Facial Treatments and Skincare Procedures
What the exam tests
Facial treatment questions cover consultation, cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, massage, masks, devices, and aftercare, with heavy emphasis on contraindications and sanitation.
Core procedure logic
- Prepare: wash hands, set up clean implements, drape, cleanse with an appropriate cleanser, and analyze skin.
- Exfoliate mechanically with a scrub or brush or chemically with AHA, BHA, or enzymes; choose based on sensitivity and recent treatments. Do not exfoliate inflamed acne, open lesions, sunburn, or recently waxed skin.
- Extractions: only after softening with steam or warm compresses; use gentle pressure and sterile tools; never force deep nodules or cysts.
- Massage movements: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration. Avoid over active acne, thrombosis, severe telangiectasia, recent surgery, or undiagnosed swelling.
- Masks: clay for oily skin, cream or gel for dry and sensitive skin, sheet masks for hydration. Remove before cracks form; finish with moisturizer and SPF.
- Devices: follow manufacturer instructions and Ohio scope; high-frequency, galvanic, and microcurrent require training and contraindication screening.
Worked example
A client with several tender red papules wants a strong scrub and extractions. Reasoning: inflamed acne is a contraindication to aggressive mechanical exfoliation and force; it can spread inflammation and cause scarring. Use gentle cleansing, an optional mild enzyme, and refer persistent inflammation.
Traps
- Steaming a client with rosacea or asthma for too long.
- Using hot towels on sensitive or capillary-prone skin.
- Extracting without softening or with fingernails.
- Treating a facial as one fixed routine.