Skin Care & Facial Treatments
Assessment before action
A facial is a sequence of decisions, not a ritual. Begin with consultation and skin analysis: observe pore size, oiliness, texture, hydration, sensitivity, vascularity and pigmentation, and record Fitzpatrick phototype (I–VI) to judge UV and treatment risk. Classify skin as normal, dry, oily, combination or sensitive, and note any medical contraindication.
The treatment sequence
Cleanse (double cleanse if make-up or heavy product), tone, exfoliate, steam, extract, massage, mask, protect. Each stage has limits: steam at roughly 30–40 cm for 3–5 minutes (longer risks dehydration and capillary damage); extraction of open comedones only - never pustules, papules, moles or broken skin.
Product science
Healthy skin sits at about pH 4.5–5.5 (the acid mantle). Know the action of alpha-hydroxy acids, retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, clay, hyaluronic acid and physical versus enzymatic exfoliants. Masks are setting (clay, peel-off) or non-setting (cream, gel, sheet); choose by skin need, not habit.
Electrical facials
High frequency (antibacterial, warming), galvanic (desincrustation and iontophoresis), microcurrent and ultrasound each have indications and hard contraindications - pacemakers, epilepsy, pregnancy, metal implants, active infection.
Traps
Questions target the difference between a contraindication and a precaution, the correct order of the sequence, and the assumption that "more steam means better results". Also watch for masks being left on "until completely dry" - that draws moisture out.
Rule of thumb
If it is inflamed, infected, broken or undiagnosed, do not massage it, extract it or apply heat. Cleanse, protect and refer.