NIC Esthetician Written Exam flashcards

Darkening of the skin that occurs after an inflammatory injury or trauma to the skin, common in darker skin types.

• More prevalent in Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI
• Can be triggered by aggressive treatments or sun exposure
• Important consideration when selecting chemical peel types

Memory trick: Glycolic's Grip Gets Deep, PIH can Leap.

Antioxidants are molecules that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules, thereby protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules with unpaired electrons).

• Neutralize free radicals by donating electrons.
• Protect against oxidative stress from UV, pollution, etc.
• Examples: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid.

Memory trick: Antioxidants: Anti-oxidize, anti-aging.

An anaerobic bacterium that resides in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, playing a key role in the development of acne vulgaris by metabolizing sebum and triggering inflammation.

• Primary bacterial cause of acne vulgaris
• Anaerobic, thrives in oxygen-poor environments
• Feeds on sebum, producing fatty acids that irritate follicles
• Contributes to inflammation and lesion formation

Memory trick: Acne's main bacteria: C. acnes, a Clogged pore's Culprit.

Chemical exfoliants that only remove the outermost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum), offering mild resurfacing with little to no downtime.

• Good for minor sun damage, uneven tone, mild acne
• Common acids: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic
• Minimal to no visible peeling
• Often performed in a series for best results

Memory trick: Peel levels: Super, Medium, Deep.

Laser hair removal works by selective photothermolysis, where light energy is absorbed by melanin in the hair follicle, converted to heat, and destroys the follicle.

• Targets melanin (pigment).
• Requires contrast between hair and skin.
• Ineffective on blonde, white, red, or grey hair.
• Multiple sessions needed due to hair growth cycles.

Memory trick: Lasers Love Dark Pigment

A type of ultraviolet radiation that causes sunburn, direct DNA damage, and is strongly linked to the development of skin cancers, including melanoma.

• Causes sunburn
• Direct DNA damage
• Strongly linked to melanoma

Memory trick: UVB is for 'Burn' and 'Bad' DNA damage.

The skin consists of two main layers: the superficial epidermis and the deeper dermis.

• Epidermis is the outermost layer
• Dermis is beneath the epidermis
• Hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue) is beneath the dermis

Memory trick: E for 'Exterior' (Epidermis), D for 'Deep' (Dermis).

A light, continuous stroking massage movement applied with the fingers or palms in a slow, rhythmic manner.

• Often used to begin and end massage
• Promotes relaxation and lymphatic drainage
• Increases circulation

Memory trick: Effleurage is Easy and Flowing.

An electrical modality using galvanic (direct) current to introduce water-soluble products and active ingredients into the skin, enhancing their efficacy.

• Uses positive and negative poles to repel/attract ions.
• Significantly improves absorption of serums and ampoules.
• Ideal for hydration, anti-aging, and brightening treatments.

Memory trick: Galvanic Guides Goodies.

Specific massage techniques that should be avoided or modified when working on clients with highly sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin.

• Stimulating movements can worsen redness and irritation.
• Gentle, soothing techniques are preferred.
• Avoid excessive pressure or rapid movements.

Memory trick: Tapotement Taps for Trouble.

The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number change represents a tenfold difference in acidity or alkalinity, not a linear difference.

• Scale from 0-14
• 7 is neutral
• Each unit is 10x difference

Memory trick: Each pH step is a TEN-fold jump, like taking a power of 10.

A set of guidelines for estheticians when a client expresses discomfort during a treatment, prioritizing client safety, well-being, and communication.

• Immediately acknowledge and validate client's feelings.
• Stop the procedure if necessary or modify it.
• Communicate options and ask for client's preference.
• Adjust treatment to ensure comfort and safety.

Memory trick: Listen, Adapt, Comfort, Care.

The most common form of skin cancer, originating from the basal cells of the epidermis, typically appearing as a pearly or waxy nodule, often with rolled borders and sometimes an open sore that bleeds easily.

• Most common skin cancer
• Slow-growing, rarely metastasizes
• Commonly on sun-exposed areas (face, neck)
• Pearly nodule, rolled borders, non-healing sore, visible blood vessels

Memory trick: Basal Carcinoma: Bumpy, Bleeds, Pearly, Rolled.

A common, inherited skin disorder characterized by dry, scaly skin resembling fish scales, due to a genetic defect affecting skin barrier function.

• Genetic condition, often appears in childhood.
• Causes severe dryness and fine, white scales.
• Worsens in cold, dry climates.

Memory trick: Genetics make fish scales, especially in cold.

A small, elevated, circumscribed lesion of the skin that contains pus.

• Contains pus
• Often associated with inflammation
• Common in acne and bacterial infections

Memory trick: Primary lesions are the first signs, like a Pimple's Pus.

Essential precautions taken during high-frequency electrical treatments to protect the client and ensure the device operates safely.

• Remove all metal jewelry
• Avoid contact with metal objects
• Do not use on pregnant clients, clients with pacemakers, or epilepsy

Memory trick: Electricity demands metal-free zones and careful control.

Tapotement (percussion) is a massage technique involving rhythmic tapping, patting, hacking, or cupping movements applied with the hands or fingertips.

• Stimulates nerve endings and circulation
• Can be invigorating and firming
• Contraindicated for sensitive skin, redness, rosacea, or inflamed conditions
• Can exacerbate couperose or fragile capillaries

Memory trick: Every Pet Taps For Fun.

The ABCDEs are a mnemonic used to help recognize the warning signs of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter (larger than 6mm), and Evolving (changing over time).

• Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
• Any suspicious lesion warrants a dermatologist's evaluation.
• Regular self-skin exams are recommended.

Memory trick: ABCDE: A guide to spotting the skin's enemy.

Enzyme peels exfoliate the skin by using proteolytic enzymes to break down and digest dead protein cells on the skin's surface.

• Uses fruit enzymes (e.g., papain, bromelain).
• Gentle exfoliation, suitable for sensitive skin or darker Fitzpatrick types.
• Does not significantly alter skin pH or dissolve intercellular bonds.

Memory trick: Enzymes 'Eat' Dead Cells.

The technique of using complementary colored makeup products to neutralize unwanted tones (like redness, dark circles, or sallowness) on the skin before applying foundation.

• Applied after primer, before foundation.
• Uses the color wheel (e.g., green for red, peach/orange for blue/purple).
• Creates an even base for a more flawless makeup application.

Memory trick: Prime, Correct, Conceal, Cover, Set.

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a powerful oral retinoid that thins the skin and impairs healing, requiring a significant waiting period before abrasive or chemical exfoliation treatments.

• Thins skin, impairs healing
• Contraindication for microdermabrasion, chemical peels, waxing
• Wait 6-12 months post-discontinuation (or physician's clearance)

Memory trick: Accutane makes skin fragile; wait a long time before abrasive treatments.

Milia are small, benign, keratin-filled cysts that appear as tiny, white or yellowish bumps on the skin, often around the eyes, nose, and cheeks.

• Lack a follicular opening.
• Are non-inflammatory.
• Can be primary (spontaneous) or secondary (due to trauma or products).

Memory trick: Milia, tiny pearls under the skin, no open door.

Ingredients that attract and bind water, drawing moisture from the air and deeper skin layers to the surface of the skin, thereby increasing hydration.

• Examples include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, sodium PCA.
• Work best in humid environments.
• Often used in conjunction with occlusives and emollients.

Memory trick: Hugs water, seals it in, smooths it out.

The proper technique for removing a wax strip to achieve effective hair removal with minimal client discomfort and skin trauma.

• Pull against hair growth
• Pull quickly and firmly
• Keep strip parallel to skin

Memory trick: Fast pull, wrong way, flat to skin, less pain, great result!

Substances that form a protective layer on the skin's surface, preventing water evaporation and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

• Create a physical barrier
• Reduce TEWL
• Examples: petroleum jelly, mineral oil, silicones

Memory trick: Occlusives are like a 'lock' for moisture.

The essential lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids) in the stratum corneum that form a protective matrix, preventing water loss and maintaining skin integrity.

• Ceramides, Cholesterol, Fatty Acids
• Located in stratum corneum
• Prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

Memory trick: The 'C.C.F.A.' trio builds the skin's waterproof wall.

A low-level electrical current that mimics the body's natural electrical impulses, used to stimulate facial muscles for toning, lifting, and contouring.

• Improves muscle tone and facial contour
• Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Enhances product penetration (secondary benefit)
• Often referred to as a 'non-surgical facelift'

Memory trick: Lift, Light, Penetrate, Tone.

Ingredients in cosmetic formulations that neutralize free radicals, preventing oxidative degradation of active ingredients and maintaining product stability and efficacy.

• Neutralize free radicals
• Prevent oxidative damage
• Maintain product stability/efficacy

Memory trick: Antioxidants are the 'anti-rust' for your serum.

A mechanical exfoliation technique that uses a device to spray fine crystals or use a diamond tip to abrade the skin's surface, removing dead skin cells and stimulating cellular renewal.

• Improves skin texture and tone
• Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Stimulates collagen production
• Effective for hyperpigmentation and mild acne scars

Memory trick: Micro-Magic for new skin.

The outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead, flattened keratinocytes.

• Protective barrier
• Continuously sheds
• Target for exfoliation

Memory trick: Corny Guys Like Grandma's Spinach.

Elastin is a highly elastic protein found in connective tissue, particularly in the dermis, that allows skin, ligaments, and other tissues to stretch and return to their original shape.

• Provides resilience and flexibility to the skin.
• Degrades with age and sun exposure.
• Forms elastic fibers in the dermis.

Memory trick: Elastin makes skin elastic, like stretching a rubber band.

The most common type of nerve endings in the skin, primarily located in the epidermis and papillary dermis, responsible for detecting pain, temperature, and crude touch.

• Most abundant nerve endings in skin
• Located in epidermis and papillary dermis
• Detect pain, temperature, and non-discriminative touch
• Lack specialized structures or capsules

Memory trick: Pain's Path: Free Nerves Feel Fire.

An inflammatory skin reaction caused by direct contact with an irritating substance or allergen.

• Triggered by external agents
• Presents as redness, itching, rash
• Can be irritant or allergic type

Memory trick: Contact with irritants causes a skin tantrum.

Selecting a foundation formula that provides sufficient coverage and a natural, non-reflective finish suitable for high-definition cameras, especially for clients with combination or oily skin.

• Matte or semi-matte finishes are preferred.
• Avoid overly dewy or shimmery foundations.
• Requires good coverage to blur imperfections.
• Oil-free or oil-controlling formulas are best for oily/combination skin.

Memory trick: Matte Makes Marvelous Looks.

Connective tissue cells found in the dermis that produce collagen, elastin, and other components of the extracellular matrix, essential for skin structure and wound healing.

• Located in the dermis
• Synthesize collagen and elastin
• Crucial for wound repair

Memory trick: Fibroblasts are the 'fiber-builders' of the skin's strength.

Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails, characterized by nail discoloration, thickening, brittleness, and crumbling.

• More common in toenails than fingernails.
• Often caused by dermatophytes.
• Can lead to pain and difficulty wearing shoes.

Memory trick: Onychomycosis: Oh, no, my fungus is on my nail!

IPL and laser hair reduction are generally contraindicated for Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI due to the high risk of burning, blistering, and permanent pigmentary changes from epidermal melanin absorption.

• High melanin in epidermis
• IPL targets melanin (in hair and skin)
• High risk of burns, hypo/hyperpigmentation
• Contraindicated for Fitzpatrick V & VI

Memory trick: Light and dark don't mix well; high melanin, high risk.

Foundation choices that enhance natural skin, providing an even tone without masking features or appearing heavy.

• Sheer to medium coverage
• Luminous or natural finish
• Blends seamlessly with skin tone

Memory trick: Light touch, bright glow, true beauty shows.

UVB radiation is a type of ultraviolet light that primarily causes sunburn, direct DNA damage in epidermal cells, and is a significant contributor to the risk of skin cancer.

• Responsible for photocarcinogenesis (skin cancer formation).
• Intensity varies by season, time of day, and altitude.
• Primarily absorbed by the epidermis.

Memory trick: UVB = Burn and Cancer.

A chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, flushing, and sometimes acne-like papules and pustules.

• Chronic facial redness
• Visible blood vessels (telangiectasias)
• Triggers include heat, spicy foods, stress

Memory trick: Rosacea's 'rose-red' face flushes with heat and spicy food.

An electrical modality that uses extremely low-level electrical currents to mimic the body's natural electrical impulses, primarily for facial muscle re-education, lifting, and toning.

• Mimics body's natural current
• Re-educates facial muscles
• Targets muscle tone, elasticity, fine lines
• Often called 'non-surgical facelift'

Memory trick: Each current has a charge: some clean, some zap, some tone.

The natural process of shedding or flaking off of the outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum), replacing old cells with new ones.

• Essential for healthy skin turnover.
• Slows down with age, leading to dullness.
• Exfoliation treatments accelerate this process.

Memory trick: New cells grow, fill, then shed away.

Molecules that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules, thereby protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.

• Neutralize unstable free radicals
• Prevent oxidative stress and cellular damage
• Found in vitamins (C, E), polyphenols, carotenoids
• Protect against environmental aggressors like pollution and UV radiation

Memory trick: Antioxidants Attack Atoms, Avoiding Adverse Aging.

A permanent hair removal method combining galvanic current (chemical action) and thermolysis (heat action) within the hair follicle.

• Combines chemical and thermal destruction.
• Effective for various hair types.
• Considered permanent hair removal by destroying the papilla.

Memory trick: Electrolysis Blends for Permanent Results

A family of enzymes, primarily serine proteases, responsible for breaking down the proteinaceous desmosomal junctions between dead skin cells (corneocytes) in the stratum corneum, facilitating natural exfoliation (desquamation).

• Family of enzymes (e.g., serine proteases)
• Break down desmosomal bonds
• Enable natural skin shedding (desquamation)
• Activity slows with age

Memory trick: Proteases are the 'protein-scissors' that snip off dead skin.

The effectiveness of laser hair removal is highly dependent on the contrast between hair color (melanin content) and skin tone.

• Lasers target melanin in the hair follicle.
• Dark, coarse hair on light skin yields best results.
• Light hair (blonde, red, gray) has insufficient melanin for effective treatment.

Memory trick: Melanin Match for Max Impact.

Bruising after waxing is often caused by improper technique, such as pulling the strip perpendicular to the skin, not holding the skin taut, or applying wax too hot.

• Pulling perpendicular to skin
• Not holding skin taut
• Wax too hot (less common for bruising, more for burns)
• Excessive skin lifting and trauma

Memory trick: Bad technique leads to pain and marks, be gentle and swift.

Selecting hair removal methods that minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, irritation, and other adverse reactions common in Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI.

• Avoid methods that cause significant trauma or heat to the skin.
• Sugaring is often preferred due to its gentle nature.
• Laser/IPL require careful selection of wavelength and settings.

Memory trick: Sugar's Safe, Waxing's Wound.

The technique for applying soft wax to the skin to achieve effective hair removal.

• Wax is applied thinly with an applicator.
• Applied in the direction of hair growth.
• A fabric strip is pressed over the wax and removed against hair growth.

Memory trick: Growth for Go, Against for Gone.

Small, white, keratin-filled cysts that form when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the skin's surface, typically non-inflamed.

• Keratin-filled cysts
• Appear as small, white, pearl-like bumps
• Commonly found around eyes, cheeks, forehead
• Non-inflamed and firm to the touch

Memory trick: Milia: Miniature, Ivory, Located under the eye, and Inert.

A massage manipulation consisting of short, quick tapping, slapping, and hacking movements used to stimulate the skin and improve circulation.

• Also called percussion
• Stimulates circulation and nerve endings
• Performed with fingertips or palms

Memory trick: Every touch has a purpose, from gentle glide to lively tap.

The two primary protein fibers in the dermis are collagen (providing strength and resistance to tearing) and elastin (providing elasticity and the ability to stretch and recoil).

• Collagen: strength, anti-tear
• Elastin: stretch, recoil
• Found in the dermis

Memory trick: Collagen is the 'Carpet' of strength, Elastin is the 'Elastic Band' of stretch.

Foundation formulated to look natural and flawless under high-definition cameras, typically offering medium to full coverage with a matte or natural finish to minimize shine and visible texture.

• Minimizes shine and texture.
• Often silicone-based for smooth application.
• Requires careful blending.
• Matte finish preferred for oily skin/HD cameras.

Memory trick: HD Needs Matte Magic

A closed comedone is a hair follicle that is completely blocked by a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells, forming a small, flesh-colored or whitish bump without a visible opening to the skin surface.

• Also known as a whitehead.
• Result from follicular blockage.
• A precursor to inflammatory acne lesions.

Memory trick: Closed Comedone: The white door is shut.

The selection of appropriate laser technology for hair removal on Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, prioritizing wavelengths that minimize epidermal melanin absorption to prevent adverse effects like hyperpigmentation or burns.

• Longer wavelengths are safer for darker skin.
• Diode (810nm) and Nd:YAG (1064nm) lasers are preferred.
• These wavelengths bypass epidermal melanin more effectively.
• Reduces risk of burns, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation.

Memory trick: A Light Never Dims.

The Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, with a 1064nm wavelength, is the safest and most effective choice for laser hair removal on Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI.

• Longer wavelength (1064nm).
• Penetrates deeper into the dermis.
• Less absorption by epidermal melanin.
• Minimizes risk of hyperpigmentation and burns on darker skin.

Memory trick: Nd:YAG Safely Zaps Dark Hair

Keratin is a highly durable fibrous protein that forms the main structural constituent of hair, nails, and the tough outer layer of the epidermis, conferring strength and protection.

• Forms a protective barrier in the skin.
• Exists in 'hard' (hair, nails) and 'soft' (skin) forms.
• Produced by keratinocytes.

Memory trick: Kareful Keratin keeps hair and nails tough.

Specialized cell junctions that provide strong adhesion between adjacent keratinocytes in the epidermis, essential for skin integrity.

• Cell-to-cell adhesion structures
• Found in the epidermis, especially stratum spinosum
• Targeted by chemical exfoliants for desquamation

Memory trick: Desmosomes are the 'door-mats' that glue skin cells together.

The body's water is distributed across several compartments; in initial dehydration, the intravascular fluid compartment is primarily affected first.

• Total body water is about 60% of body weight.
• Intracellular Fluid (ICF) is about 2/3 of total body water.
• Extracellular Fluid (ECF) is about 1/3, split into Interstitial Fluid and Intravascular Fluid.

Memory trick: Blood first, then tissues, then cells.

Active ingredients used in skincare to reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone by inhibiting melanin production, exfoliating, or protecting from UV radiation.

• Hydroquinone is a powerful melanin inhibitor.
• Alpha arbutin, kojic acid, and azelaic acid are other lightening agents.
• Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens and inhibits melanin.
• Retinoids promote cell turnover to shed pigmented cells.

Memory trick: Hydro-Light for Dark Spots.