Facial Treatments and Client Consultation
Facial questions test sequencing, contraindications, and what you do when something goes wrong. The Board expects a consultation and consent before you touch a client, and documentation afterward.
Standard sequence
- Consultation, intake form, consent, skin analysis, headband.
- Cleansing (double cleanse if makeup), then exfoliation matched to the skin type.
- Extractions only after softening with warm steam (5–8 minutes) - only pustules and open comedones, with tissue-wrapped fingers or an extractor, never on cysts, moles, or inflamed tissue.
- Massage (moderate pressure, upward and outward), mask, moisturizer, SPF.
Contraindications to know
- Postpone: active cold sore, impetigo, conjunctivitis, ringworm, open or weeping lesions, sunburn, recent chemical peel or laser (follow the provider's timeline), isotretinoin (no waxing, extractions, or exfoliation), allergy to a product ingredient.
- Modify: pregnancy (avoid high-percentage acids, retinoids, some essential oils), diabetes (fragile skin, slower healing), rosacea (no heat, no aggressive massage), clients using retinoids or AHA/BHA (stop actives, reduce exfoliation).
Contra-actions
Erythema, edema, stinging, urticaria, or a cold-sore outbreak. Stop, cool with compresses, remove product, apply a soothing agent, document, and refer if it does not settle.
Worked example
A client on tretinoin books a facial with extractions and a glycolic mask. Correct response: skip the acid and the extractions, perform a gentle cleanse and calming mask, and ask them to pause the retinoid for a few days before any future exfoliating service.
Traps
Extracting without softening the skin; massaging over active acne; assuming a product is safe because it is marketed as natural; skipping the intake form; and using hot steam on rosacea or on clients with capillary damage.