Skin Care and Facial Treatments
Domain 4 tests facial treatment planning: skin analysis, product selection, massage and contraindications. Expect sequencing questions and 'what would you do next' scenarios.
Core rules
- Consult first: allergies, medication, pregnancy, recent peels, skin disease, sensitivity. Record and get consent.
- Identify skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive) and condition (acne, pigmentation, ageing, dehydration). Type is inherited; condition is changeable.
- Basic sequence: cleanse, exfoliate, steam, extract, massage, mask, tone, moisturise, protect with sunscreen.
- Steam should be comfortable, never hot or close enough to scald; keep eyes protected.
- Extract only visible comedones with gentle pressure; do not squeeze inflamed cysts or moles.
- Massage uses effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction and vibration, in upward and outward directions unless a specific technique says otherwise.
- Contraindications include active infection, open wounds, severe sunburn, allergic reaction and uncontrolled medical conditions; refer when unsure.
Worked example
A client with oily skin and blackheads on the nose wants a 'deep clean'. Reasoning: cleanse, use mild exfoliation, steam for a few minutes at a safe distance, wrap fingers and extract only soft visible comedones, apply a clay mask to oily areas, moisturise lightly and finish with SPF. Do not extract deep or inflamed lesions, and do not massage over active acne. If redness or pain increases, stop.
Traps that cost marks
- Steaming too long or too close and causing burns.
- Extracting every spot and spreading infection.
- Skipping the allergy and medication check.
- Massaging over a contraindication because the client insists.