Skin Care Treatments and Facial Techniques
Standard sequence
Cleanse, analyze, exfoliate, extract if needed, massage, mask, treat, moisturize, protect with SPF. Steam softens sebum for easier extractions; keep it brief (about 3–5 minutes at a comfortable distance) and skip or shorten it for clients with rosacea, couperose, or reactive skin.
Massage
Movements include effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), vibration, and friction. Work in an upward, outward direction and direct lymph toward the nodes. Avoid areas with active acne, broken skin, or recent injectables.
Chemical exfoliation
AHAs (glycolic, lactic) are water-soluble and act on the surface; BHA (salicylic) is oil-soluble and targets follicles. What matters is the pH and free-acid level, not the percentage alone. Some AHA peels require neutralization - follow the manufacturer exactly. Contraindications include isotretinoin use, recent waxing, active retinoid use, compromised barrier, and pregnancy for higher-strength salicylic.
Modalities and electrical safety
High frequency suits mild acne but is contraindicated in pregnancy, epilepsy, and with pacemakers. Galvanic current supports disincrustation. Microcurrent is contraindicated with pacemakers and pregnancy. LED is generally gentle. Keep electrical equipment away from water, inspect cords, and remove client jewelry.
Traps
- More product equals better results - over-exfoliation is the common error.
- Waxing too soon before or after a peel, causing skin lifting.
- Extracting inflamed or cystic lesions.
- Applying products thickest to thinnest.
Rule of thumb
Layer thinnest to thickest: toner, serum, treatment, moisturizer, SPF. If the skin is red, tight, or stinging, stop exfoliating and rebuild the barrier.