Facial Treatments and Procedures
This domain assesses whether you can sequence a professional facial logically, select the right modality, and set parameters you can defend. Examiners look for the reason behind each step, not a memorised ritual.
The standard sequence
Cleanse (double cleanse if makeup or heavy SPF) → skin analysis → exfoliation → steam or enzyme softening → extractions → massage → mask → targeted serum → moisturiser → SPF. Each stage has a purpose; the order minimises trauma and maximises absorption.
Exfoliation choices
Mechanical: granular scrubs, microdermabrasion (crystal or diamond). Chemical: glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic, enzyme gels. Mechanical abrasion plus strong acid in the same session is a classic over-treatment.
Modalities and what they actually do
- Galvanic: cathode (negative) is alkaline and saponifies sebum for desincrustation; anode (positive) is acidic and drives negatively charged ions in iontophoresis. Like charges repel - the ion's charge decides the pole.
- High frequency: argon for acne-prone, neon for soothing.
- LED: blue around 405–420 nm for acne bacteria, red around 630–660 nm for anti-inflammatory and collagen support, near-infrared deeper still.
- Microcurrent: low-amperage current, used for tone and drainage; not for clients with pacemakers or epilepsy.
- Ultrasound: 1–3 MHz, deeper penetration at lower frequency; avoid over bone, thyroid, eyes.
- Lymphatic drainage: light, rhythmic, directional.
Extractions
Only after softening, only for open comedones and non-inflamed milia; never squeeze inflamed papules, never use fingernails, always with gloves and a lancet used once.
Worked example
A congested, dull, Fitzpatrick II client books 60 minutes. Reasoning: soften first so comedones release without pressure, so enzyme exfoliation then steam, extraction limited to the T-zone, a clay mask on the T-zone only, red LED for the cheeks, finishing SPF. Acid peel is deferred because extraction and peel in one session compounds barrier stress.
Traps that cost marks
- Extractions before softening.
- Reversing galvanic polarity in desincrustation.
- Applying heat to rosacea or active infection.
- Treating the whole face with one mask regardless of zone.