What best describes disinfection?

Disinfection is best described as the process of reducing microbes to a safe level. This process specifically targets pathogenic microorganisms, which can cause infections and diseases, by using chemical agents or physical means. Unlike sterilization, which involves eliminating all forms of microbial life, disinfection focuses on killing or inactivating enough microorganisms to lower the risk of infection to acceptable levels. This makes disinfection crucial in settings like esthetics, where maintaining hygiene is essential for client safety and wellbeing.

The distinction is significant; removing dirt and impurities is part of cleaning but does not necessarily reduce the number of microbes. On the other hand, sterilization refers to the complete destruction of all microorganisms, which goes beyond the scope of disinfection. Understanding these differences is key in applying appropriate sanitation and disinfection methods in esthetic practices to ensure a safe environment.