Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

What step in a facial treatment can be omitted for clients with acne-prone or severely clogged skin?

1. Exfoliation

2. Massage

3. Steam

4. Masking

The correct answer is: Massage

In the context of facial treatments for clients with acne-prone or severely clogged skin, the step that can typically be omitted is massage. Performing a massage on such skin can potentially exacerbate the condition by increasing blood flow, which might lead to increased redness or further irritation. Individuals with acne-prone skin often have sensitive and inflamed areas that could be agitated by the manipulation involved in massage techniques. Instead, the focus for these clients should be on gentle cleansing, exfoliation (when appropriate), and other treatments aimed at unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. While other steps in the facial, like exfoliation or steaming, can be performed with specific care to avoid irritations, massage generally does not provide beneficial results for those struggling with acne, hence it is often skipped to ensure the well-being of the client.