What is the first step in maintaining universal precautions?

The first step in maintaining universal precautions is washing hands with soap and water. Proper hand hygiene is essential in reducing the risk of infection and contamination before and after any esthetic procedures or when interacting with clients. This practice helps eliminate pathogens that may be present on the skin or under the nails and forms the foundation of effective infection control protocols.

While practices such as wearing gloves, disinfecting tools, and wearing masks are all important components of universal precautions, they do not replace the need for initial handwashing. Washing hands effectively removes dirt and pathogens, thereby providing a clean slate before any other protective measures are employed. This creates a safer environment not only for the practitioner but also for the clients they serve.