Facial Treatments, Massage, and Skin Care
What the exam tests
This domain covers skin typing, cleansing and exfoliation, massage manipulations, contraindications, and client communication.
Core rules
- Identify skin type and condition: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive. Note Fitzpatrick type for sun and irritation risk. Do not diagnose disease.
- Basic sequence: cleanse, exfoliate if appropriate, tone, treat, mask, moisturize, and protect. Avoid harsh scrubs on active acne or irritated skin.
- Massage manipulations include effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration. Use gentle pressure and follow the client's comfort.
- Contraindications include open lesions, active infection, recent surgery, severe inflammation, and undiagnosed lumps. Get consent before touching the face or neck.
- Extractions and deep treatments must stay within your legal scope and training.
Worked example
A client has an oily T-zone and dry cheeks. Reason it out: treat this as combination skin. Use a gentle cleanser, a light exfoliant only on the oily zone if not irritated, a nonheavy moisturizer on the cheeks, and a balancing mask. Avoid a strong scrub over the entire face and avoid heavy occlusive products on the T-zone.
Traps that cost marks
Massaging over inflammation; using aggressive exfoliation on sensitive skin; diagnosing acne or rosacea; and skipping consent or contraindication screening.
Key points
- Type the skin before choosing products.
- Cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect.
- Massage gently and avoid inflamed areas.
- Screen for contraindications and obtain consent.
- Stay within legal scope for extractions and treatments.