Facial Treatments, Skin Care, and Massage
What this domain tests
Skin analysis, facial treatment sequencing, massage manipulations, contraindications, and sanitation.
Core rules
- Identify skin type and condition: oily, dry, combination, sensitive, dehydrated, and congestion. Treatment choices follow the analysis.
- Massage manipulations include effleurage, gliding; petrissage, kneading; tapotement, tapping; friction; and vibration. Use upward and outward strokes on the face and neck unless a specific technique directs otherwise.
- Contraindications include open lesions, active acne cysts, recent surgery, sunburn, and communicable skin conditions. Refer out when unsure.
- Sanitize hands, tools, and linens; use single-use applicators where possible.
Worked example
An oily client with congestion on the nose and chin wants a facial. Reasoning: do not over-dry the skin or aggressively extract inflamed lesions. Cleanse, steam briefly, exfoliate gently, use a clay mask on the T-zone, and apply a light moisturizer. Massage the face and neck with effleurage and petrissage, avoiding active lesions. Extract only softened, non-inflamed comedones if within scope.
Traps
Treating all oily skin with harsh products; massaging over inflamed acne; using hot steam too long; skipping contraindication screening; forgetting neck and décolleté.