Skin Care and Esthetics
Esthetics questions test skin layers, skin types, consultation, cleansing and exfoliation, massage, hair removal, and contraindications. The safest answer often protects the barrier and refers a medical condition.
Core rules
- The epidermis is the outer barrier; the dermis contains collagen, elastin, nerves, and blood vessels; subcutaneous tissue provides fat and insulation.
- Classify skin by oiliness, hydration, sensitivity, and phototype. Fitzpatrick type helps estimate sun response but does not replace a health history.
- Cleansers remove surface soil; exfoliants remove dead cells; moisturizers reduce water loss. Over-exfoliation damages the barrier and causes redness and sensitivity.
- Waxing, extractions, and massage require consent and contraindication checks. Active infection, open lesions, recent isotretinoin use, and fragile skin may require postponing or referral.
- Document the health history and the reason for any postponement.
Worked example
A client on isotretinoin requests a lip wax. The reasoning is that the medication thins skin and impairs healing, so waxing could tear the skin. Postpone the service and suggest the client consult the prescriber; do not simply lower the wax temperature.
Traps
Diagnosing disease; scrubbing sensitive skin; waxing over retinoids without checking; extracting inflamed lesions; and treating massage as risk-free for every client.