Skin Care and Skin Services
Skin analysis first
Every facial question starts with analysis. Know the four skin types (normal, dry, oily, combination) and the difference between a skin type and a skin condition (dehydration, sensitivity, acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation). The acid mantle keeps skin near pH 4.5-5.5; alkaline cleansers strip it. Fitzpatrick types I-VI predict sun response and guide treatment intensity and light-based device use.
Products and techniques
Understand cleansing, toning, exfoliation, massage, masks, and moisturizing, and match them to the skin. Physical exfoliation uses grains or brushes; chemical exfoliation uses acids - AHAs such as glycolic and lactic work on the surface, while BHA (salicylic) is oil soluble and reaches the pore. Clay masks suit oily skin; cream or hydrating masks suit dry skin. Know the classic massage manipulations: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, and vibration.
Hair removal and safety
Waxing requires a patch test, careful temperature control, and a clean, single-use application. Hair removal and facial services are contraindicated over inflamed, infected, or broken skin, over keloids, varicose veins, or recent cosmetic procedures, and often for clients using retinoids or blood thinners. Be able to name when to refer rather than treat.
Traps and rule of thumb
Trap: extracting or massaging over active, inflamed acne - that is a referral, not a service. Trap: treating an infectious skin condition as a 'skin type.' Rule of thumb: if the skin is broken, inflamed, or infected, do not perform the service.