Skin Care and Facial Treatments
This domain tests skin analysis, the facial sequence, massage movements and the judgement to stop or refer. Expect questions that ask you to choose products from a described skin condition, or to identify a contraindication.
Skin analysis
Separate skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive) from skin condition (dehydration, acne, pigmentation, ageing, redness). Note the T-zone, pore size, texture, hydration and Fitzpatrick phototype. Fitzpatrick I–II burns easily and needs high SPF and gentle peels; V–VI is prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Facial sequence
Cleanse, analyse, exfoliate, steam for about 5–8 minutes, extract comedones only, massage 10–15 minutes, apply mask, tone, moisturise and finish with SPF.
Massage movements
Effleurage, petrissage, tapotement and friction or vibration, worked upwards and outwards along muscle direction, avoiding bony areas, the thyroid and inflamed skin.
Contraindications
Active cystic acne, broken or sunburnt skin, cold sores, conjunctivitis, recent peels or waxing, uncontrolled diabetes, contagious conditions, and some essential oils in pregnancy.
Worked example
A client has a shiny T-zone, tight dry cheeks and flaking. Reasoning: this is combination and dehydrated, not simply oily. Choose a gel cleanser, gentle exfoliation, light non-comedogenic moisturiser and 5 minutes of steam. Avoid heavy oils on the T-zone and avoid over-exfoliating the cheeks. If the flaking is inflamed or itchy, refer rather than treat.
Traps that cost marks
- Extracting inflamed pustules instead of only open comedones.
- Steaming for 15–20 minutes and causing capillary damage.
- Massaging over a cold sore or active acne.
- Diagnosing acne or pigmentation as a disease and promising a cure.