Skin Analysis

SKIN ANAYLYSIS 

The skin should be analysed after a superficial cleanse with a light, gentle cleanser. While you are doing this, you can assess the skin to find out which cleanser to use for
the second deeper cleanse. The skin should be viewed using a magnifying lamp so that you can see it up close and in detail.

A skin analysis is carried out to:
■ check for contra-indications
■ identify specific areas for treatment
■ make sure that a suitable treatment plan is provided
■ make sure the client is treated with products suitable for their skin
type and condition
■ build a rapport with the client and gain their confidence
■ check progress following a previous treatment.

SKIN ANALYSIS CONSIDERATIONS

When inspecting the skin you should consider the following factors:
■ The skin’s age and how it is being affected by the ageing process. Are there changes to elasticity and muscle tone?
■ Is the pigmentation on the face even or patchy?
■ The pH balance of the skin. This is the acidity of the skin, which will affect whether it is obviously oily or dry.
■ What is the texture of the skin – how does it feel to the touch? Is it smooth or coarse, showing signs of dryness or poor exfoliation? A tacky feel will indicate high oil content.
■ The skin’s temperature. Is it warm or cool? A dry skin tends to feel warm and a very oily skin can feel cool.
■ Does the client have good bone structure? This helps to minimise some signs of ageing.
■ Are there any skin imperfections or skin abnormalities, such as comedones, thread veins, papules, scar tissue, moles or superfluous hair?
■ With male clients, look at the growth pattern of facial hair, how much there is and its texture.

Look at each of the main areas of the face rather than at the face as a whole. Check the neck, chin, each cheek, nose, bridge of the nose and
the forehead.  The Dermalogica professional skin care brand uses a technique called ‘Face-mapping’ which breaks the face down into zones, inspecting each for characteristics. This allows targeted treatments to be used to meet the client’s needs. You should always make a note of anything you can see or feel, which is always beneficial to show client progress over time. When you have done all of this you can then decide on your client’s skin type and condition.

Avoid stating a specific skin type when you first look at your client’s skin. In reality, the majority of people have a combination skin type. However, not all combination skin is the same. Analyse the skin first and make your assessment based on the skin’s condition, characteristics and your observations. Make a note of these on your record card before naming a skin type. Remember, initial impressions can be misleading and if you decide on a skin type before you have carried out a thorough analysis, your client’s skin will not get the maximum benefit from
the treatment.

To complete a good skin analysis you must know your skin types and conditions, influencing factors that affect the skin and products/ treatments which meet the client’s objectives for treatment.