Skin Care and Facial Services
What to know
Esthetics questions focus on skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, massage, and masking. Know the skin types (normal, dry, oily, combination) and conditions (dehydrated, sensitive, acne, mature). Understand the Fitzpatrick scale for sun sensitivity and why it matters for waxing and peels. Know the layers of the epidermis and the function of the stratum corneum as the barrier.
Treatment flow
A basic facial follows: consultation and skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, steam or warm towel, extraction (if appropriate), massage, mask, toner, moisturizer, and sun protection. Know the purpose of each step - steam softens sebum, massage increases circulation, masks deliver ingredients.
Traps candidates miss
- Contraindications: active cold sores, open lesions, sunburn, recent waxing, or certain medications mean no service. Recognizing contraindications is heavily tested.
- Confusing dehydrated (lacks water) with dry (lacks oil) skin.
- Forgetting that extractions require gloves and gentle technique, and that inflamed acne is not extracted.
- Mixing up effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, and friction massage movements.
Rule of thumb
When in doubt, do not treat. Any questionable skin condition gets a referral, not a service. Document the consultation.
Worked example
A client arrives with a sunburned face and wants a facial. Correct response: decline the service, explain that exfoliation and massage would irritate compromised skin, and reschedule. This demonstrates both safety and client care.