Skin Analysis

Skin Analysis:

Before carrying out a facial 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

· 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

Skin Type	Causes	Treatment
Normal = well balanced sebum secretions	If neglected, the skin can become dry around the eyes, cheeks and neck	Because this skin rarely has problems it can be neglected Advise on good skin care routine
Dry = lacks oil or sebaceous secretions	Climate. Skin ageing – sebaceous secretions decrease with age. Hereditary. Medication. Diet lacking in fat/oil	To nourish and soften. To protect and rebuild the hydro- lepidic film. To provide a feeling of comfort and wellbeing.
Sensitive = reacts rapidly to aggressions	Excessive exposure to sun, wind, cold and pollution. Stress and fatigue. Illness and medication. Diet. Repeated use of unsuitable products.	To soothe, soften and desensitize To reinforce the skin’s natural defences To provide a feeling of comfort and well being
Dehydrated = lack of moisture in the epidermis	Central heating, air conditioning Climate i.e. sun, wind Diuretics Not drinking enough water	To help skin maintain its moisture level by rebuilding the hydro-lepidic film
Oily produces excess oil or sebum	Hormones. Climate, sun exposure dries the skin initially but stimulates production of sebum after a few days. Use of strong cosmetic products. Food rich in fat or sugar Hereditary	To re-balance production of sebum To purify To soften and soothe
Combination	T zone has greater number of sebaceous glands which are more active Inadequate cleansing programme Use of strong cosmetic products	To balance over dry or over oily areas
Mature	Accelerated aging. Environment e.g. pollution, climate, central heating, air conditioning. Poor diet Alcohol, smoking, Illness and medication, stress and fatigue.	To improve condition of skin Lessen appearance of lines and wrinkles Hydrate and nourish