Chapter 18: Facials Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering Chapter 18: Facials, including skin analysis, product types, massage modalities, and electrotherapy.

Facial

A professional skin care treatment that improves the skin’s condition and appearance.

Magnifying Lamp

An esthetics tool featuring a magnifying lens surrounded by a circular light, providing an enlarged view for skin analysis and extractions; commonly measuring $5$ diopters ($2.25$ magnification).

Diopter

The unit of measurement indicating a lens's ability to bend light.

Hot Towel Cabinet

Equipment used to heat damp or dry towels, equipped with a UV sterilizing unit to prevent the proliferation of molds, bacteria, and viruses.

Facial Steamer

A device that produces a warm stream of steam to soften tissues, dilate pores, and ease the extraction of clogged follicles.

Ozone Facial Steamer

A steamer dispensing steam mixed with ozone ($O_3$) that oxygenates the skin's cutaneous layer and provides germicidal and bactericidal capabilities.

Skin Type

A classification describing a person's genetic skin attributes, categorized as normal, dry, oily, or combination.

Alipidic Skin

Skin that lacks sufficient lipid activity (sebum) and lacks visible pores; commonly referred to as dry skin.

Dehydrated Skin

A skin condition characterized by a lack of sufficient moisture that can occur across any skin type.

Comedo

A noninflamed buildup of cells, sebum, and other debris trapped inside a hair follicle.

Open Comedo

A hair follicle filled with keratin and sebum that is open and exposed to oxygen, commonly known as a blackhead.

Closed Comedo

A bump under the skin's surface blocked by cells and sebum without a follicular opening, commonly known as a whitehead.

Sensitive Skin

A genetic skin state highly reactive to chemicals, pollutants, rubbing, or nonirritating substances like water.

Sensitized Skin

A temporary skin condition caused by aggressive environmental exposure or overexfoliation, requiring gentle, nonirritating treatment.

Emollient

An oil or fatty ingredient in moisturizers that prevents moisture loss from the skin.

Treatment Creams

Intensive products, also known as night creams, formulated with rich nourishing ingredients to facilitate tissue repair overnight.

Serums

Concentrated skin care products packaged in pump or dropper bottles containing high levels of active ingredients designed to penetrate deep skin layers.

Ampoules

Highly concentrated skin care products packaged in small, sealed glass vials containing a single premeasured application.

Humectants

Water-binding agents or hydrators that attract water to the surface of the skin.

Alginate Masks

Seaweed-based powder masks mixed with warm water that dry to a rubberized texture, forming a seal that enhances absorption of underlying serums or creams.

Modelage Masks

Self-heating masks that harden as they dry on the skin to facilitate treatment product absorption.

Gommages

Cream or paste enzyme masks, also known as roll-off masks, that dry to a crust and are rolled off the skin for dual mechanical and chemical exfoliation.

Desincrustation

The process of softening and emulsifying hardened sebum trapped in hair follicles using alkaline fluids or gels.

Microdermabrasion

An advanced exfoliation method using a specialized handheld machine to polish away dead skin cells from the skin surface.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Water-soluble, naturally occurring acids that smooth, tighten, and brighten skin by dissolving intercellular cement; recommended for normal to dry skin.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)

Oil-soluble hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid, that dissolve sebum and break down pore debris; best suited for oily and acne-prone skin.

Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs)

Second-generation AHAs with larger molecular structures that work exclusively on the skin surface, making them gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.

Keratolytic Enzymes

Protein-dissolving agents derived from plants (such as papain or bromelain) or animal sources (pancreatin) that dissolve keratin protein in skin cells.

Massage

Manual or mechanical manipulation of the body through rubbing, kneading, tapping, and other strokes to boost circulation, metabolism, and relaxation.

Contraindication

A condition or pre-existing state that requires avoiding specific treatments, procedures, or products to prevent adverse side effects.

Motor Point

A specific point on the skin over a muscle where pressure or stimulation causes muscular contraction.

Insertion

The portion of a muscle attached to a movable bone, joint, or other muscle, located farthest from the skeleton.

Origin

The fixed attachment portion of a muscle closest to the skeleton.

Effleurage

A light, continuous stroking movement applied in a slow, rhythmic manner using fingertips or palms; used to begin and end massage routines.

Petrissage

A kneading massage movement performed by lifting, squeezing, and pressing skin tissue with light, firm pressure.

Friction

An invigorating rubbing massage manipulation using pressure while moving fingers or palms over underlying structures.

Tapotement

A percussion massage movement consisting of short, fast tapping or striking motions using the fingertips.

Vibration

A rapid shaking massage movement produced by pressing fingertips firmly against skin while contracting the muscles of the arms and shoulders.

Electrotherapy

The application of electrical currents to treat skin conditions, improve product penetration, or perform deep cleansing.

Anode

The positive electrode on a galvanic current machine.

Cathode

The negative electrode on a galvanic current machine.

Iontophoresis

The process of using galvanic current to force water-soluble ionic solutions deeper into skin layers.

Microcurrent

A low level of electrical wave therapy that mimics natural electrical impulses from the brain to tone muscles and lift skin.

High-Frequency Current

An electrical current system that uses gas-filled glass electrodes (neon or argon) to warm tissue, stimulate circulation, and provide germicidal benefits.

Client Intake Form

A health history questionnaire completed by new clients to identify contraindications prior to receiving services.

Service Record Form

A document used to chart skin analysis observations, treatment history, products used, and home care recommendations.

Consent Form

A written release signed by a client acknowledging their understanding of treatment procedures, potential risks, and liability disclaimers.

Acne Papule

An inflammatory, red skin pimple that does not contain a pus head.

Pustule

An inflamed pimple with a visible head containing pus comprised of dead white blood cells.

Preservative Facial

A treatment focused on preserving healthy skin through correct cleansing, relaxation, circulation, and metabolism-boosting massage.

Corrective Facial

A specialized treatment designed to correct specific skin issues such as dryness, excess oiliness, clogged pores, or acne.

Aromatherapy

A holistic treatment that uses essential oils derived from plants to enhance beauty and health

Chemical Exfoliant

A product that uses chemical agents, such as acids or enzymes, to either loosen or dissolve dead cell buildup

Clay-based masks

Are facial treatments that utilize clay to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, helping to detoxify and improve complexion. Making large pores temporarily appear smaller

Cleansing Milk

Nonfoaming lotion cleansers are designed to cleanse dry and sensitive skin types and remove makeup

Cream Masks

Masks often contain oils and emollients as well as humectants; have a strong moisturizing effect. They are suitable for dry or dehydrated skin and help to restore moisture and elasticity.

Enzymes

Also known as keratolytic enzymes or protein-dissolving agents, a type of chemical exfoliant that works by dissolving keratin protein on the surface cells of the skin

Exfoliants

Products that help bring about exfoliation. They can be mechanical or chemical, assisting in the removal of dead skin cells to promote smoother, brighter skin.

Exfoliation

The removal of excess dead cells from the skin surface.

Extractions

A procedure in which comedones are removed from the follicles by manual manipulation. This process helps clear clogged pores, reducing the potential for acne.

Masks

Also known as masques, these are treatment products applied to the face for a specified amount of time to address various skin concerns such as hydration, cleansing, or soothing.

Mechanical Exfoliation

Methods used to physically remove dead cell buildup. This includes techniques like scrubs, brushes, or exfoliating devices.

Moisturizers

Products designed to hydrate and protect the skin by preventing water loss, leaving it soft and supple.

Paraffin Wax Masks

A warm, soothing treatment containing paraffin, that hydrates and softens the skin. Often used in spa treatments and for dry skin conditions. Typically used with treatment cream.

Rotary Brush

Also known as a facial brush or brushing machine. A mechanical exfoliation tool that uses rotating bristles to gently remove dead skin cells, promoting smoother and brighter skin.