Skin Care and Esthetics Services
Skin Care and Esthetics Services
This domain tests facial services, skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, massage, masks, contraindications, and sanitation. The exam stresses scope of practice and client safety.
Core rules
- Begin with consultation and skin analysis: observe oiliness, dryness, sensitivity, lesions, and texture. Do not diagnose medical conditions.
- Basic facial order is cleanse, analyze, exfoliate when appropriate, extract when appropriate, massage, mask, and protect. Not every client receives every step.
- Contraindications include active infection, open lesions, recent chemical peels or laser treatments, sunburn, and irritated skin. Refer medical concerns.
- Extractions are limited to visible comedones; do not extract pustular or inflamed acne. Use gentle pressure and gloves.
- Sanitize hands, disinfect implements, use single-use items, and label products correctly.
Worked example
A client arrives with redness, stinging, and recent exfoliation at home. Skip mechanical exfoliation and massage, use a mild cleanser, apply a soothing mask, and recommend follow-up with a physician if symptoms persist. Reason: the skin barrier is already irritated; scrubbing or extracting would increase inflammation and risk. Estheticians can soothe and protect but cannot diagnose or treat a medical condition.
Traps
- Extracting inflamed or pustular lesions.
- Using an active exfoliant on recently treated skin.
- Massaging over infection or inflammation.
- Diagnosing a rash instead of referring.