Facial Care and Skin Treatment Procedures
Core concepts
Know the facial sequence: preparation (sanitise hands, set up, cleanse), skin analysis, exfoliation, extraction where appropriate, massage, mask, and finishing with moisturiser and sun protection. Understand the purpose and safe use of cleansing, exfoliation (mechanical vs chemical), extraction, massage movements, masks (setting, non-setting, thermal), and hydration. Know the correct direction of massage and pressure control, and the importance of avoiding contraindicated areas. Understand product layering (thinnest to thickest) and the rationale for each step. Recognise signs of adverse reaction - redness, stinging, swelling - and the correct response: stop, remove product, cool, document, and refer if needed.
Traps in questions
- Performing extraction on inflamed or infected lesions.
- Using aggressive exfoliation on sensitive or compromised skin.
- Applying a setting mask over facial hair or too close to the eyes.
- Skipping sun protection as the final step.
- Continuing a treatment when a client reports stinging.
Worked example / rule of thumb
During a chemical exfoliation the client reports a strong burning sensation. Correct action: stop immediately, remove the product, apply cool compresses, assess, document, and refer if the reaction persists. Rule of thumb: client comfort overrides protocol - never "push through" a reaction.
Key terms to recognise
Cleanse–exfoliate–extract–massage–mask–moisturise, chemical vs mechanical exfoliation, comedone, adverse reaction, product layering, occlusion.