Free CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Theory Exam Flashcards

An atom is electrically neutral because it has equal numbers of protons and electrons. An ion has gained or lost electrons and therefore carries a charge; that charge affects how it behaves in solutions and electrical treatments.

The pH scale is logarithmic, so a one-unit change represents a tenfold change in hydrogen-ion concentration. A lower pH is more acidic and a higher pH is more alkaline.

A conductor allows electric charge to move readily; an insulator strongly resists that movement. Treatment safety depends on using the correct conductive medium and keeping insulating materials where the device instructions require them.

Ohm's law is I = V/R: current equals voltage divided by resistance. At a fixed voltage, increased resistance reduces current, which helps explain why contact quality and skin conditions can alter an electrical treatment sensation.

Direct current flows in one direction with fixed polarity. Alternating current repeatedly reverses direction. Because beauty devices use these currents differently, the therapist must identify the modality and follow its operating instructions.

Conduction transfers heat through direct contact, convection through movement of a fluid or gas, and radiation through electromagnetic waves. Recognizing the method helps control exposure and prevent overheating during treatments.

Interrupt transmission with hand hygiene, appropriate personal protective equipment, safe handling of sharps and waste, correct cleaning and disinfection, and exclusion or referral when infection is suspected.

Cleaning removes soil and organic material. Disinfection destroys many disease-causing microorganisms on suitable surfaces. Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life, including spores. Cleaning must come before effective disinfection or sterilization.

UVA penetrates more deeply and is strongly associated with photoaging; UVB is a major cause of sunburn. Both can damage skin and contribute to skin cancer, so broad-spectrum protection matters.

Proximal means nearer the trunk or point of origin; distal means farther away. For example, the elbow is proximal to the wrist, while the fingers are distal to the elbow.

The skeleton provides support, protects organs, enables movement with muscles, stores minerals, and houses marrow involved in blood-cell production. A treatment plan should respect joints, bony prominences, and injury limitations.

Skeletal muscle is mainly voluntary and moves the skeleton. Smooth muscle is involuntary and lines structures such as blood vessels and the digestive tract. Cardiac muscle is involuntary and found only in the heart.

The agonist is the prime mover producing a movement; the antagonist opposes or controls it. Coordinated action between them produces smooth, controlled movement around a joint.

The right side of the heart sends deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Oxygenated blood returns to the left side, which pumps it around the body. This separates pulmonary from systemic circulation.

It returns excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream, transports absorbed dietary fats, and supports immune defense. Swelling, unexplained lymph-node changes, or medical lymphatic conditions require caution and possible referral.

The sympathetic division prepares the body for action, increasing alertness and mobilizing energy. The parasympathetic division supports rest, digestion, and recovery. Both are parts of the autonomic nervous system.

An endocrine gland releases hormones into the bloodstream. An exocrine gland releases its product through a duct onto a surface or into a cavity; sweat and sebaceous glands are exocrine.

They filter blood, remove wastes, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, and help control acid-base balance and blood pressure. Known kidney disease or unexplained edema can affect treatment suitability and warrants medical guidance.

The epidermis is the outer epithelial barrier and has no blood vessels. The dermis contains connective tissue, vessels, nerves, glands, and follicles. The subcutaneous layer beneath the skin contains loose connective tissue and fat.

TEWL is water passing from inside the body through the epidermis and evaporating. A disrupted stratum-corneum barrier increases TEWL, often producing dryness, sensitivity, or irritation.

Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells in the basal epidermis; melanin is the pigment they synthesize and transfer to keratinocytes. Melanin helps absorb ultraviolet radiation but does not eliminate UV risk.

Sebaceous glands release sebum, usually into hair follicles, to help lubricate skin and hair. Eccrine glands release watery sweat directly onto the skin surface and are important for temperature regulation.

An open comedone has a widened follicular opening; its dark color comes mainly from oxidation, not dirt. A closed comedone is covered by a thin layer of epidermis and appears as a small pale bump.

Pressure can worsen inflammation, damage tissue, increase discomfort, and raise the risk of post-inflammatory marks or scarring. Modify or defer treatment and refer severe, painful, or persistent acne for medical assessment.

Asymmetry, irregular Border, varied Color, concerning Diameter, and especially Evolution can be warning signs. It is a referral prompt, not a diagnosis; a new, changing, bleeding, or symptomatic lesion needs medical assessment.

Do not diagnose or treat over the area. Defer the service, prevent cross-contamination, document objectively, and advise the client to seek an appropriate medical assessment before treatment resumes.

INCI uses standardized ingredient names so products can be compared across brands and countries. It helps identify known allergens or unsuitable ingredients, but it does not by itself reveal a product's exact performance or every ingredient concentration.

An active is selected for a specific intended effect. The vehicle is the base that carries and delivers ingredients, influences spread and feel, and can affect stability and skin compatibility.

Humectants attract and hold water, emollients smooth gaps between surface cells, and occlusives reduce water evaporation by forming a barrier. Formulas often combine these mechanisms.

In oil-in-water, oil droplets are dispersed in a continuous water phase, often giving a lighter feel. In water-in-oil, water droplets sit in a continuous oil phase, often making the product richer and more water resistant.

A surfactant has water-attracting and oil-attracting regions. It can lower surface tension and help oil and water interact, allowing oily soil to be dispersed and rinsed or helping an emulsion remain mixed.

A preservative controls microbial growth in the product. An antioxidant slows oxidation of susceptible ingredients such as oils. An antioxidant is not a substitute for an effective preservation system.

Alpha hydroxy acids are generally water soluble and act mainly at the skin surface. Beta hydroxy acid used in cosmetics, commonly salicylic acid, is oil soluble and can work within oily follicles. Strength, pH, skin condition, and directions determine safe use.

It means the product protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. SPF mainly communicates protection against sunburn-producing UVB, so broad-spectrum labeling and correct application are both important.

They identify goals, relevant health history, medications, allergies, prior reactions, and conditions that may require modification, deferral, or referral. Findings should guide the plan rather than being a paperwork exercise.

It gathers observable evidence about skin type, condition, sensitivity, lesions, and treatment priorities. The result supports product and modality selection while keeping the therapist within scope and avoiding medical diagnosis.

Effleurage uses smooth, gliding strokes, usually with the palms or fingers. It spreads product, helps the therapist assess tissue, links other movements, and can promote relaxation when pressure and direction are appropriate.

Petrissage lifts, kneads, rolls, or compresses soft tissue. It is generally deeper and more mobilizing than effleurage, so pressure must be adapted to the area, client comfort, and contraindications.

Base the choice on the consultation and observed skin condition, desired effect, ingredient suitability, allergies or sensitivities, and treatment contraindications—not on skin-type labels alone.

Match the client's health history and implanted devices to the exact manufacturer's contraindications and local rules. If suitability is uncertain, do not improvise: defer the modality and obtain appropriate medical or technical guidance.

Some medications and topical products can make skin fragile, while sunburn, inflammation, wounds, or recent aggressive exfoliation increase injury risk. Modify or defer waxing when skin lifting or trauma is foreseeable.

Do not perform the nail service over a suspected fungal or bacterial infection. Avoid cross-contamination, document what was observed without diagnosing, and refer the client for appropriate assessment.

Consent confirms that the client understands and agrees; it does not make an unsafe treatment appropriate. The therapist still has a duty to screen, explain material risks and alternatives, and decline or modify treatment when necessary.

Record relevant facts promptly and objectively: consultation findings, consent, products and settings used, adaptations, reactions, advice, and follow-up. Store records securely and follow applicable privacy and retention rules.

FIFO uses the oldest received stock first. FEFO uses the stock with the earliest expiry first. For dated cosmetics and consumables, FEFO better prevents expired products from remaining in use.

Revenue is total sales income. Gross profit is revenue minus the direct cost of the goods or services sold. A busy salon can have high revenue but weak gross profit if direct costs are poorly controlled.

Deliver consistent service, set realistic expectations, give useful aftercare, invite feedback, protect privacy, and recommend rebooking only when it serves the client's needs. Trust is more durable than pressure selling.

Listen without interrupting, acknowledge the concern, gather and document facts, and explain the next step. Avoid admitting facts not yet established, follow the business policy, and escalate urgent health or safety issues promptly.

Explain the boundary clearly, avoid diagnosis or unsupported claims, and refer to an appropriately qualified professional. Scope limits protect the client, the therapist, and the business.

Stop the treatment, make the situation safe, provide only first aid within training, seek emergency or medical help when indicated, document facts, preserve relevant product and equipment details, and follow reporting and insurer procedures.