PA Esthetician key terms

A process that uses chemicals to destroy most harmful microorganisms on nonporous tools and surfaces, but not bacterial spores. In salons it is used for implements such as tweezers, combs, and clipper blades after cleaning.

The highest level of microbial control, using heat, steam, or chemicals to destroy all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on an object. It is required for items that may contact broken skin or blood.

Bacteria that cause disease in humans. In a salon they can be spread by unwashed hands, dirty implements, or contaminated towels, which is why proper handwashing and tool sanitation matter.

Viruses and other organisms carried in blood that can cause illness, such as hepatitis B and HIV. Estheticians avoid exposure by wearing gloves and handling sharps and contaminated linens safely.

A standardized document supplied by a product manufacturer that lists a chemical's hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures, and storage requirements. Salons keep one for every professional product on site.

The outermost, avascular layer of the skin. It is built of stratified epithelial cells, provides a waterproof barrier, and contains melanocytes that produce pigment.

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

The outermost sublayer of the epidermis, made of flattened, dead keratin-filled cells that shed continuously. It is the skin's main barrier against water loss and irritants.

A pigment-producing cell located in the basal layer of the epidermis. It makes melanin, which gives skin, hair, and eyes their color and helps protect cells from ultraviolet damage.

A small gland attached to a hair follicle that secretes sebum, an oily substance that lubricates skin and hair. Overactive glands contribute to oily skin and acne.

A massage stroke that glides smoothly over the skin with light, even pressure. Estheticians use it to begin and end a facial, to apply product, and to promote relaxation and circulation.

A kneading or squeezing massage movement that lifts and compresses muscle and soft tissue. It is used on areas such as the shoulders and back to relieve tension and improve circulation.

A brisk, rhythmic massage movement of light tapping, hacking, or slapping with the hands. It stimulates circulation and is applied briefly, usually near the end of a massage.

Removing comedones or clogged pores by pressing gently with fingers wrapped in tissue or with a comedo extractor. The skin is usually softened first, and the technique must avoid bruising.

The body system made up of skin, hair, nails, and related glands. It protects the body, regulates temperature, senses touch, and helps produce vitamin D.

A sweat gland located in the dermis that releases perspiration through a pore onto the skin surface. Sweating cools the body and helps eliminate small amounts of waste.

A tiny band of muscle attached to each hair follicle. When it contracts, the hair stands up and the skin forms goose bumps, usually in response to cold or emotion.

The active growth stage of a hair's life cycle, when the follicle produces new hair. Waxing is most effective during this phase because the hair is firmly anchored with a well-formed bulb.

A wax applied warm and removed without a cloth strip. It shrink-wraps the hair, is used for sensitive or coarse areas, and is less likely to irritate skin than soft wax.

A chemical product, usually containing thioglycolate, that dissolves hair at or just below the skin surface. It is fast and painless, but results are short-lived and a patch test is needed.

Inflammation of a hair follicle, appearing as small red bumps or pustules. It can follow waxing or shaving and may indicate infection, so treatment should wait until it clears.

A small amount of product applied to a hidden area of skin and observed for 24 to 48 hours before full use. It reveals allergic or irritant reactions, especially to dyes, adhesives, and depilatories.

A tinted cosmetic applied over the face to even out skin tone and create a smooth base for other makeup. It comes in varied shades, finishes, and coverage levels.

Measuring the brows with a pencil or tool relative to the nose, iris, and brow bone to determine where the brow should start, arch, and end. It guides shaping for symmetry.

A fast-curing glue, typically containing cyanoacrylate, that bonds a synthetic lash to a natural lash. Proper ventilation, careful isolation, and client screening prevent irritation and damage.

A scale from 0 to 14 that measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. Skin is slightly acidic near 5.5, and products with extreme pH can disrupt the barrier.

A molecule with a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail that allows water and oil to mix. Cleansers use surfactants to lift dirt and sebum so they can be rinsed away.

An ingredient that attracts and holds water in the skin, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. It helps keep skin hydrated and is common in moisturizers and serums.

A water-soluble acid, such as glycolic or lactic acid, used to loosen the bonds holding dead surface cells together. AHAs smooth texture but increase sun sensitivity.

Describes a product or ingredient with a tendency to clog pores and contribute to comedone formation. Estheticians choose noncomedogenic products for acne-prone clients.

A direct electrical current that produces a chemical reaction on the skin. Depending on polarity, it drives water-soluble products in or pushes debris out during desincrustation.

An electrical facial technique that uses galvanic current and an alkaline solution to soften and emulsify sebum and debris in the pores before extractions.

An alternating current delivered through a glass electrode that produces ozone and a mild warming effect. It is used on oily or acne-prone skin and to aid product penetration.

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable for a client, such as pregnancy, active infection, or a recent chemical peel. Finding these during consultation prevents harm.

A six-point classification of how skin responds to ultraviolet light, ranging from very light to deeply pigmented. Estheticians use it to judge burning risk and plan safe treatments.

The client's voluntary agreement to a service after being told its purpose, benefits, risks, and alternatives. Documenting it protects both the client and the practitioner.

A structured examination of the client's skin using observation and touch to identify skin type, concerns, and areas needing special care. Findings guide product and treatment choices.

The regulatory body that licenses estheticians and salons in Pennsylvania, sets sanitation and practice standards, and investigates complaints and violations.

The specific services and techniques a licensed esthetician is legally permitted to perform. Working outside it, such as diagnosing disease, can lead to discipline or license loss.

The ethical and legal duty to keep a client's personal, health, and treatment information private, sharing it only with the client's permission or as required by law.