A makeup artist must maintain high standards of hygiene so as to prevent infection and present a professional image to the client. Good hygiene prevents cross infection and secondary infection. Cross infections are caused by microorganisms which can be transferred through direct contact (e.g. from person to person) or indirect contact (e.g. from contaminated tools such as towels, makeup brushes etc)
Secondary infection is caused by a microorganism gaining entry into a broken skin.
A therapist should do the following in order to maintain hygiene and present a professional image:
- Make sure your teeth are clean
- Do not eat strong smelling food
- Do not smoke
- Bathe regularly
- Wear your hair away from your face.
- Maintain clean and short nails
- Wear a clean and ironed overall
- Wear make-up that is subtle and professional
- If you have cuts on your hand, cover with waterproof plaster
- Keep jewellery at a minimum (only wedding band and stud earrings)
- Wear clean, well-fitted low heel shoes
- Do not g to work if you have an infectious disease
In order to maintain high standards of hygiene, equipment used are regularly cleaned using any of these three methods:
- Sterilisation: this is the total destruction of all living microorganisms, including their spores.
- Sanitisation: this is the destruction of some microorganisms. It does not kill all microorganisms, but it inhibits their growth.
- Disinfection: this is the destruction of living microorganisms, but not their spores. This is used to keep the level off microorganisms low and acceptable.
In order to reduce and eliminate microbial contamination, the following steps are taken in facial treatment:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after attending to each client.
- Small equipment such a mask brush, cotton bud are covered with tissue.
- Before use, sponges and brushes are disinfected by placing in a chemical disinfectant for 20-30 minutes.
- Plastic spatula and metal tools are cleaned with spirit and then sterilised. They should be stored in the barbicide jar during the facial.
- Use disposable headbands or a headbands boil-washed after each client.
- Boil-wash towels after each client.
- Do not dip fingers into product containers, use spatulas to remove products.
- Make sure product containers are properly covered. Ensure lids are tightened.
- Ensure that waste products are adequately disposed.
