Skin analysis, consultation, and treatment planning
What this domain tests
This domain assesses structured consultation, skin analysis and client-centred treatment planning. It tests observation, questioning, contraindication screening, patch testing, realistic goal setting and documentation.
Core rules
- Consult in good light with clean hands and a professional, private setup. Gain consent, check medical history, medications, allergies, pregnancy, recent procedures and products.
- Analyse skin type and condition separately. Type is largely genetic oil and water balance; condition is temporary or acquired, such as dehydration, sensitivity, pigmentation, ageing or acne. Assess hydration, oiliness, pore size, texture, tone, laxity and lesions.
- Use the Fitzpatrick scale to estimate sun-reactive skin type and photodamage risk; it is not a measure of current sensitivity.
- Do not diagnose. Describe what you see and refer suspicious, changing, painful or infected lesions.
- Patch test products when required by the manufacturer or protocol, especially tints, adhesives and active ingredients. Record the result, site and time.
- Set goals the treatment can realistically achieve, choose products and techniques accordingly, and explain frequency, home care and review.
- Record findings, consent, test results, plan and aftercare.
Worked example
A client has oily skin with tight cheeks, visible flaking and a history of rosacea. The plan should not be aggressive exfoliation or strong massage. Recognise combination skin with a compromised barrier and possible rosacea; avoid heat and irritants, use gentle cleansing and barrier support, and refer for diagnosis if undiagnosed. Review before progressing.
Traps
Treating 'oily' and 'dehydrated' as opposites; relying on one question; skipping patch tests; and promising clearance of acne scars.