VA Esthetician key terms

Outermost layer of the epidermis made of flattened, keratin-filled dead cells; it is the skin's main barrier against water loss, bacteria, and irritants.

Avascular outer layer of skin that continuously renews itself; it contains melanocytes and produces the keratinized cells of the stratum corneum.

Layer beneath the epidermis containing collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles; it provides structural support and nourishment to the epidermis.

Thin, slightly acidic film of sebum and sweat on the skin surface that helps limit bacterial growth and maintain barrier function.

Gland connected to a hair follicle that secretes sebum to lubricate skin and hair; excess activity can contribute to clogged pores.

Pigment made by melanocytes that gives color to skin and hair and provides some protection from ultraviolet radiation.

Classification of skin types I through VI based on how skin responds to ultraviolet exposure; used to estimate burning risk and guide treatment intensity.

Natural shedding of dead cells from the skin's surface; exfoliating treatments speed up this process.

Fibrous protein in the dermis that gives skin strength and firmness; it declines with age and sun damage.

Protein in the dermis that lets skin stretch and return to shape; its loss contributes to sagging and wrinkles.

Describes a substance that tends to clog pores and can contribute to comedones or acne breakouts.

A condition or circumstance that makes a proposed treatment unsafe or inadvisable; it must be identified during the client consultation.

Manual removal of comedones or milia with fingers or an extractor after softening the skin; requires proper sanitation and controlled pressure.

Application of an acid solution to remove outer skin layers; depth depends on the acid, its concentration, and pH.

Mechanical exfoliation that uses abrasive crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to remove dead cells from the skin surface.

Direct electrical current used in facials; the negative pole softens sebum for desincrustation and the positive pole aids product penetration.

Alternating electrical current that produces violet light and ozone; used to warm skin and create an antibacterial effect.

Galvanic treatment using the negative pole to emulsify sebum and soften comedones before extraction.

Active growth phase of a hair follicle; hair is deeply anchored and waxing during this phase may be more uncomfortable.

Resting phase of the hair growth cycle when the hair detaches from the follicle and is easiest to remove.

Removal of hair from below the skin surface along with the root, as done with waxing, sugaring, or threading.

Removal of hair at or just above the skin surface without pulling the root, as with shaving or depilatory creams.

Wax applied warm and removed without a strip; it shrinks around the hair and suits sensitive or coarse areas.

Thin wax applied to skin and removed with a fabric strip; suited to larger areas and finer hair.

Reinserting a used applicator into a wax pot; this contaminates the wax and is prohibited in professional practice.

Hair removal using a paste of sugar, water, and lemon applied against hair growth and removed in the direction of growth.

Synthetic lash bonded to an individual natural lash with cyanoacrylate adhesive; requires isolation of lashes and a patch test.

Small application of a product to skin to detect an allergic reaction before a full service; results are documented.

Chemical service that curls natural lashes using a lifting lotion and neutralizer; it does not add length or volume.

Cleaning process that removes visible dirt and debris and reduces the number of microorganisms on surfaces and tools.

Use of an EPA-registered hospital-grade product to destroy most disease-causing organisms on nonporous implements and surfaces.

Complete destruction of all microorganisms, including spores, usually achieved with an autoclave.

Microorganisms such as hepatitis B and HIV that can be transmitted through blood or body fluids; handled with universal precautions.

Practice of treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious and using gloves and barriers for every client.

Safety Data Sheet; document supplied with a chemical product that explains hazards, safe handling, and first-aid measures.

State regulatory board that licenses estheticians and salons and enforces cosmetology regulations in Virginia.

Legally permitted services and procedures for a licensed esthetician; performing outside it can be unlicensed practice.

Periodic process of maintaining an active license by paying fees and meeting Board requirements before the expiration date.

Approved instructional hours a licensee must complete within a renewal period to keep an active license.

Performing services that require a license without holding a valid one; subject to fines and disciplinary action.