Facial Treatments and Massage
What this domain tests
Facial treatment questions cover consultation, cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, massage, masks, and client comfort. The exam tests sequence, sanitation, contraindications, and whether a service is appropriate for the skin in front of you.
Core rules
- Begin with consultation, consent, handwashing, and makeup removal. Cleanse according to skin type; avoid harsh scrubbing on inflamed or sensitive skin.
- Exfoliate only when the barrier is intact. Steam can soften comedones but must be brief and avoided with rosacea, sensitivity, or recent peels.
- Extract only closed comedones or mature pustules that are not deep or inflamed. Use gentle pressure; stop if tissue tears or the client reports pain.
- Massage movements include effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration. Massage is contraindicated over active infection, open wounds, recent surgery, and unexplained swelling.
- Apply masks by type: clay for oiliness, hydrating gels for dehydration, calming masks for sensitivity. Remove completely and finish with moisturizer and SPF.
Worked example
A client asks you to squeeze an inflamed, painful pustule on the nose. Reasoning: inflamed lesions risk scarring and spread, and the nose is a danger area for infection. Do not extract; apply a calming compress, document the finding, and advise medical follow-up if it worsens.
Traps
Massaging over contraindicated tissue; extracting every bump; leaving steam on too long; using hot towels on sensitive skin; skipping SPF; treating the service as a cure.