Facial Treatments, Cleansing, and Massage
Standard sequence
Consultation and skin analysis, cleanse (double cleanse if makeup or sunscreen is present), exfoliate (mechanical or enzymatic; skip on inflamed skin), steam and extractions if indicated, massage, mask, moisturizer and SPF. Remove eye makeup with a gentle remover and the client's eyes closed; use lukewarm water, never hot.
Extractions only after the skin is softened, and only on visible open comedones. Never squeeze pustules, cysts, or nodules, and never extract over telangiectasia, moles, or inflamed acne. Gloved hands, gentle pressure, and stop if the client flinches.
Massage manipulations
- Effleurage - gliding and light; opens and closes the service and moves lymph.
- Petrissage - kneading and lifting; deeper muscle work.
- Tapotement - brisk tapping; avoid bone, thin skin, and the eye area.
- Vibration and friction - small, quick movements.
Direction is generally upward and outward, following lymph drainage toward the preauricular, submandibular, and cervical nodes with light pressure, since lymphatics are superficial. Facial massage typically runs 5–15 minutes.
Traps: massage is contraindicated over active acne, sunburn, recent waxing or peels, open lesions, recent facial surgery or injectables (follow provider guidance), sinus infection with fever, and uncontrolled hypertension. Many jurisdictions limit massage to the face, neck, and décolleté.
Rule of thumb: treat inflammation with your eyes, not your hands - calm skin gets massage, angry skin gets cool compresses.