores; suited to oily and combination skin, avoided on dry or dehydrated skin.

Trigeminal nerve role

Fifth cranial nerve; the chief sensory nerve of the face, carrying sensation from facial skin and teeth, with motor fibers to the muscles of mastication.

Facial nerve role

Seventh cranial nerve; the chief motor nerve of the face, controlling the muscles of facial expression such as frontalis, orbicularis oculi and orbicularis oris.

Masseter muscle

Muscle of mastication running from the zygomatic arch to the mandible; it closes the jaw and is frequently massaged during facial treatments.

Anagen growth phase

Active growth phase of the hair follicle in which the hair stays attached to the bulb; it lasts two to six years and waxing is most effective during this stage.

Thioglycolate depilatory action

Chemical depilatories use thioglycolate at a high pH to break disulfide bonds in keratin, dissolving hair at the surface without removing the root.

Waxing and isotretinoin

Isotretinoin (Accutane) makes skin fragile and prone to tearing; waxing is postponed until at least six months after the final dose.

Patch test for lash adhesive

Cyanoacrylate lash adhesives can sensitize skin; a small drop is applied behind the ear or inner elbow and checked after 24 to 48 hours before full application.

Warm versus cool undertone

Warm undertones show yellow, peach or golden hues and match warm-labeled foundation; cool undertones show pink or bluish hues and match cool or neutral shades.

C curl versus D curl

Lash curl grades run from J (straightest) through B, C and D (most dramatic lift); C suits most eyes while D flatters round or downward-pointing eyes.

Surfactant function

Molecule with a water-loving head and oil-loving tail that lifts oils, debris and makeup so water can rinse them away; the basis of cleansers.

Oil-in-water emulsion

Oil-in-water emulsions disperse oil droplets in water and feel light and non-greasy; water-in-oil emulsions feel richer and suit dry skin.

Ingredient listing order

On cosmetic labels ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration; those present at 1 percent or less may appear in any order after that point.

Galvanic current uses

Direct current used for iontophoresis, which pushes water-soluble products into skin, and desincrustation, which softens sebum before extractions.

High frequency current

Alternating current delivered through a glass electrode; it produces ozone and warmth and is used on oily, acne-prone skin and to speed healing.

Pacemaker contraindication

Clients with a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or pregnancy should not receive galvanic, microcurrent or other electrical facial treatments because current can interfere.

Fitzpatrick skin type scale

Six-category classification of skin reaction to ultraviolet exposure, from type I (always burns, never tans) to type VI (deeply pigmented, rarely burns).

Primary versus secondary lesion

Primary lesions such as macule, papule, pustule, nodule, cyst and wheal are the first structural changes; secondary lesions such as crust, scale, scar and fissure result from their alteration.

Informed consent purpose

Written client agreement obtained after the esthetician explains the procedure, expected results, risks and alternatives; it documents the consultation and protects both parties.

Pennsylvania Board of Cosmetology

Board within Pennsylvania's Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, that licenses and disciplines cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians and teachers.

Pennsylvania esthetician scope

Pennsylvania estheticians may perform skin care, makeup and hair removal; cutting, coloring, relaxing and chemically waving hair require a cosmetology license.

Pennsylvania esthetician training hours

Pennsylvania requires 300 hours of study in a licensed school for esthetician licensure, compared with 1,250 hours for a cosmetologist and 200 for a nail technician.