Study Guide 2025 - Cosmetology and Skin Care

Key Roles and Definitions

Esthetician

• Licensed skin care professional improving health and appearance of skin.
• Also known as skin care specialists or facialists.

Regulations and Requirements

General Facility Guidelines

• Drinking Fountains: Not allowed in restrooms of cosmetology establishments.
• Chemical Waste: Must be in a closed container; disposed of in fire-retardant container daily.
• Waste Containers: Must be kept clean.
• Plumbing: Permanent plumbing must provide hot and cold water at all times.

Linen and Towel Management

• Used towels/linens must be deposited in designated receptacles and laundered.
• Cannot be stored in restrooms or reused without proper sanitation.

Supplies and Equipment

• Single-use Items: Must be disposed of after use.
• Reusable Items: e.g., scissors, can be sanitized and reused.
• Labeling: All bottles and containers must be correctly labeled.

Licensing and Legal Requirements

• License Display: Must be visible at workstation.
• Late Fees: $20 per month for late renewal.
• Working with Expired Licenses: Prohibited; first offense fine is $200.

Hygiene and Safety

• Outer Garments: Must be clean and cover torso.
• Hand Washing: Required before and after serving clients.
• Disinfection: Instruments dropped on floor must be disinfected before reuse.

Infection Control and Safety Standards

Federal Agencies

• OSHA: Enforces safety and health standards.
• EPA: Approves infection control measures.
• SDS: Provides product safety information.

Disinfection and Sterilization

• Methods: Cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization.
• Autoclave: Used for sterilization.
• Disinfectants: Must follow specific contact times and ratios.

Disease and Disorder Identification

Skin Lesions

• Primary Lesions: Different color/raised; may require medical referral.
• Examples: Bulla, cyst, macule, nodule.
• Secondary Lesions: Include crusts, scars, ulcers.

Common Skin Conditions

• Acne: Inflammation of sebaceous glands.
• Rosacea: Chronic redness and irritation.

Structural Understanding of Skin

Skin Layers

• Epidermis: Outermost layer with multiple sublayers.
• Dermis: Contains blood vessels, nerves, glands.
• Subcutaneous Layer: Provides insulation and energy.

Hair and Glands

• Sebaceous Glands: Produce sebum.
• Sweat Glands: Regulate temperature and excrete waste.

Chemistry and Chemical Safety

Basic Concepts

• Matter: Occupies space, has mass.
• Energy: No mass, occupies no space.
• Elements: Basic building blocks.

Chemical and Physical Properties

• Physical Changes: Alter form but not substance.
• Chemical Changes: Alter chemical structure.

Mixtures and Compounds

• Pure Substances: Uniform composition.
• Mixtures: Can be uniform or non-uniform.

Surfactants and Emulsions

• Surfactants: Have hydrophilic and lipophilic properties.
• Emulsions: Mixtures of oil and water stabilized by emulsifiers.

pH and Ionization

• pH: Measure of hydrogen ion concentration.
• Ionization: Temporary separation into ions.

These notes provide a comprehensive guide to important topics covered in the cosmetology and esthetics field, focusing on regulations, safety, hygiene, disease and disorder understanding, skin structure, and chemistry fundamentals.