Client Consultation, Skin Analysis, and Treatment Planning
Client Consultation, Skin Analysis, and Treatment Planning
This domain tests whether you can gather information safely, analyse skin accurately and convert both into a defensible, client-centred treatment plan.
Consultation structure
Greet and confirm identity, obtain consent, then take a structured history: medical conditions, medications (prescribed, over-the-counter and topical), allergies, pregnancy, implants, epilepsy, diabetes, autoimmune disease, recent surgery, tanning and previous treatments. Follow with skin analysis, patch tests, explanation of the plan, agreement, recording and aftercare.
Key checks
- Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) - skin is fragile and heals poorly; avoid waxing and aggressive exfoliation, commonly for 6 months after stopping. Confirm with the prescriber and your insurer.
- Topical retinoids and acids - stop before exfoliating or waxing, per manufacturer guidance.
- Patch tests - 24–48 hours before tinting, hot wax and chemical services; record the result.
- Devices - pacemakers and metal implants contraindicate electrical treatments; pregnancy and photosensitising medication limit peels, LED and laser.
- Skin analysis - observe in good light, palpate, note hydration, oiliness, sensitivity, pigmentation, texture and lesions. Woods lamp and skin scanners support but never diagnose.
- Referral - suspicious moles, undiagnosed rashes, infected lesions and suspected skin cancer go to a GP or dermatologist.
Worked example
A 24-year-old requests a lip and brow wax and mentions she has taken isotretinoin for three months. You do not treat. You explain the fragility of the skin and the risk of lifting, document the decision, offer a non-traumatic alternative if appropriate, and invite her to rebook once the prescriber confirms the skin has recovered.
Traps that cost marks
Accepting "I'm fine" instead of asking about medication; patch testing on the day of treatment; failing to update records at each visit; treating over a cold sore or broken skin; giving aftercare verbally only.