Skin Care Services and Treatments
The treatment sequence
A professional facial follows a repeatable order: consultation and skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, extractions if appropriate, massage, mask, and finishing products with sun protection. Document the consultation - products used, allergies, medications, and any reaction - because regulators and insurers expect records. Analysis considers skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination), condition (dehydration, sensitivity, hyperpigmentation, aging), and barrier health.
Technique and product selection
Massage manipulations include effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (tapping), friction, and vibration; work toward drainage, avoid pressure on bony areas and the throat, and never massage over inflamed acne or broken skin. Clay masks absorb oil and suit oily skin; gel and cream masks calm dry or sensitive skin. Extractions are limited to softened comedones - not pustules, cysts, or anything inflamed.
Contraindications
Defer or modify for active infection, cold sores, open lesions, sunburn, recent surgery or peels, and known product allergy. Clients using isotretinoin, prescription retinoids, or acids need gentler service with no aggressive exfoliation. Refer suspected disease - diagnosing is outside an esthetician's scope.
Traps and a worked example
Questions reverse the sequence or imply extractions happen before cleansing and softening. Remember: cleanse and soften first, extract second. Worked example - a client on tretinoin books a facial: skip mechanical and chemical exfoliation, avoid strong massage, and perform a calming, barrier-supportive service with SPF.