Skin Care and Skin Services
Skin analysis first
Before any service, analyze the skin: normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive, plus the Fitzpatrick scale for sun response. Review the layers of the epidermis (stratum corneum, lucidum, granulosum, spinosum, basale), the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer, and the functions of skin, including protection, sensation, heat regulation, excretion, secretion, and absorption.
Treatments and techniques
A basic facial sequence is cleanse, exfoliate, massage, mask, and moisturize, with extractions and treatment products as indicated. Exfoliants are mechanical (scrubs, brushes) or chemical (alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic, beta hydroxy acids such as salicylic). Massage movements must be distinguishable: effleurage (light, gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), friction (rubbing), and vibration (shaking). Hair removal options include waxing, tweezing, threading, and chemical depilatories.
Sanitation rules mirror the rest of the exam: wash hands, use a fresh towel and gown per client, sanitize implements, and never double-dip a spatula or wax stick. Wax is tested on the inner wrist before application.
Contraindications and traps
A facial, exfoliation, or waxing is contraindicated over sunburn, open lesions, recent cosmetic procedures, active infection, or skin made fragile by retinoids or certain medications. Questions often describe a client who wants a wax over a mole or an area of inflammation and ask what you should do. The answer is to refuse the service and refer.
Rule of thumb: broken, inflamed, or medically treated skin gets no service. If you cannot confidently rule out a contraindication, reschedule and advise a physician visit.