Skin Care and Facial Treatments
Skin Care and Facial Treatments
This domain tests facial routine design, product selection by skin type, exfoliation science, massage and extraction technique, and the safe use of facial electrical equipment.
Core sequence and rules
A professional facial typically follows: cleanse, analyse, exfoliate, tone, massage, mask, moisturise and protect with SPF.
- Exfoliants. Mechanical (scrubs, brushes), enzymatic (papain, bromelain) and chemical. AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid are water-soluble and act at the surface; BHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble and penetrates pores.
- Over-exfoliation signs. Tightness, stinging, erythema, flaking and increased sensitivity - stop and soothe.
- Massage. Effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction and vibration; work in the direction of lymphatic drainage, avoid the thyroid area and skip inflamed acne.
- Extractions. Only non-inflamed comedones, after softening with warm compress; never squeeze papules, pustules or cystic lesions.
- Electrical facials. Galvanic (desincrustation, iontophoresis), high frequency, microcurrent and LED. Screen for pacemakers, pregnancy, epilepsy, metal implants and photosensitising medication.
Worked example
An oily, congested T-zone with no active inflammation. Plan: gentle gel cleanser, 1–2% salicylic exfoliation for a short contact time, warm compress and extraction of comedones only, non-comedogenic moisturiser and SPF 30+. Avoid heavy occlusive oils and gritty scrubs, which aggravate congestion without clearing it.
Traps that cost marks
Steaming too hot or too long; extracting inflamed lesions; layering an AHA with a retinoid in the same session; omitting SPF advice; choosing products by packaging claims rather than by ingredient and skin type.