In the Beauty industry, following strict sterilization and disinfection techniques is important not only for our clients, but for your own protection. Every client must be treated as though they Could have some kind of bacterial or viral infection. The most threating agents are not even the most publicized, such as mycobacterium, tuberculosis or Hepatitis B Virus. The implements used by a therapist should be at best disposable one-time use items.

There is a distinct difference between sterilization and disinfection. Sterilization is the destruction of all forms of microbial life ( bacteria spores, fungi and viruses ) in or about an object, by heat ( steam or hot air ), chemical sterilant or gas.

Disinfection is the proces that elimates many pathegenic micro-organisms on inanimate objects with the exception of bacterial spores. Fungi is a simple term for a group of yeasts and molds that can cause conditions such as athletes foot. Proper disinfection can prevent the spread if the infection in th treatment room.

Methods of sterilization:

Dry Heat

Dry heat is a method of sterilizing objects in a temperature range of 320 degrees to 338 F.  This method is commonly used in the esthetic industry due to low initial cost of equipment. The disadvantages are the cycle takes 1-2 hours depending on load, and is not suitable for soft items. Heat can destroy temper of instruments; and air inside chamber can get stale and start to smell.

Sterilants / Disinfectants:

There are various types of chemical forms that are used for sterilization and disinfection purposes.  These include pressurized gas or microencapsulated chemicals and liquids. Liquid Sterilants / disinfectants kills or retards the growth of a variety of bacterial spores, fungi, mycobacterium tuberculosis, and viruses. The level of  disinfection / sterilization required should be determined by its classification of the implements used by the therapist and the task being performed will dictate how high or low the method of sterilization is required.

Ethylene Oxide Gas:

Uses low temperature 100-130 degrees with low humidity. This process of sterilization may take up to 2 to 6 hours to reach the highest level of sterilization. This sterilization process will require an open area, that will allow to "air -out" otherwise it could bring cancer causing fumes that need to be released from the items sterilized.

Autoclave ( Steam ) :

Saturated Steam is another method for sterilizing objects with moist heat. An autoclave is a strong, airtight vessel with varying chamber sizes. The temperature reaches a minimum of 250 degrees and can go as high as 273 degrees.

Chemiclave :

Method of sterilization that requires only a short cycle time of 20 minutes at 270 degrees at 20 psi and does not cause dulling, rusting, or corroding of instruments. Disadvantages are the medicinal smell that lingers after sterilization, and that some plastics cannot be exposed to chemical vapor.