Skin Care: Anatomy of Skin, Cleansing, Facials and Basic Treatments
Structure the answer expects
Skin has three layers. The epidermis is avascular and keratinised; its basal layer produces new cells and melanin. The dermis holds collagen and elastin, blood vessels, nerve endings, sebaceous and sweat glands. The hypodermis is fat and insulation. The acid mantle at about pH 4.5-5.5 protects against bacteria and water loss.
Facial sequence and purpose
Cleanse to remove make-up and surface oil, analyse, exfoliate to remove dead corneocytes, steam for 3-5 minutes with the steamer about 30 cm away to soften comedones, extract gently and only comedones or pustules, massage for 10-15 minutes using effleurage, petrissage and tapotement, apply a mask, then tone, moisturise and protect with SPF.
Contraindications
Inflamed acne, broken or sunburnt skin, recent waxing, peel or laser, cold sores, contagious skin conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, and first-trimester caution. A facial is not a medical treatment; refer suspicious lesions.
Worked example
A client with papular acne asks for a deep clean with extraction. Reasoning: inflamed papules should not be squeezed, because it spreads inflammation and risks scarring. Adjust the service: gentle cleanse, mild enzyme exfoliation, no steam on inflamed areas, no massage over lesions, non-comedogenic moisturiser, and advise a dermatology referral.
Traps that cost marks
- Listing the steps without the reason for each one.
- Steaming for 15 minutes instead of 3-5.
- Promising a facial will "cure" acne.