2025 Michigan Esthetician State Board Study Guide

Infection Control

10% of the exam covering methods to keep tools and workspace clean.

Cleaning (Sanitation)

Removes dirt and debris, but does NOT kill bacteria.

Disinfection

Kills most bacteria & viruses on non-living surfaces.

Sterilization

Kills ALL bacteria, viruses, and spores.

Pathogenic bacteria

Bad bacteria that cause infections.

Non-pathogenic bacteria

Good bacteria that help our bodies.

Safety Procedures

Protocols to ensure hygiene and prevent contamination.

Integumentary System

Your skin, hair, nails (the system we work on!).

Skeletal System

The body's support structure.

Muscular System

Helps with facial massages & lifting techniques.

Circulatory System

Delivers oxygen & nutrients to the skin (important for glow!).

Cells

The building blocks of life.

Tissues

Groups of cells working together (like skin tissue!).

Epidermis

Top layer of skin (where dead skin sheds).

Dermis

Middle layer of skin (collagen, elastin, & blood supply live here!).

Hypodermis

Deepest layer of skin (fat & cushion for the body).

Sebaceous (Oil) Glands

Produce sebum to keep skin hydrated.

Sudoriferous (Sweat) Glands

Control body temperature.

Hair Follicles

Where hair grows (important for hair removal services!).

Safety Procedures for Handwashing

Always wash hands before & after every service (20 seconds minimum).

Use of Gloves

Wear gloves for extractions, waxing, and advanced treatments.

Storage of Tools

Store clean and dirty tools separately to avoid cross-contamination.

Acne

Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples.

Hyperpigmentation

Dark spots, melasma.

Eczema

Dry, itchy skin.

Psoriasis

Dry, itchy skin.

Rosacea

Red, sensitive skin with flare-ups.

Anagen

Growth Phase - Best time for waxing!

Catagen

Transition Phase - Hair starts detaching.

Telogen

Resting Phase - Hair falls out naturally.

Skin's natural pH

4.5 - 5.5 (slightly acidic).

Alkaline products

pH over 7 can strip the skin!

Acidic products

pH under 7 like vitamin C help with brightening.

Humectants

Attract moisture (Hyaluronic Acid).

Emollients

Soften skin (Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil).

Exfoliants

Remove dead skin (AHAs, BHAs).

Cleansing

Removes dirt & makeup (start & end of every facial).

Steaming

Opens pores for better extraction (3-5 mins max!).

Exfoliation

Sloughs off dead skin (chemical or physical).

Extraction

Removes blackheads & congestion safely.

Effleurage

Gentle stroking (relaxing!).

Petrissage

Kneading (lifts & firms skin!).

Facial Steamer

Opens pores, hydrates skin.

Microdermabrasion

Gently exfoliates.

LED Therapy

Blue light (acne), Red light (anti-aging).

Body Treatments

Exfoliating body scrubs, back facials.

Lash Extensions & Brow Tinting

Enhancing natural beauty.