Skin Analysis and Client Consultation
Build the record first
A complete intake includes medical history, medications, allergies, pregnancy, past reactions to products or wax, current home care, and the client's goals. Review it with the client verbally - people forget to write down blood thinners, retinoids, or a history of cold sores. Obtain informed consent before touching the skin, and document findings and services in a SOAP-style note (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan).
Analyze systematically
Use natural or adequate lighting, a magnifying lamp, palpation, and - where appropriate - a Wood's lamp. Assess hydration, oiliness, pore size, texture, tone, laxity, sensitivity, and visible lesions, then classify the skin as normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive and note the Fitzpatrick type.
Wood's lamp cues (commonly taught)
Violet/purple suggests dehydration; yellow-green suggests sebum; brown patches suggest pigmentation; coral-red fluorescence suggests porphyrins from acne bacteria.
Contraindications and patch tests
Isotretinoin (Accutane) within roughly the last six months, recent chemical peels or laser, active infection, open lesions, sunburn, and known allergy all change or cancel the plan. Patch-test 24–48 hours ahead for color products, wax, and lash/brow tint.
Traps
- 'Diagnosis' versus 'analysis': you analyze and refer; you never diagnose.
- A client who says 'I'm not sensitive' may still react - always patch test new products.
- Skipping the medication question is the classic miss on exam scenarios.
Rule of thumb
If the answer changes the service (medication, pregnancy, active infection, allergy), it belongs on the form and in the conversation - not just on paper.