Skin Care and Esthetics
Anatomy you must be able to draw on
Know the three layers: epidermis (outermost, no blood vessels, keratinization happens here), dermis (collagen, elastin, nerves, glands, hair follicles), and subcutaneous layer (fat, insulation). Be able to name the sudoriferous and sebaceous glands and to describe how a follicle and its gland sit together.
Assessment and skin types
A consultation drives every answer: Fitzpatrick phototype, skin type (alipidic, normal, combination, oily), sensitivities, medications, and recent sun or waxing. Contraindications matter more than techniques - isotretinoin (Accutane), recent chemical peel, sunburn, open lesions, varicose veins, diabetes, and pregnancy-related sensitivities all change what you may do.
Techniques and products
Understand cleansing, exfoliation (mechanical vs chemical), extraction, massage manipulations (effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction), masks, and moisturizers. Know which products are water-based vs oil-based and how that affects acne-prone clients. Waxing: check temperature on your inner wrist, apply in the direction of hair growth, remove against it, never double-dip, and test a small area first.
Traps
Questions reverse the massage direction, blur the line between a cosmetic service and a medical treatment, or ignore a contraindication because the client asked. Remember: estheticians do not diagnose or treat disease - suspected infection, melanoma, or severe acne is referred out.
Rule of thumb
When in doubt during a consultation, the correct exam answer is almost always to decline the service, document it, and refer.