The Importance of Skincare Analysis for Home Beauty Routines

As their esthetician, a wonderful gift you can give to clients is the ability to replicate the triumphant results achieved at your salon on their own at home. Far from eliminating their need for your services, teaching clients how to care for their own skin creates a loyal and lasting relationship.

After learning so many detailed skincare techniques at esthetician school, you are then given the chance to become an instructor to your customers. The first step in the teaching process is performing a skincare analysis.

Skincare Analysis

A skincare analysis defines a client's skin type according to several broad categories:

Normal
Dry
Oily
Combination
Sensitive
Acnegenic

Within these general categories, there are variations that indicate the need for different products for both home skincare and salon treatments. Some of the variations within the skin types make it difficult to pinpoint specific needs; however, the comprehensive skincare training in beauty college offers definitive methods for proper assessments. For example, acnegenic skin is usually oily, but it may be dry on the top layer.

Diagnosing Skin Types

The following are indicators for each skin type within a skincare analysis:

Dry skin: Finely textured and can look transparent. Fine lines often develop in the corners of the eyes and mouth, and it tends to feel uncomfortable without moisturizer.
Oily skin: Coarse, slightly greasy, and a little sallow. Prone to breakouts of pimples and blackheads. Foundation and blush are absorbed quickly by the oil.
Normal skin: This skin has a good oil balance, feeling neither oily nor dry, and only occasionally gets pimples or blackheads.
Combination skin: This skin is oily in the T-zone and dry or normal across the cheeks and jawline.
Sensitive skin: This skin often has the appearance of dry skin--fine and transparent. It flushes easily and is irritated by many different products.
Acnegenic: Prone to both surface and sub-surface pimples, as well as blackheads. It can be sensitive, and may appear in patches on otherwise normal skin.

Skincare Advice for Clients

Instructors in esthetician school suggest giving clients advice on several areas of skincare according to their specific type as determined by skincare analysis. Suggestions may include:

Timing and frequency of washing the face
The most appropriate type of cleanser for their skin
Using daily sunscreen
When to use moisturizers and what type to use
How to support the skincare regimen with diet, including suggested vitamin supplements and increased water intake
Showing them how to perform their own facial massages at home
How to treat different areas of the face differently

Sharing the knowledge you gain in esthetician school is one of the most beneficial services you can offer your clients. It helps them achieve their best results and nurtures your reputation as a respected and valuable skincare professional.