Skin Analysis & Client Consultation + Facial Procedures + massage + Skin Care Products + Contraindications

Hypoallergenic

A term used to describe products formulated with ingredients that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction or irritation in sensitive individuals. (BLANK) products typically avoid common allergens such as certain fragrances, dyes, and harsh ingredients, but they are not guaranteed to be completely allergy-free. A person can still have a reaction to any ingredient depending on their individual sensitivity.

Cleansers

Products formulated to remove dirt, oil, makeup, dead skin cells, sweat, and environmental debris from the surface of the skin without disrupting the skin barrier. (BLANK) help prepare the skin for treatments by creating a clean surface and allowing other products to work more effectively. Different (BLANK) are selected based on skin type. (BLANK) is the first step in most skincare treatments and should remove impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural acid mantle.

Toners

Liquid skincare products applied after cleansing to help remove remaining impurities, balance the skin’s pH, hydrate, and prepare the skin for additional products. Modern (BLANK) may contain ingredients that target specific concerns, such as hydration, oil control, calming inflammation, or mild exfoliation. (BLANK) can help restore the skin after cleansing and improve product absorption. State board tip: (BLANK) are not used to “close pores”; they help refresh, balance, and prepare the skin.

Serums

Lightweight skincare products with a high concentration of active ingredients designed to target specific skin concerns. Due to their smaller molecular size and concentrated formulas, (BLANK) can deliver ingredients deeper into the skin compared to heavier products. Common (BLANK) ingredients include vitamin C for antioxidant protection, hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for barrier support and oil control, and retinoids for cell turnover.

Masks

Skincare treatments applied to the skin for a specific period of time to provide targeted benefits such as hydration, exfoliation, soothing, detoxification, or oil absorption. Different (BLANK) are chosen based on the client’s skin type and condition, including clay (BLANK) for oily/congested skin, cream (BLANK) for dry skin, gel (BLANK) for hydration, and enzyme (BLANK) for exfoliation. (BLANK) enhance professional treatments by delivering concentrated ingredients and improving the skin’s appearance. State board tip: (BLANK) are selected based on the client’s skin needs and are usually applied after cleansing/exfoliation and before finishing products.

Facial Steamers

an esthetic device that produces a fine mist of warm vapor used during facial treatments to soften the skin, loosen debris, and prepare the skin for extractions. it works by increasing surface hydration, softening sebum within follicles, and creating a more comfortable extraction process. The nozzle is typically positioned about 18 inches away from the client’s face to provide gentle warmth without causing irritation, dehydration, or excessive heat exposure. It is commonly beneficial for normal, oily, and congested skin types, but should be used cautiously or avoided on clients with rosacea, sensitive skin, couperose (broken capillaries), severe inflammation, or certain vascular conditions.

Azelaic acid

A naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid derived from grains such as wheat, rye, and barley that is used in skincare to treat acne, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation. It works by reducing the growth of acne-causing bacteria, calming inflammation, and inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production, which helps improve dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Suitable for many skin types, including acne-prone, sensitive, rosacea-prone, and hyperpigmented skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It may cause mild dryness, tingling, or irritation, especially when first introduced. State board tip: (BLANK) is known for being a multifunctional ingredient that treats acne, redness, and pigmentation by reducing inflammation and melanin production.

Carbomers

Synthetic polymers made from polyacrylic acid that are commonly used as thickening and stabilizing agents in skincare products. They help create gel textures, increase viscosity, suspend ingredients evenly, and maintain product stability. (BLANK) are commonly found in gel moisturizers, serums, cleansers, and professional treatment products.

Polymers

Large molecules made of repeating smaller units that are used in skincare formulations to improve texture, stability, thickness, and film-forming properties. (BLANK) can help products spread smoothly, create a protective layer on the skin, and maintain product consistency. Many thickening agents and stabilizers are (BLANK) because of their ability to control product texture.

Thickening agents

Ingredients used to increase the viscosity (thickness) and texture of skincare products. They help create the desired consistency, improve application, prevent ingredients from separating, and enhance the overall feel of a product. Common (BLANK) include carbomers, gums, waxes, and certain polymers. (BLANK) affect a product’s texture but do not usually provide the main treatment benefit

Stabilizers

Ingredients added to skincare products to maintain the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of a formulation over time. They help prevent separation, changes in texture, color, odor, or breakdown of active ingredients caused by factors such as temperature, light, or time. Help keep a product stable and maintain its intended performance.

Homogenous

The quality of a product having a uniform and consistent mixture, meaning all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the formula. (BLANK) products have the same texture, appearance, and ingredient concentration throughout, which helps ensure consistent performance and effectiveness. A well-formulated skincare product should remain (BLANK) so active ingredients are evenly delivered to the skin.

Active ingredients

Ingredients that have a specific biological effect on the skin and are responsible for treating a particular skin concern. They are scientifically proven to produce a desired change, such as exfoliating, hydrating, reducing pigmentation, controlling acne, or protecting the skin. Examples include retinol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, vitamin C, and sunscreen filters.

Inactive Ingredients

Ingredients that do not directly treat a skin condition but support the product’s formulation, stability, texture, absorption, and performance. They help deliver the active ingredients to the skin and improve the product’s feel and shelf life. Examples include water (aqua), emulsifiers, preservatives, thickeners, fragrances, and solvents.

Steroids

Medications taken by mouth that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. In the skin, oral (BLANK) can decrease redness, swelling, and irritation associated with inflammatory conditions, but long-term or high-dose use can cause significant skin changes. They may lead to thinning of the skin (atrophy), increased bruising, slower wound healing, acne or steroid acne, increased facial hair growth (hirsutism), and increased susceptibility to infections due to immune suppression. Oral (BLANK) can also cause delayed collagen production, contributing to decreased skin strength and elasticity. (BLANK) suppress inflammation but can make the skin thinner, more fragile, and slower to heal, which is important when considering esthetic treatments such as waxing, exfoliation, or aggressive procedures.

Diabetes

A condition in which the body has difficulty regulating blood glucose (sugar) levels, which can negatively affect skin health and healing. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves, reducing circulation and decreasing the skin’s ability to receive oxygen and nutrients. This can cause dry skin, slow wound healing, increased risk of infections, itching, and changes in skin color or texture. (BLANK) may also contribute to conditions such as acanthosis nigricans (darkened, thickened patches of skin), bacterial or fungal infections, and poor circulation-related skin changes. State board tip: Estheticians should use caution with (BLANK) clients because impaired healing and increased infection risk may make certain treatments, such as waxing, aggressive exfoliation, or invasive procedures, unsafe without proper clearance.

Epilepsy

a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Certain esthetic treatments may require caution or medical clearance because flashing lights, electrical stimulation, heat, or intense sensory stimulation may trigger seizures in some individuals. Treatments that may be contraindicated or require special precautions include:

• High-frequency treatments

• Microcurrent/facial electrical treatments

• LED light therapy (especially flashing or pulsing light modes) – Certain light frequencies may trigger seizures in photosensitive (BLANK)

Pacemaker

a small electronic device implanted under the skin that helps regulate an abnormal heart rhythm by sending electrical impulses to the heart. Estheticians must use caution with treatments that involve electrical currents or electromagnetic energy because they may interfere with the (BLANK)’s function. Treatments that are commonly contraindicated or require medical clearance include:

• High-frequency treatments

• Microcurrent/facial electrical treatments – Electrical stimulation may affect the device’s operation.

• Galvanic treatments/iontophoresis – Uses direct electrical current and may not be appropriate.

Wood’s Lamp

skin analysis device that uses UVA light (365 nm) to reveal skin conditions not visible under normal light. It helps identify skin type, dehydration, excess oil, pigmentation, and certain bacterial or fungal infections by causing the skin to fluoresce different colors

Effleurage

light, gliding massage movement performed with the palms or fingertips. It increases circulation, promotes relaxation, and spreads massage products evenly. It is used at the beginning and end of a facial massage and is suitable for most skin types

Petrissage

kneading and lifting massage movement that stimulates deeper circulation and facial muscles. It helps improve muscle tone and lymphatic drainage and is best for normal or mature skin. Avoid using it on inflamed acne or fragile capillaries.

Friction

deep circular massage movement that stimulates circulation and softens tight or fibrous tissue. It is used on areas of muscle tension but should be avoided on inflamed or sensitive skin. Pressure should always be controlled

Tapotement

Rhythmic tapping or percussion massage movement that stimulates nerves and increases circulation. It is best for normal or mature skin and should be avoided on sensitive, acneic, or rosacea-prone skin.

Vibration

rapid shaking or trembling massage movement that stimulates nerves and muscles while improving circulation. It can be either relaxing or stimulating depending on the speed used. Avoid vigorous (BLANK) on inflamed or irritated skin.

Antioxidant

substance that neutralizes free radicals before they can damage skin cells. By reducing oxidative stress, (BLANK) help protect collagen and elastin, slow premature aging, and support skin repair. Common (BLANK) include vitamins C and E, niacinamide, green tea, resveratrol, and CoQ10. State board tip: (BLANK) prevent damage—they do not reverse existing wrinkles.

Preservative

an ingredient added to skincare products to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, extending the product's shelf life and keeping it safe to use. (BLANK) help maintain product stability and protect clients from contamination. Common examples include phenoxyethanol and parabens

Emulsifier

an ingredient that allows oil and water to mix into a stable, uniform product that does not separate. It works by surrounding oil droplets and keeping them evenly dispersed throughout the formula. Found in creams, lotions, cleansers, and moisturizers to improve texture and consistency.

Fitzpatrick Scale

a classification system that categorizes skin into six phototypes (I–VI) based on the amount of melanin present and how the skin responds to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. It helps estheticians assess a client's risk of sunburn, tanning ability, pigmentation changes, and determine the safest treatment settings for procedures such as chemical peels, lasers, and light-based therapies. The scale is also used to evaluate the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and other treatment-related complications

Skin Type

a person's natural balance of sebum (oil) production and moisture, which determines how the skin looks, feels, and functions. It is largely determined by genetics and is classified into five main types. Helps estheticians choose appropriate products, treatments, and home care recommendations while minimizing irritation and maximizing results

Normal Skin Type

balanced oil and moisture levels with few imperfections, small pores, and a smooth texture. It is neither excessively oily nor dry and generally tolerates most skincare products well.

Dry Skin Type

produces too little sebum, resulting in tightness, flaking, rough texture, and a weakened skin barrier. It benefits from rich moisturizers, barrier-repair ingredients, and gentle cleansers

Oily Skin Type

produces excess sebum, leading to enlarged pores, shine, and an increased risk of comedones and acne. Lightweight, non-comedogenic products and regular exfoliation help control excess oil.

Combination Skin Type

Both oily and dry areas, typically with an oily T-zone and normal or dry cheeks. Different areas often require different products or treatment approaches.

Sensitive Skin type

reacts easily to ingredients or environmental factors and commonly experiences redness, burning, itching, or irritation. Gentle, fragrance-free products and barrier-supporting ingredients are recommended