Skin Analysis, Consultation, and Treatment Planning
Consultation
Collect medical history, medications, allergies, pregnancy status, prior treatments (peels, lasers, waxing), home-care routine, sun exposure, and lifestyle. Flag isotretinoin (no waxing or abrasion), topical retinoids, photosensitizing antibiotics, blood thinners, and autoimmune conditions. Obtain informed consent, explain realistic outcomes, and keep records confidential.
Analysis
Work on cleansed skin under magnification and good light. Assess:
- Skin type - genetic and fixed: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive. Fitzpatrick I–VI describes burning versus tanning response.
- Skin condition - changeable: dehydration, aging, hyperpigmentation, acne, sensitivity, vascularity.
- Pore size, texture, tone, elasticity, lesions, and congestion.
Wood's lamp reading: blue-white = normal healthy skin; yellow = oil; violet/purple = dehydration; brown = pigmentation; coral-pink = acne bacteria (porphyrins).
Treatment plan
State goals, modalities, frequency, home care, expected results, contraindications, and cost, then rebook. Estheticians improve the appearance of skin; they do not cure conditions.
Traps
- Skin type is fixed; skin condition changes - questions love to swap them.
- Dry means lacking oil; dehydrated means lacking water - oily skin can be dehydrated.
- Fitzpatrick describes sun response, not simply color.
Rule of thumb: consult → analyze → plan → consent → treat → home care → document, in that order, every visit.