Esthetician Secret #1 - Get a Little Closer! 5 Tips to Receiving an Effective Skin Analysis

Ahhh, you've finally disrobed and settled into the esthetician's chair.  You smell the lavender, you hear the soft Muzak playing, you close your eyes, and then.....pop! A bright light interrupts your peaceful state.  This, my friend, is the beginning of the dreaded skin analysis.  The part of the facial where the technician begins to tell you all of the awful things about your skin that you already know but try to forget.

Don't be alarmed.  The truth is that any esthetician worth her salt knows that the key to the most effective facial, is to conduct a very thorough skin analysis.  Skin analysis is so important, the industry offers master classes on the technique.  Here are some tips for you to know whether a spa is on top of their skin care game.

1. They ask you to fill out a consultation card - this provides all information that an esthetician should be aware of prior to you receiving a service.  This may include whether you are currently taking medication, to previous skin conditions, to whether or not you're wearing a pacemaker.
2. The esthetician asks you about your skin concerns - once the esthetician is armed with this information, he/she should be able to customize a treatment to address those concerns  and can explain why the selected treatment will be beneficial. She may also use this information to recommend products as well.
3. Make-up is removed prior to the physical skin analysis - if make-up is left on, the results of the analysis can be distorted (i.e. hyper-pigmentation or dark marks may be covered and lines may not be as visible).
4. A magnifying lamp is utilized, or better a Wood's lamp - mag lamps allow esthetician's to really see the skin close up which can reveal skin congestion or pimples under the skin.  Wood's lamps (or specialized "black lights") show conditions of the skin that are not visible with the naked eye (i.e. oily/dry patches, potential sun damage, etc).
5. The esthetician explains what she sees - for most clients its frustrating for estheticians to conduct a skin analysis without telling the client what she thinks. You should expect the esthetician educate you about the current state of your skin and how the treatment you will be receiving will benefit you.

So, don't fear the lamp!!  It's actually your friend.

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Monique Eddleton, "The Great Skin Guru", has nearly 10 years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry. Monique is a Licensed Esthetician and make-up artist, wellness coach, and sought-after expert of all things beauty related.  If you want to know the estheticians’ secrets to great, glowing skin, get your free skin care tips are www.realbeauty101.com.