Skin Anatomy, Physiology, and Skin Analysis
Skin Anatomy, Physiology, and Skin Analysis tests your ability to read the skin before choosing products. Expect layers, barrier function, skin types versus conditions, Fitzpatrick phototypes, and signs that require referral.
Core rules
- The epidermis is avascular; the dermis carries vessels, nerves, and glands; the hypodermis stores fat. The stratum corneum and acid mantle, around pH 4.5–5.5, limit water loss and irritant entry.
- Skin types are dry, oily, combination, and normal. Sensitive, dehydrated, acne-prone, and mature are conditions or states, not fixed types.
- The Fitzpatrick scale I–VI describes burning and tanning response, not race. It guides sun protection and treatment caution.
- Analyze clean skin under neutral daylight: observe texture, pores, redness, lesions, and dehydration lines; ask about medications, allergies, and recent peels or surgery.
- Refer changing moles, unexplained lesions, severe inflammation, or infection rather than covering them.
Worked example
A client has an oily T-zone but tight, flaky cheeks after using a strong cleanser. Reasoning: oiliness plus flaking suggests dehydration and barrier irritation, not simply dry skin. Use gentle, glycerin- or hyaluronic-acid-based hydration, avoid alcohol-heavy toner, and mattify only the T-zone. A heavy oil balm over the whole face could worsen congestion.
Traps
Oily skin still needs moisturizer. Sensitive is often a reaction pattern, not a type. Fitzpatrick type does not tell you skin color. Exfoliating immediately before makeup can increase redness and stinging.