Facial Treatments and Massage
Facial Treatments and Massage
This domain tests treatment sequencing, sanitation, massage movements, extraction limits, and contraindication management during facials.
Core rules
- Sequence generally includes consultation, cleansing, exfoliation, extractions if appropriate, massage, mask, moisturizer, and SPF.
- Massage movements include effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration. Begin and end with light effleurage; avoid deep pressure over bones, eyes, and inflamed areas.
- Extractions are limited to soft comedones and pustules using proper technique; do not extract deep cysts, moles, or inflamed lesions.
- Contraindications include active infection, open wounds, severe acne, recent surgery, uncontrolled hypertension, and allergy to products.
- Sanitize hands, use disposable applicators, and keep massage medium off the eyelids and lashes.
Worked example
A client arrives with multiple tender pustules and diffuse redness. Skip massage and aggressive extraction, use gentle cleansing and a soothing mask, and refer if symptoms suggest infection. Reasoning: massage can spread inflammation and bacteria; extraction of inflamed lesions increases scarring risk.
Traps
- Massaging over active acne or telangiectasia worsens irritation.
- Oversteaming can dehydrate skin and trigger redness.
- Extracting a deep cyst is outside esthetic scope.
- Reusing a mask brush without cleaning transfers contaminants.