Step-by-Step Protocols
This initial step of the basic facial involves checking contraindications and establishing a baseline skin analysis.
What is the Consultation & Intake?
This major skin type experiences a lack of lipids (oil).
Answer: What is dry skin?
To maintain sanitation and grip during extractions, an esthetician must wear gloves and wrap their fingers in this material.
What is sterile gauze (or cotton swabs)?
Instead of asking questions that yield a simple "yes" or "no," estheticians should use these types of questions to encourage detailed client responses.
What are open-ended questions?
If a client complains that the steam is way too warm and their cheeks are stinging, the esthetician should immediately pivot to using these.
What are lukewarm or cool towels?
Before applying a warm towel to a client's face, the esthetician must always test the temperature on this part of their body.
What is the inner wrist?
A skin condition characterized by chronic flushing, redness, and dilated capillaries.
What is sensitive skin/rosacea?
This liquid solution is applied with galvanic current or softening lotion during pre-extraction to liquefy sebum in the follicles.
What is a desincrustation solution?
To prevent overwhelming a client during retail recommendations, estheticians should follow this rule: recommend only two essential products to start.
What is the Rule of Two?
When a client experiences an unexpected sensitivity or burning reaction from an active mask, the esthetician's first protocol step is to do this.
Answer: What is immediately stop the current active step / remove the product?
When removing cleanser or performing massage movements on the face, strokes should generally go in these directions.
What are upward and outward strokes?
This skin type is characterized by excess sebum production and larger follicle structures.
What is oily skin?
Extractions should be limited to approximately this maximum duration to prevent skin bruising, broken capillaries, and tissue trauma.
What is 10 minutes?
Daily physical scrubs containing ingredients like apricot kernels are often discouraged by professionals because they can cause these on the skin.
What are micro-tears (or physical trauma)?
Applying cool, damp cotton compresses or cold towels to an inflamed face provides this physiological effect to calm redness.
What is a vasoconstricting effect?
This type of mask is typically selected for oily skin due to its purifying and absorbing properties, whereas cream or gel masks are chosen for dry skin.
What is a clay mask?
A client presents with skin that feels tight, flaky, and dull all winter, yet exhibits surface oiliness due to a lack of water. This condition is known as...
What is dehydrated skin?
When performing extractions, the follicular angle on this facial area is generally perpendicular, unlike the slanted follicles on the cheeks.
What is the forehead?
When discussing home care, handing the client this item allows them to see specific areas of dryness or texture issues firsthand.
What is a hand mirror?
When performing facial massage on a male client with a beard, manipulations must follow this direction to prevent ingrown hairs and razor irritation.
What is the direction of hair growth (downward on the beard area)?
The final step of a facial protocol provides defense against TEWL and environmental damage. What does TEWL stand for?
What is Transepidermal Water Loss?
Hyperpigmentation requires treatments that focus on cellular turnover and inhibit this pigment-producing enzyme.
What is tyrosinase?
If a comedone or lesion does not release easily with gentle pressure, the esthetician must take action.
What is "never force it and move on"?
A prescription-strength derivative of Vitamin A that requires careful contraindication screening during intake due to its skin-thinning and exfoliating effects.
What is retinol?
The medical term for razor bumps caused by improper shaving angles, dull blades, or shaving against the grain.
What is pseudofolliculitis barbae?