Glossary of Terms
Below is a Glossary of Terms used in the Esthetician world.
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Atopic Dermatitis
Chronic,relapsing form of allergens trigger reactions that include dry, cracking skin.
Albinism
Rare genetic condition characterized by the lack of melanin pigment in the body including the skin, hair, and eyes
Actinic Keratosis
Pink or flesh-colored precancerous lesions that feel sharp or rough that are a result of sun damage and should be checked by a dermatologist.
Accutane
A Dr prescribed oral medication like retinoic acid, used for severe acne. Remains a controversial drug due to its extreme side effects of birth defects, depression, and other health problems.
Alcohol
Antiseptic and solvent used in perfumes, lotions, and skincare products as astrigents.
Algae
Derived from minerals and plant hormones, revitalizes the skin.
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Basal Cell Carcinoma
Most common yet least severe type of carcinoma; characterized by open sores, reddish patches, or a smooth growth with an elevated border.
Bacteria
Known as microbes or germs. They can exist almost anywhere: on skin, in water, in air, in decayed matter, on environmental surfaces, in body secretions, on clothing, or under free edge of nail. They can only be seen with a microscope.
Benzyl peroxide
Drying ingredient with antibacterial properties commonly used for blemishes and acne.
Binders
Substances such as glycerin that bind, or hold, products together.
Botanicals
Ingredients derived from plants
BHA
Beta hydroxy acid, dissolve oil and are beneficial for oily skin.
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Comedogenic
Tendency for an ingredient to clog follicles and cause a build up of dead skin cells resulting in comedones
Conjunctivitis
Aka PINK EYE; Inflammation around the eye due to chemical, bacterial or viral causes; contagious (Do not go for treatments until healed)
Chloasma
Aka Liver Spots; increased pigmentation from sun exposure or pigmentation from other causes
Contact Dermatitis
Inflammatory skin condition caused by an allergic reaction from contact with a substance or chemical
Couperose skin
redness; distended capillaries from weakening of the capillary walls dehydration
Contraindications
Factors that prohibit a treatment due to a condition; performing treatments could cause harmful or negative side affects to those who have specific medical or skin conditions.
Comedones
Non-inflamed buildup of cells, sebum, and other hair follicles an open comedo or blackhead when open and exposed
Complete immersion
Means there is enough liquid to cover all surfaces of the item being disinfected, including the handles, for the suggest time given on the solution being used.
Chamomile
Plant extract with calming and soothing properties
Cleanser
A product that cleans or removes dirt from your skin. Should help maintain good moisture levels in the skin without stripping natural oils.
Coenzyme Q10
Powerful antioxidant that protects and revitalizes skin cells.
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Dermatology
The branch of medical science that studies and treats the skin and its disorders and diseases
Dermatologist
A physician who treats the disorders and diseases of the skin
Dermatitis
Inflammatory condition of the skin
Disinfection
The process that eliminates most, but not necessarily all, microorganisms on nonporous surfaces, such as instruments or implements.
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EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
Ethics
The moral principles by which we live and work
Echinacea
Derivative of the purple coneflower, prevents infection and has healing properties. Used internally to support the immune system.
Enzyme peels
Products that help dissolve dead skin cells and exfoliates the skin
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Fitzpatrick Scale
Scale used to measure the skin type's ability to tolerate sun exposure.
Fragrance
Substance that gives an odor to a product
Fibroblast
A type of cell found in the connective tissue that is responsible for the formation of fibres
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Gluten
A mixture of proteins derived from wheat and other cereal grains.
Gommage
Exfoliating creams that are rubbed off the skin.
Green tea
Powerful antioxidant and soothing agent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and a stimulant.
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Hyperpigmentation
Discoloration on the skin that may appear brown or darker than your natural skin color, from melanin production due to the sun or other factors.
Hypopigmentation
White, colorless areas on the skin from lack of melanin production
Hydrators
Ingredients that attract water to the skin’s surface
Hypopigmentation
White, colorless areas on the skin from lack of melanin production
Horsechestnut
Also known as Vitamin P. Helps strengthen capillary walls, used for couperose areas or telangiectasia.
Hepatitis
A bloodborne virus that causes disease and can damage the liver.
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Irritation
Usually redness or inflammation, from a variety of causes.
Injectable fillers
substances used in nonsurgical procedures to fill in or plump up areas of the skin. Dermal fillers are injectables.
Infection
The invasion of body tissues by disease causing pathogens
Inflammation
Condition in which the body reacts to injury, irritation, or infection, characterized by redness, heat, pain, and swelling.
Immunity
The ability of the body to destroy and resist infection. Immunity against disease can be either natural or acquired and is a sign of good health.
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Keratosis
Build up of cells which from a rough texture on the skin
Keratin
Fibrous protein of cells that is also the principal component of skin, hair, and nails. Provides resiliency and protection.
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Lipids
Matter that has volume, no definite shape and will take the shape of its container, such as water
Lancets
Used to make punctures; perfect for facial extractions such as removing blackheads and whiteheads
Lactic Acid
The second smallest of the alpha hydroxy acids, frequently used for its moisturizing properties
Lesions
Mark, wound, or abnormality; structural changes in tissues caused by damage or injury
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Melasma
Also referred to as the pregnancy mask; skin condition that is triggered by hormones that cause darker pigmentation in areas such as on the upper lip and around the eyes and cheeks
Masks
Concentrated treatment products often composed of herbs, vitamins, mineral clays, moisturizing agents, skin softeners, aromatherapy oils, beneficial extracts, and other beneficial ingredients to cleanse, exfoliate, tighten, tone, hydrate, and nourish and treat the skin
Microdermabrasion
Form of mechanical exfoliation
Modalities
Currents used in electrical facial and scalp treatments
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Networking
A method of increasing contacts and building relationships to further one’s career
Necrosis
A situation that occurs when a needle is inserted into a blood vessel and a drop of filler material occludes the blood flow to the skin
Non-ablative
Procedure that does not remove tissue, wrinkle treatments that bypass the epidermis to stimulate collagen in the dermis for wrinkle reduction are non-ablative
Non-pathogenic
Harmless microorganisms that may perform useful functions and are safe to come in contact with since they do not cause disease or harm
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Oxidation
Either the addition of oxygen or loss of hydrogen; a chemical reaction that combines a substance with oxygen to produce an oxide
Oil-soluble
Compatible with oil
Olfactory system
Gives us our sense of smell, which is the strongest of the five senses
OHM
(O) unit that measures the resistance of an electric current
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Pigmentation
Refers to the colouring of the skin. Skin pigmentation disorders cause changes to the colour of your skin. Melanin is made by cells in the skin’s colour
Paraffin wax masks
Mask used to warm the skin and promote penetration of ingredients through the heat trapped under the surface of the paraffin
PH
The abbreviation for potential hydrogen; relative degree of acidity and alkalinity of a substance. PH represents the quantity of hydrogen ions
Pathogenic
Harmful microorganisms that can cause disease or infection in humans when they invade the body
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Q-Switched Laser
Creates an invisible beam of light that specifically targets the brown pigment or melanin present in the dark spots without having any effect on the surrounding skin
Quats
Quaternary ammonium compounds, disinfectants that are very effective when used properly in the salon
Questionnaire
(intake form), form that provides the esthetician with a complete client profile, including important information about a client’s skin care habits and health
Quota
A method for gauging the amount of sales and targeting production levels
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Retinol
Natural form of Vitamin A; stimulates cell repair and helps to normalize skin cells by generating new cells
Rotary brush
Machine used to lightly exfoliate and stimulate the skin; also helps soften excess oil, dirt, and cell buildup
Radio frequency
The oscillation rate of an alternating electric current or voltage or of a magnetic, electric or electromagnetic field or mechanical system in the frequency range from around 20 KHz to around 300 GHz
Rosacea
Chronic condition that appears primarily on the cheeks and nose and it’s characterized by flushing (redness), telangiectasis, and in some cases the formation of papules and pustules
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Service procedure
Organized step-by-step plan for accomplishing the actual services the client has requested such as a basic facial, hair removal, or makeup application.
Subcutaneous layer
(hypodermis), tissue located beneath the dermis; protective cushion and energy storage for the body
Sunscreen Protection Factor
(SPF), ability of a product to delay sun-induced erythema, the visible sign of sun damage
Skin Types
Classification that describes a person’s genetic skin type
Serums
Concentrated liquid ingredients for the skin designed to penetrate and treat various skin conditions
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Telangiectasia
Capillaries that have been damaged and are now larger, or distended blood vessels; commonly called couperose skin
Telogen phase
Also known as the resting phase; the final phase in the hair cycle that lasts until the fully grown hair is shed
Toners
Also known as fresheners or astringents; liquids designed to tone and tighten the skins surface
Tea Tree
Soothing and antiseptic; antifungal properties
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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Invisible rays that have short wavelengths, are the least penetrating rays, produce chemical effects, and kills germs
Ulcer
Open lesion on the skin or mucous membrane of the body, accompanied by pus and loss of skin depth. A deep erosion; a depression in the skin, normally due to infection or cancer
Up-selling services
The practice of recommending or selling additional services to clients that may be performed by you or other practitioners in the salon
Urea
Properties include enhancing the penetration abilities of other substances; anti-inflammatory; antiseptic, and deodorizing action that protects the skin’s surface and helps maintain healthy skin
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Vitiligo
Pigmentation disease characterized by white patches on the skin from lack of pigment cells; sunlight makes it worse
Vacuum machine
(suction machine), device that vacuums/suctions the skin to remove impurities and stimulate circulation
Vehicles
Spreading agents and ingredients that carry or deliver other ingredients into the skin and make them more effective
Verruca
(wart), hypertrophy of the papillae and epidermis caused by a virus. It is infectious and contagious
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Wavelength
distance between two successive peaks of electromagnetic waves
Witch hazel
extracted from the bark of the hamamelis shrub; can be a soothing agent or, in higher concentrations, an astringent
Water soluble
mixable with water
White head
mass of hardened sebum and skin cells in a hair follicle; closed comedos that are blocked and do not have a follicular opening
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Xanthan gum
Common ingredient found in gellants/thickeners
Xylem
The tissue of vascular plants that transports water and nutrients from the soil to the stems and leaves
X-ray
Rarely called X-radiation, is a penetrating form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation
Xiang Mao
Essential oil used to hydrate and moisturize the skin
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Yellow light
A light-emitting diode which aids in reducing inflammation and swelling
Ylang ylang
Essential oil with euphoric and relaxing properties
Yoga
A group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India
Yantra
A geometric symbol that represents a primal sound or syllable
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Zinc
Trace mineral; important for protein synthesis and collagen formation; also promotes wound healing and helps the immune system
Zinc oxide
Inorganic physical sunscreen that reflects UVA radiation; also used to protect, soothe, and heal the skin
Zygomatic bones
Bones that form the prominence of the cheeks; the cheekbones
Zithromax Z Pak
A wide spectrum antibiotic that is derived from erythromycin. It is highly effective against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium frequently living on the skin or in the nose of a healthy person, which can cause a wide range of skin infections
Zygote
A diploid cell produced by the fusion of an egg and sperm; a fertilized egg cell