Skin and nail analysis and service limits
Analysis comes first
Every facial begins with skin analysis: observe pore size, oiliness, texture, and sensitivity, and ask about allergies, medications, and recent cosmetic procedures. Basic skin types are normal, dry, oily, and combination; conditions such as dehydration, sensitivity, and acne are layered on top. The Fitzpatrick scale classifies how skin responds to ultraviolet light and should not be used alone to determine safety or treatment settings.
The service sequence
Cleanse, exfoliate, tone, massage, mask, moisturize, and protect. Extractions are limited to non-inflamed comedones; inflamed pustules and cysts are referred out, not squeezed. Massage manipulations follow the same family as scalp massage: effleurage (light, gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (tapping), and vibration (fine trembling). Direction and pressure should be consistent and toward the direction of lymph flow.
Contraindications and safety
Do not perform a facial over open lesions, sunburn, recent waxing, or active infection. Ask about isotretinoin and other prescription retinoids, which can affect skin sensitivity and service suitability. Sanitize hands, use clean linens, dispense products with a spatula, and keep the client properly draped.
Traps to expect
The exam likes to blur oil-production patterns with current skin conditions; these can change and are not all temporary or cosmetically treatable. Another trap: implying estheticians can diagnose or treat medical skin disease. Scope of practice is the line - suspicious lesions get referred.
Worked example
A client arrives with redness, stinging, and visible broken capillaries. Rule of thumb: when the skin is reactive, subtract steps, not add them. Skip exfoliation, extractions, and heat; use calming products and gentle pressure, and refer if it looks like rosacea.
Nail-service decision example
The nail matrix produces the nail plate. The cuticle is non-living tissue attached to the plate, while the proximal living fold must be protected. If a client has swelling, discharge or unexplained nail discoloration, record what you observe without diagnosing a named infection. Do not cover the finding with an enhancement to satisfy an event deadline. Explain the concern and refer for appropriate medical evaluation. Prepare clean tools and linens for every client, and discard single-use porous items rather than relying on their clean appearance.