Skin Care I SS1 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note

Understanding Your Skin Type

Before you can treat a client, you must know their “Skin Type.” Everyone’s skin is different because of how much oil (sebum) their pores produce.

The Four Main Skin Types:

1. Oily Skin: The face looks shiny, especially the forehead and nose. People with oily skin often have large pores and are prone to pimples (acne).
2. Dry Skin: The skin feels tight, especially after washing. It can look flaky or dull and may feel “ashy” if not moisturized.
3. Combination Skin: This is very common in Nigeria. The forehead, nose, and chin (the T-Zone) are oily, but the cheeks are dry or normal.
4. Normal Skin: This is the “perfect” balance. It is not too oily and not too dry. It is smooth and clear.

What is a Basic Facial Treatment?

A “facial” is a professional way of cleaning the skin deeply to remove dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells. It isn’t just for women; men also need facials to prevent bumps and skin irritation.

The Purpose of a Facial:

• To clean the skin better than a regular bath.
• To increase blood flow to the face (which makes it glow).
• To help the client relax.

The “Big Three” Steps: C-T-M

Every skin care routine, whether at home or in a salon, must follow these three steps in order. We call it CTM.

Step 1: Cleansing (The Wash)

• Why: To remove makeup, dust from the road, and excess oil.
• How: Use a gentle face wash or a cleansing milk. Massage it in circular motions to wake up the skin.
• Note: Never use harsh “detergent” soaps on the face; they strip away the skin’s natural protection.

Step 2: Toning (The Balancer)

• Why: After washing, the skin’s “pH balance” is often disturbed. A toner helps close the pores and removes any last bits of dirt the cleanser missed.
• Local Tip: Rose water or diluted witch hazel are great natural toners.
• How: Apply it on a cotton wool and wipe the face gently.

Step 3: Moisturizing (The Protection)

• Why: This locks in water so the skin stays soft. It also acts as a barrier against the sun and dust.
• For Oily Skin: Use a “water-based” or “oil-free” moisturizer.
• For Dry Skin: Use a “cream-based” moisturizer (like one containing Shea Butter).

Tools Needed for a Basic Facial

You don’t need big machines to start. You just need:

1. A Headband: To keep hair away from the face.
2. Cotton Wool/Pads: For applying toner.
3. Clean Towels: To pat the face dry (never rub harshly!).
4. A Bowl of Water: Keep it clean and lukewarm.
5. Sponges or Facial Wipes.

Tips for Healthy Skin (The “Inside-Out” Rule)

A cosmetologist must advise their clients on how to stay beautiful from the inside:

• Water: Drink at least 8 glasses a day. It is the best moisturizer in the world.
• Sleep: Your skin repairs itself while you sleep.
• Sun Protection: The Nigerian sun is very strong. Wearing a hat or using a cream with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) prevents dark spots.
• Clean Pillowcases: Dirty oil from your hair gets on your pillow, then on your face, causing pimples. Change them often!

Summary for the Student

If you want to be a skin expert (an Esthetician), you must start by observing. Look at people’s faces—is it shiny? Is it flaky? This is how you learn to identify skin types.

Class Practical Activity:

• The Tissue Test: Take a small piece of tissue paper. Press it against your forehead and then your cheek.
  1. If the tissue shows oil in both places, you likely have Oily skin.
  2. If it’s oily only on the forehead, you have Combination skin.

If there is no oil at all and your skin feels tight, you have Dry skin.