Preparation

3.1 Therapist Preparation for a Facial Treatment

Be fully prepared:

Have everything that you will require ready so that you do not disturb your client by constantly moving around?

Have your trolley well-organised, and be prepared to tidy up as you go along while working with the client?

Dispose of any litter or used tissues as you go along

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Wash up dishes and brushes as you complete a task, for example, while waiting for a mask to set, but don't leave the client unattended

Only decant the amount of product required to minimise waste, and put lids back on containers to avoid spillage

Working tidily means less work after the client has left, and gives a good impression

3.2 Preparing the Client

The client too will need some preparation for the treatment:

Ask the client to remove all their clothing, except for their underwear, although their bra straps should be pulled down; male clients should be bare-chested but covered with a warm towel 

Supply a gown, blankets, an electric blanket and soft towels, as necessary Ask the client to remove all jewellery and glasses; contact lenses may be removed if the client has suitable storage for them.

Draw all hair back from the face with a hairband

3.3 Skin Analysis and Examination

Analysis:

Evaluate the condition of the skin and the client's skin type

Determine what products to use

Look for problem areas, such as dehydration, sun damage, ageing, acne or breakouts and hormonal pigmentation

Examination:

Previously, you would have consulted with the client about their requirements, their medical history and any skin problems that they either have now or have had in the past year

 You will do a full examination using a magnifying lamp 

Perform a manual examination, such as a gentle pinch test, to see if the client's skin is healthy and hydrated

Modern equipment, such as skin scanners, can be used, to assess many areas of the skin's condition

If you are unable to afford state of the art equipment, such as a skin scanner, you could use a traditional Wood's lamp, which uses a black light to shine on certain areas of the skin; you can detect certain skin conditions under this black light, some bacteria and fungi and certain pigmentation changes, such as vitiligo

3.4 Client Records

Maintain and check client information:

Make notes on your findings on your client's record card

You should already have relevant information about the client, such as their age, state of health, medication, sleep patterns, diet, stress levels, home skincare, alcohol consumption, water consumption, smoking, exercise and work-life balance

Once you have gathered all this information, you will be ready to begin the facial.

3.5 Advice to Your Client in Preparation for a Facial Treatment

Before your clients come in for a treatment, you should give them the following advice and recommendations.

Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and not tight or constraining.

Don't wear makeup, if you are comfortable with that; if you do wear makeup, the therapist will remove it when your treatment starts

Avoid any scrubs, exfoliation or strong at-home treatments a few days before you come in for your treatment

Stay off tanning beds and out of the sun for 5 days before your treatment

Bring a list of the skincare products that you use at home

Bring a list of medication that you are on or any medical, skin or health problems that you have had in the recent past

Warn the therapist if the facial is for a special event so that a trial facial can be carried out to ensure that there are no unexpected reactions

List any questions and concerns that you may have for your therapist so that they can discuss them with you

To assist in this - you could even have a brochure or checklist printed for them.

Assignment

Preparation

Estimated time: 30+ minutes

Work your way through this worksheet to see how well you have really done in absorbing the

relevant information. Download the worksheet below and complete. 

SUMMARY

This module advised of good preparation when giving a facial treatment, and what to look for in a skin analysis/examination. The module also included the importance of proper use and maintenance of client records. In Module 4, we will discuss cleansing and exfoliation.