Esthetics and Skin Care: Skin Analysis, Treatments, and Contraindications
This domain tests skin structure and function, skin typing, facial treatments, hair removal, makeup, and the contraindications that keep esthetic services safe. Expect questions on client screening, product selection, massage, and sanitation.
Skin foundations
- Epidermis (stratum corneum barrier), dermis (collagen, elastin, blood vessels), subcutaneous layer.
- Healthy skin surface pH is about 4.5–5.5; barrier disruption leads to irritation and water loss.
- Fitzpatrick types I–VI describe sun response and guide SPF and treatment intensity.
Treatment rules
- Cleanse, analyze, and consult before treatment; document allergies, medications, pregnancy, and recent cosmetic procedures.
- Steam and exfoliation are not universal: avoid on rosacea flares, active acne with pustules, and recent peels or laser.
- Extractions only on suitable comedones, with gloves and disinfected tools; never squeeze inflamed cysts.
- Waxing: hair about ¼ inch long; patch test; avoid on clients using isotretinoin or retinoids or with compromised skin.
- Massage movements: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction; avoid over inflammation.
Worked example
A client on tretinoin asks for an eyebrow wax. Correct response: postpone the wax and explain that retinoids thin the stratum corneum, so waxing can strip skin and cause bleeding or scarring. Offer tweezing instead; document the refusal and referral if needed. Reasoning: the medication creates a temporary contraindication, not a judgment about the client.
Traps
- Steaming every client by routine.
- Extracting pustules or cysts.
- Waxing over moles, irritated skin, or recently treated areas.
- Skipping patch tests and consent.