Skin Care
Skin basics
Know the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer. The barrier function protects against water loss and irritants; over-exfoliation damages it. Assess skin type and condition, allergies, medications, and recent treatments. Fitzpatrick type guides sun sensitivity, not permission for a service. Services include cleansing, exfoliation, masks, massage, and waxing. Patch-test products per manufacturer and keep records.
Contraindications and safety
Do not treat active infection, open lesions, severe inflammation, or contagious conditions; refer. Waxing is risky for clients using isotretinoin, tretinoin or other retinoids, or those with recent chemical peels or laser treatments, because skin may tear. Extractions should be limited to superficial, noninflamed lesions; do not squeeze cystic or inflamed acne. Massage is contraindicated with fever, contagious illness, uncontrolled conditions, or recent injury. Use gloves, clean linens, single-use applicators, and ventilation.
Traps
Waxing over retinoid-treated skin, extracting inflamed acne, using dirty spatulas, diagnosing skin disease, or treating a client with a cold sore are frequent question traps.
Worked example
A client using isotretinoin asks for brow waxing. Do not wax; explain the risk of fragile skin and tearing, offer tweezing only if appropriate and permitted, and document the referral or consultation. If a lesion is inflamed, do not extract it.
Rule of thumb: when in doubt, do not treat; refer and document.