Skin Care
This domain tests skin analysis and facial services: layers, skin types, product selection, massage, and contraindications.
Structure and function
- Epidermis: barrier; dermis: collagen, elastin, glands, vessels; subcutaneous: fat.
- Skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination. Conditions include sensitive, dehydrated, acne, and pigmentation.
- The Fitzpatrick scale estimates sun response and is useful for exfoliation and sun-protection advice.
Facial sequence
- Consultation and consent; cleanse; analyze; exfoliate; massage; mask; moisturize and apply SPF.
- Massage manipulations: effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (tapping), friction (circular). Avoid massage on contraindicated skin.
- Extractions only on non-inflamed comedones; never on pustules or cysts; use gentle technique.
- Exfoliation: physical versus chemical; over-exfoliation damages the barrier.
Contraindications
Active cold sore, infection, sunburn, recent surgery, open lesions, and allergies. Patch test products as required.
Worked example
A client with oily skin, comedones, and one inflamed cyst wants a deep cleaning. Reasoning: cleanse and soften with a warm compress; extract only non-inflamed comedones; avoid the cyst; use noncomedogenic moisturizer and SPF; refer if severe.
Traps
Massaging over acne; extracting inflamed lesions; calling dehydrated skin a type; skipping consent; over-exfoliating.