Body Treatment, Exfoliation, Paraffin Wax, Electrotherapy & Nutrition (Lecture Notes)

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering body treatment topics (body scrubs, mechanical/chemical exfoliation, dry brushing, paraffin wax), safety, contraindications, and introduction to electrotherapy modalities, plus nutrition and skin physiology concepts discussed in the lecture.

What is a body scrub?

A spa service using a mechanical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and dirt from the skin’s surface, using abrasive particles like salt, sugar, or coffee grounds, massaged into the skin.

Name three common abrasive particles used in body scrubs.

Salt, sugar, and coffee grounds (sometimes leaves or shells).

What are the potential benefits of body scrubs beyond exfoliation?

Stimulates natural healing, encourages cell renewal, eliminates excess fluids and bloating, and leaves skin supple and glowing.

What are the main types of body scrubs described?

Sugar scrubs, salt scrubs, and coffee scrubs.

What is mechanical exfoliation?

Physical removal of dead skin cells with an abrasive agent or tool (e.g., salt glow, body scrub, skin brushing).

What is chemical exfoliation?

Exfoliation using alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to dissolve outer skin layers.

How do AHAs and BHAs differ in penetration depth?

AHAs are water-soluble and penetrate less deeply; BHAs are oil-soluble and can penetrate deeper.

List at least two benefits of a body scrub.

Improved product absorption and textural skin improvement; unclogged pores; enhanced circulation; relaxation.

What are the steps to perform a body scrub in order?

1) Client showers, 2) Apply scrub to damp skin, 3) Massage in circular motions toward the heart, 4) Rinse, 5) Apply oil/cream for moisture (can be done twice a month).

What safety checks should be done before a body scrub?

Check contraindications, ensure the skin is moist enough for slip, and ensure the scrub has adequate slip (oil).

What is dry brushing?

Exfoliating the skin with a natural bristled brush while the skin is dry, usually before showering.

How should you dry brush properly?

Use a natural bristled brush on completely dry skin, apply slightly firm pressure, start at the ankle, brush in long circular motions toward the heart, and clean the brush after each use.

Which body areas are commonly brushed in dry brushing examples?

Jawline, neck, collarbone, armpit, inside elbow, groin, behind knee.

What are the benefits of dry brushing?

Increases blood circulation, promotes lymph drainage, unclogs pores, reduces cellulite, stimulates the nervous system, aids relaxation.

What is paraffin wax treatment?

A heat therapy using paraffin wax (low-melting, white odorless wax) melted into a warm liquid to provide thermotherapy and moisturize skin.

What are common contraindications for paraffin wax?

Poor circulation, numbness, diabetes, cuts/trauma, dilated capillaries, metal implants/pins, sensitive skin, claustrophobia.

How is paraffin wax typically applied?

Dip the hands/feet into warm wax or apply with a brush, then wrap with plastic and a towel; leave for about 10 minutes before removing wrap.

What is the main reason paraffin wax works well for therapy?

The heat provides thermotherapy, helping to relax and moisturize tissues.

Name three main electrical modalities used in cosmetology.

Galvanic current, Microcurrent, and Tesla high-frequency current.

What are the roles of the positive and negative poles in galvanic current?

Positive pole (anode) creates an acidic reaction, tightens skin, and promotes iontophoresis; negative pole (cathode) creates an alkaline reaction, desincrustation, and softens pores.

What is iontophoresis in galvanic treatment?

Infusing water-soluble products into the skin using electric current, guided by the polarity used.

What is cataphoresis?

Infusing acidic products into deeper tissues using galvanic current, typically from the positive to the negative pole.

What is desincrustation?

Softening and emulsifying oil deposits and blackheads in hair follicles using an alkaline reaction.

What is desincrustation solution example given in the notes?

Distilled water, baking soda, glycerin.

What is microcurrent and its primary purpose?

A low-level electrical current device that tones, tightens, and rejuvenates facial muscles and skin; non-invasive with no downtime.

What are some microcurrent contraindications mentioned?

Active infections/open wounds, severe acne, epilepsy or seizures.

What is Tesla high-frequency current used for?

A violet ray current used for scalp and facial treatments; produces heat and stimulates or soothes depending on application.

What are some benefits of high-frequency (Tesla) current?

Stimulates blood flow, increases elimination/absorption, boosts skin metabolism, kills bacteria, relieves congestion.

What safety step is advised before using high-frequency equipment?

Remove all metal jewelry from the client; ozone smell is normal and not harmful.

What is light therapy in skincare?

Application of light rays to the skin to treat wrinkles, capillaries, pigmentation, or hair removal; lasers focus light to a depth, while other therapies have multiple depths and colors.

What are common LED light colors and their skin effects?

Blue reduces acne; Red increases circulation and collagen production; Yellow reduces swelling; Green reduces hyperpigmentation.

What are infrared light therapies used for?

Pain relief, healing, and relaxation; infrared lamps heat tissue to promote circulation and reduce inflammation.

What is a Wood’s lamp used for in skin care?

A UV-A flashlight used to identify skin conditions by fluorescence on the skin.

What fluorescence indicates healthy skin vs. hyperpigmentation in Wood’s lamp findings?

Normal/healthy skin shows blue-white; hyperpigmentation shows brown; oily areas/comedones show orange/pink; dehydration shows light violet.

What are the six classes of nutrients essential for skin health?

Carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.

What is the role of Vitamin C in skin health?

Important for repair, collagen production, and fighting aging; aids healing.

What is the role of Vitamin A in skin health?

Supports skin health, elasticity, and thickness.

What is the role of Vitamin D in skin health?

Enables calcium absorption and promotes rapid skin healing.

What is the role of Vitamin E in skin health?

Protects skin from UV damage; may aid healing when taken orally.

Why is MyPlate/USDA guidance mentioned in these notes?

To visualize a balanced diet and the contribution of different food groups to nutrition.

How is daily water intake estimated using body weight?

Divide body weight in pounds by two to get ounces of water per day (e.g., 160 lb → 80 oz).