Esthetic sciences

Significance of Skincare Products and Ingredients for Estheticians

• Skincare products are crucial for estheticians in treating, maintaining, and enhancing skin health and appearance.
• Understanding ingredients enables estheticians to select suitable products for different skin types and conditions.
• Estheticians can provide effective treatments and recommend appropriate home care routines by understanding ingredients.
• Home care supports and maintains the beneficial results of professional treatments.

Cosmetic Regulations, Laws, and Product Safety in Canada

• Health Canada regulates cosmetics under the Food and Drugs Act and Cosmetic Regulations.
• Cosmetic products must be safe, properly labeled, and free of prohibited ingredients.
• Companies must submit a Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) before selling a product.
• Labels must include ingredient lists, warnings, and directions in both French and English.

Cosmetic Ingredients, Sources, and Popular Terms

• Ingredients include active substances (hyaluronic acid), and functional substances (glycolic acid or niacinamide).
• Sources of ingredients can be natural (plants, minerals), synthetic (lab-made), or animal-derived (collagen, lanolin).
• "Hypoallergenic" products are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
• "Non-comedogenic" products will not clog pores.
• "Fragrance-free" products have no added scent, however may still have a scent from ingredients.
• "Organic/Natural" products are derived from natural sources, often without synthetic chemicals, but are not always strictly regulated.

Main Types of Ingredients in Cosmetic Chemistry

• Emollients soften and smooth the skin, such as jojoba oil and shea butter.
• Humectants draw moisture into the skin, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
• Preservatives prevent microbial growth, like phenoxyethanol and parabens.
• Surfactants cleanse or emulsify, such as sodium lauryl sulfate.
• Active ingredients deliver targeted benefits, such as retinol and salicylic acid.
• Thickeners and stabilizers enhance texture and consistency of products.

Beneficial Ingredients for Skin Types and Conditions

• For dry skin, beneficial ingredients include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, and shea butter.
• For oily/acne-prone skin, beneficial ingredients include salicylic acid, niacinamide, benzoyl peroxide, and tea tree oil.
• For sensitive skin, beneficial ingredients include aloe vera, chamomile, calendula, and colloidal oatmeal.
• For mature/aging skin, beneficial ingredients include peptides, retinol, vitamin C, and coenzyme Q10.
• For hyperpigmentation, beneficial ingredients include vitamin C, licorice root, alpha arbutin, and glycolic acid.

Selecting Appropriate Products for Facial Treatments and Home Care

• Products should be chosen based on the client’s skin type, concerns, allergies, and treatment goals.
• Facial treatments use professional-grade cleansers, exfoliants, masks, serums, and moisturizers.
• Home care products should be simplified versions that support the treatment plan and maintain results.

Recommending Home Care Products with Confidence

• Understand the products and ingredients .
• Understand the client’s skin needs and concerns.
• Clearly explain how the product works and its benefits.
• Provide clear instructions for use.
• Be honest about expectations and the timeline for results.
• Only recommend products that you trust and would use.

Considerations When Choosing a Professional Product Line

• Consider ingredient quality and safety.
• Clinical testing or proven results are important.
• Ensure skin type/condition compatibility.
• Consider the company's reputation and support.
• Evaluate pricing and profitability for retail sales.
• Check for education and training provided.
• Note the availability and exclusivity of the line.

Product Labeling

• Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight (most to least).
• The INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) system is used.
• Scientific or Latin names are used, e.g., Aqua for water, and Tocopherol for vitamin E.

Ensuring Product Safety

• Review the full ingredient list.
• Check for allergens or irritants.
• Perform a patch test if unsure.
• Avoid expired or unsealed products.
• Use products appropriate for the client’s skin type.
• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Keep records of any reactions or sensitivities.

Product Allergens

• Allergens can trigger allergic reactions.
• Common cosmetic allergens include fragrances, essential oils, and certain preservatives (parabens, formaldehyde releasers).
• Lanolin, dyes (FD&C colors), and nut-derived oils (almond oil) are also common allergens.

Laws and Regulations Guiding the Aesthetics Industry in Canada

• The aesthetics industry is governed by federal, provincial, and municipal regulations.
• Regulations ensure client and worker safety.
• Health Canada’s Cosmetic Regulations ensure products are safe and properly labeled under the Food and Drugs Act.
• The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) protects workers by outlining safe practices and employer responsibilities.
• Personal Service Settings Regulations (under Public Health Units) outline infection prevention, sanitation, and disinfection standards.
• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) guides the safe use of chemicals and hazardous materials.

Natural vs. Synthetic Ingredients and Marketing Terms

• Natural ingredients are derived directly from plants, minerals, or animals (e.g., coconut oil, clay, beeswax).
• Synthetic ingredients are lab-created to mimic or enhance natural compounds (e.g., synthetic vitamin C, silicone).
• "Hypoallergenic" claims to cause fewer allergic reactions but is not officially defined.
• "Organic" should be certified (e.g., COSMOS or USDA) but is not always verified.
• "Fragrance-Free" has no added synthetic fragrance but may still contain scent from natural ingredients.
• "Non-Comedogenic" claims not to clog pores, but this varies per person.

Reading a Product Label

• INCI Names: Ingredients are listed using International Nomenclature (e.g., Aqua for water, Tocopherol for vitamin E).
• Order: Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight (highest concentration first).
• Key Sections: Active ingredients, preservatives and fragrances (may be labeled “Parfum”).
• Common allergens or irritants should be noted.
• Reading labels helps estheticians assess safety, effectiveness, and suitability for clients.

Main Types of Ingredients in Product Formulations

• Humectants attract moisture (e.g., glycerin, hyaluronic acid).
• Emollients soften and smooth skin (e.g., squalane, jojoba oil).
• Occlusives form a barrier to lock in moisture (e.g., petrolatum, beeswax).
• Surfactants cleanse or emulsify (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate).
• Active Ingredients deliver targeted benefits (e.g., retinol, niacinamide).
• Preservatives prevent microbial growth (e.g., phenoxyethanol, parabens).
• Colorants/Fragrances add visual/scent appeal (may be synthetic or natural).

Regulations by the Public Health Unit

• Local public health units enforce sanitation and safety standards for personal service settings.
• Tool and equipment disinfection is required after every client.
• Single-use items must be discarded after one use.
• Proper hand hygiene and glove use are mandatory.
• A clean and labeled storage is required for tools and products.
• Documented cleaning schedules should be kept.
• Proper waste disposal (sharps, contaminated materials) is required.
• Rules help prevent the spread of infection and maintain public health standards.

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

• Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), safety protocols must be followed.
• Use of PPE (personal protective equipment): gloves, masks, eyewear when needed.
• Proper ventilation in workspaces (especially when using chemicals) must be in place.
• Employees must be informed of workplace hazards
• WHMIS Training: Understanding chemical safety labels and SDS (Safety Data Sheets).
• Injury and incident reporting procedures.
• Employers must maintain a safe working environment and provide training on safety standards.

Procedures for Disposal of Hazardous Materials

• Hazardous waste includes chemical disinfectants, used wax, expired products, and sharp items.
• Use proper containers, like sharps containers and chemical waste containers (labeled and leak-proof).
• Chemicals should never be poured down the drain unless permitted by the product’s SDS.
• Follow local guidelines for hazardous waste pickup or drop-off.
• Label all waste properly and store it securely until disposal.
• Maintain records if required by your municipality or province.
• Chemical management plan should assess and manage risks.
• The Food and Drugs Act specifically focuses on the safety, efficacy, and quality of foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.