Skin Care and Facial Treatments
A facial is a sequence, not a single act: consult and check contraindications, cleanse, analyze the skin, exfoliate, steam, extract, massage, mask, tone, moisturize, and protect with SPF. Skin analysis covers type (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive) and condition (dehydration, acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, aging). The Fitzpatrick scale I to VI estimates sun reactivity and guides treatment intensity.
Massage manipulations
Learn five: effleurage (light gliding, always upward and outward), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), vibration, and friction. Pressure moves from light to firm. Skip massage entirely over active acne, broken skin, sunburn, or dilated capillaries.
Extractions and products
Soften the skin with warm steam first, then extract comedones only - never squeeze inflamed pustules or cysts. Use fingers wrapped in tissue or a disinfected extractor. Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic) exfoliate the surface; beta hydroxy acid (salicylic) is oil soluble and suits oily, acne-prone skin; retinol speeds cell turnover and causes photosensitivity. Patch test new products.
Contraindications
Current isotretinoin (Accutane), recent chemical peel or laser, active herpes or infection, sunburn, fever, contagious conditions, and undiagnosed lesions all postpone or cancel the service. Refer suspicious growths rather than treating them.
Trap watch
Vigorous massage does not drain cystic acne - it spreads inflammation. Combining a strong AHA with retinol on a first-time client invites a reaction. Extractions are not performed on pustules.
Rule of thumb
If the skin is red, broken, inflamed, or newly resurfaced, do not massage, exfoliate, or extract it - calm it instead.