Facial Massage, Skin Care, and Related Services
Domain 6: Facial Massage, Skin Care, and Related Services
This domain tests basic facial services: cleansing, exfoliation, massage manipulations, masks, moisturizing, and contraindications. It emphasizes safety and scope, not medical treatment.
Core concepts
- Massage manipulations: effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (tapping), friction, and vibration.
- Direction: generally upward and outward, following muscle and lymph flow; pressure should be comfortable.
- Skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. Assess before choosing products.
- Contraindications: open lesions, active acne, inflammation, recent surgery, contagious conditions, and uncertain medical status. Refer when in doubt.
- Service sequence: cleanse, analyze, exfoliate gently, steam if appropriate, massage, mask, moisturize, and protect.
- Related services such as eyebrow grooming and facial hair removal must stay within scope and follow patch-test and sanitation rules.
- Sanitation: wash hands, use clean linens and spatulas, and never double-dip.
Worked example
A client has an oily T-zone, no redness or pus, and wants a facial. Reasoning: use a gentle cleanser, light exfoliation, brief steam, massage with light pressure, a clay mask on the T-zone, and a light moisturizer. Avoid heavy creams and aggressive extractions. If there is inflammation or pustules, do not massage or extract; refer.
Traps
- Massaging over inflamed or infected skin.
- Using strong exfoliation on sensitive skin.
- Double-dipping into products.
- Promising medical results.