Skin Care and Esthetics
Skin structure and function
Know the epidermis (avascular, with five layers: corneum, lucidum, granulosum, spinosum, basale), the dermis (blood vessels, nerves, glands, collagen, elastin), and the subcutaneous layer (fat). Functions include protection, sensation, heat regulation, excretion, secretion, and absorption. Skin types - normal, dry, oily, combination - are determined through consultation, and the Fitzpatrick scale I–VI estimates sun response. Sebaceous glands produce oil; sudoriferous glands produce sweat.
Lesions and contraindications
Primary lesions (macule, papule, pustule, vesicle, wheal, nodule, tumor) differ from secondary lesions (crust, scale, scar, excoriation, fissure). Never treat inflamed, infected, or contagious skin; refer instead. Waxing requires hair about ¼ inch long: apply wax in the direction of growth and remove against it, testing temperature first. Avoid waxing over varicose veins, moles, sunburn, or skin recently treated with retinoids.
Massage
Manipulations are effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), and vibration. Start and finish with effleurage, and avoid massage over bony areas, inflammation, or on clients with fever or contagious conditions.
Traps
A common question claims the epidermis contains blood vessels - it does not. Others invert the waxing directions or ask you to massage a client with an active rash.
Worked example
A client arrives with an inflamed, pustular rash on both cheeks. Do not massage, extract, or exfoliate: the condition is contraindicated and possibly contagious. Document, decline the service, and refer to a physician. Rule of thumb: if it is red, hot, swollen, or weeping, hands off.