Skin, Scalp and Facial Care Services
Skin analysis and service design
Begin with a consultation: medications, allergies, pregnancy, recent waxing or peels, and skin conditions. Identify skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination) and Fitzpatrick phototype I to VI for sensitivity and sun risk. Lesions are primary (macule, papule, pustule, vesicle, nodule) or secondary (crust, scale, scar, excoriation). Do not treat over open, infected, or inflamed skin; refer suspicious lesions to a physician. Contraindications include active cystic acne, rosacea with heat sensitivity, recent chemical peels, isotretinoin use, and diabetes with poor circulation.
The facial sequence
Cleanse, analyze, exfoliate gently, steam if appropriate, extract only soft comedoes, massage, apply a mask, tone, and moisturize with sun protection. Massage movements include effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), and vibration. Work from the center outward and upward, avoid pressure on the eyes and throat, and keep the client draped. Sanitize hands, use single-use spatulas, and keep products covered.
Traps
The exam will suggest massage over severe acne or extraction of pustules, both wrong. It may also imply oily skin needs no moisturizer or that steam is safe for every client. Heat is contraindicated for rosacea, recent peels, and sensitive skin. Never diagnose a skin disease.
Rule of thumb
If it is inflamed, broken, infected, or undiagnosed, do not massage, exfoliate, or extract. Cleanse and refer.
Worked example: A client on isotretinoin books a facial with extractions. Decline the extraction and aggressive exfoliation; offer a gentle cleanse, cool compress, and moisturizer, and advise consulting the prescriber.