Facial Treatments
What this domain covers
Facial Treatments tests the sequence, timing, technique and contraindications of a professional facial, including massage movements and when to stop.
Standard sequence
Consultation and skin analysis, cleanse (double cleanse if make-up is present), exfoliate, steam for 3-5 minutes at about 30 cm, extract comedones only, massage for 10-15 minutes, mask, tone, moisturise, sunscreen.
Technique notes
- Massage movements: effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), friction and vibration. Work upwards and outwards, follow lymph drainage toward the nodes, keep contact unbroken.
- Steam softens sebum; cover the eyes and check the client is breathing comfortably.
- Extract only open comedones and soft closed ones. Never squeeze inflamed papules, pustules, cysts or moles.
- Finish every daytime facial with broad-spectrum SPF.
Contraindications
Inflamed acne, cold sores, impetigo, recent peel, laser or wax in the area, sunburn, uncontrolled asthma for steam, and first-trimester pregnancy for certain essential oils and electrical equipment.
Worked example
A client has an oily T-zone and three red, tender pustules on the chin. Correct plan: cleanse, gentle exfoliation, brief steam, no extraction on the pustules, a cooling clay mask, and a referral note if the acne is widespread. Reasoning: extracting inflamed lesions spreads bacteria and risks scarring, so the goal shifts from deep cleansing to calming.
Traps
- Steaming for 15 minutes because it feels pleasant.
- Massaging over pustules.
- Leaving product residue under the mask.