Common Terms in Esthetics and Cosmetology

The beauty industry is always developing new terms when new, innovative trends and treatments emerge. Whether you’re a skincare specialist or hair stylist, there is a glossary of definitions that are essential in understanding what the client wants. 

In this guide, we review the wide variety of essential terms estheticians use in their everyday lives at work and touch on the wide range of terms cosmetologists most commonly encounter during a consultation. 

Speaking the esthetics language

When students enroll in an esthetics program, they begin learning the skin’s anatomy, including the stratum corneum (skin surface), the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis), and the deepest layer of the skin (the subcutaneous layer or hypodermis), and how the layers of the skin are affected by genetic and environmental factors.

Soon-to-be-estheticians are taught how to protect and heal the skin with specific active ingredients found in skin care products and how changes in the skin texture may result from an inflammatory skin condition.

These skin conditions include:

Acne: Pimples, blackheads, or cysts caused by clogged pores

Eczema: Chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed areas of the skin

Psoriasis: Thick, scaly patches

Rosacea: Visible blood vessels, bumps and redness

Facial ingredients that penetrate the outer layer of the skin 

When picking out skincare products, it’s wise to look for active ingredients that tackle what your skin needs. Hyaluronic acid is perfect for locking in moisture, making your skin look plumper and more hydrated.

Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), works as a gentle exfoliator, helping smooth and brighten your skin. Glycolic acid is great for dullness, uneven tone, and sensitive skin. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the surface, mostly the outer layer of the skin.

If you’re dealing with acne or oily skin, beta hydroxy acid (BHA), like salicylic acid, dives deep into your pores to clear out oil and dead skin cells, keeping breakouts at bay. Hyaluronic acid works well on normal skin types, including oily, dry, and sensitive skin.

Facial treatments

When you become an esthetician, you’ll administer various facials. A facial is a type of deep cleansing treatment. Facials usually involve the use of steam, exfoliation, extraction, and application of lotions, cleansers, masks, and peels. Anti-aging facials, European spa facials, and galvanic facials are some of the different types of facials that can be performed.

Other more invasive treatments include laser hair removal to eliminate unwanted hair and laser treatment to minimize the appearance of brownish spots that appear on the skin as we age, known as liver spots or age spots.

Facial treatments remove dead skin cells from the layers of skin, boost blood circulation, provide more oxygen and nutrients, and help stimulate collagen production.

Glycolic Acid helps shed dead skin cells and reveal the newer, brighter layers underneath by acting on the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin).

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a process that involves removing dead skin cells. The purpose of removing dead skin cells is to encourage new, healthy skin cells to grow, allowing your face to look smooth and replenished. Exfoliation can be done at home or included in a facial treatment at a spa or with an esthetician. An esthetician can help clients diminish the appearance of brown skin patches and wrinkles caused by environmental factors. Body scrubs are also a form of exfoliating and are ideal for dry skin.

Everyday life of an esthetician

An esthetician can examine the layer of skin through a skin analysis. They treat oily and dry skin and administer facials, body scrubs, and other advanced skin care techniques. 

While estheticians do not provide surgical procedures, cosmetic procedures, or medical treatments, they significantly help to treat skin conditions.

At Evergreen, we offer an esthetics program for students wanting to specialize in skincare and gain comprehensive  knowledge over a variety of skincare techniques used today. 

We encourage you to contact our school today to schedule a tour and learn about our in-depth cosmetology and esthetics program. 

About Evergreen Beauty College

At Evergreen Beauty College, we offer a comprehensive cosmetology program that instructs students on advanced techniques, such as color theory, balayage, and advanced cuts with shears, like undercutting, thinning, and various other styles. Consider taking our brief quiz to see if cosmetology is right for you. 

FAQ: Common terms in esthetics and cosmetology

Is esthetics and cosmetology the same thing?

Cosmetology involves a broader range of beauty techniques, while esthetics focuses on skincare.

Why is hyaluronic acid used in skincare products?

Hyaluronic acid is in skincare products to help retain moisture, hydrate the skin, and improve the overall appearance.

Do estheticians perform laser hair removal? 

Many estheticians are trained to remove unwanted hair through laser hair removal, depending on state regulations. This treatment is considered invasive and is typically performed by a medical esthetician in a medical setting.