Facial Treatments, Cleansing, Exfoliation, and Extractions
Facial treatment questions test sequencing, sanitation, exfoliation chemistry, extraction judgment, and aftercare. The exam expects a safe default: cleanse, analyze, treat conservatively, and protect.
Treatment logic
- Cleanse with a pH-appropriate cleanser; remove makeup and sunscreen; use lukewarm water.
- Analyze under good light; note barrier, oiliness, lesions, and sensitivity.
- Exfoliate mechanically with scrubs or brushes, or chemically with AHAs, BHAs, or enzymes. Match strength to skin; avoid on inflamed acne, open skin, recent peels, or retinoid use.
- Extractions: only ready open comedones or soft pustules within scope; use gentle pressure, support tissue, and stop if there is pain or resistance; no squeezing inflamed nodules or cysts.
- Massage: avoid active infection, severe inflammation, recent surgery, or clotting risk.
- Mask and moisturize; finish with broad-spectrum SPF.
Worked example
A client has an open comedone on the nose and several inflamed papules. Extract only the open comedone after cleansing and softening; do not squeeze the papules. Apply a soothing mask, avoid aggressive acids, and advise home care. If lesions are painful or spreading, refer.
Traps
Steaming too hot or too long; over-exfoliating; extracting without gloves; using a lancet outside scope or training; applying a strong acid after extractions; skipping SPF; treating every bump as extractable; ignoring client pain.