What is the transfer of heat via direct contact referred to as?

The transfer of heat via direct contact is referred to as conduction. This process occurs when heat energy moves from a warmer object to a cooler one through direct physical touch. For example, when you touch a hot iron, heat transfers from the iron to your skin.

In the context of esthetics, understanding conduction is important, especially when discussing treatments that involve heat, such as facials with hot stones or steam treatments. The efficacy of these treatments often relies on how well heat can be transferred to the skin through direct contact.

Convection, on the other hand, involves heat transfer through fluids (liquids or gases) where warmer areas move to cooler areas, which is not applicable here. Radiation involves the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, such as the warmth felt from the sun. Induction is a method of heating that involves creating an electromagnetic field. Each of these processes has distinct characteristics that differentiate them from conduction.