Skin Analysis

Skin analysis

Before carrying out a treatment it is important to analyse a client’s skin thoroughly as it will allow the therapist to:

  • Correctly determine the type of skin and conditions present
  • To identify any contraindications to treatment
  • Correct determine a suitable treatment plan which would incorporate: Salon treatments, homecare routine and product choice
  • Aftercare and homecare advice

The skin analysis is always carried after the superficial cleanse.  The skin can only be diagnosed once all the surface secretions have been removed and the therapist can also make judgements about the skin as she cleanses it.

The client should be semi-reclined and not flat to allow the face to fall naturally.

A magnifying lamp must be used as good illumination and magnification are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

If the client finds the light too bright, cover the eyes with a folded tissue secured into the sides of a headband or with damp cotton wool discs

Skin analysis is carried out through:

Asking questions, e.g.:

  • How do you find your skin?
  • What are your main concerns?
  • What products are you currently using?

Use the following as a checklist:

  • Comedones (blackheads)
  • Milia (whiteheads)
  • pore size
  • wrinkles or fine lines
  • broken capillaries
  • creepy skin
  • shiny oily patches
  • dry flaky patches
  • skin colour
  • skin age e.g. young or mature
  • skin texture e.g. fine or coarse
  • scarring and pigmentation

It is impossible to produce  a treatment plan without taking into consideration-

  1. the clients current skin type
  2. the clients expectations on improving their skin
  3. their current homecare routine
  4. any contra-indications that you need to modify the treatment for.