Skin Care II – SS1 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note (First Term)

Acne is a skin condition that happens when pores get blocked by excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. Care includes gentle cleansing, moisturising, exfoliation and face masks. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, and a face mask is a thick layer of product left on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain how acne forms;
• describe mechanical and chemical exfoliation and say why exfoliation is done;
• name natural and synthetic face masks and the skin types they suit;
• list the steps for managing a client’s acne;
• correct common myths about skin care;
• prepare a simple honey and sugar scrub.

What is acne (pimples)?

Acne happens when the tiny holes in our skin (pores) get blocked. Dirt alone does not cause it.

How acne forms

1. Too much oil: Your body produces extra oil (sebum).
2. Dead skin: Old skin cells do not fall off. They get stuck in the oil.
3. Bacteria: Germs start to grow in that “trap”, and the skin gets swollen, red and painful.

The “no-squeeze” rule

Tell your clients never to “pop” pimples. Squeezing pushes the bacteria deeper into the skin and leaves a dark scar (hyperpigmentation) that takes months to fade.

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Think of it like sweeping a room before you mop it.

Types of exfoliation

• Mechanical (physical): Using a scrub that has small “grains” or “beads”. You rub it gently in circles. Example: sugar scrubs or a soft facial sponge.
• Chemical: Using mild liquids (like salicylic acid) that dissolve the “glue” holding dead skin together.

Why exfoliate?

• It makes the skin feel smooth.
• It helps creams and serums soak in better.
• It prevents blackheads.

Warning: Do not exfoliate more than 2 times a week. If you do it every day, you will strip away the skin’s protection and cause redness.

What are face masks?

A face mask is a thick layer of product left on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. It gives the skin a “boost” of whatever it needs.

Category A: natural masks (homemade)

You can find these in your kitchen. They are cheap and very effective.

• For oily skin or acne: honey and lemon. Honey kills germs, and lemon cuts through oil.
• For dry skin: mashed avocado or banana. These have natural oils that feed the skin.
• For brightening: turmeric and yogurt. This helps to fade dark spots.

Category B: synthetic masks (store-bought)

These are formulated in labs and come in tubes or sheets.

• Clay masks: These “suck out” oil and dirt like a vacuum. They suit people with very oily skin.
• Sheet masks: These look like a ghost face made of paper. They are soaked in water and vitamins to hydrate the skin.
• Peel-off masks: These dry into a rubbery layer that you pull off. They are satisfying but can be harsh on sensitive skin.

How do you manage acne?

If a client comes to you with a lot of pimples, follow this plan:

1. Keep it clean: Advise them to use a gentle cleanser twice a day.
2. Hands off: Remind them to stop touching their face with dirty hands.
3. Check the diet: Too much sugar and fried, oily foods can make acne worse for some people.
4. Moisturise: Many people with acne stop using cream because they think their face is “already oily”. This is a mistake. If the skin gets too dry, it will produce even more oil to compensate. Use a light, watery moisturiser.

What are the common myths about skin care?

Practical activity: the “kitchen facial”

1. In small groups, prepare a honey and sugar scrub for the hands (not the face yet).
2. Mix 1 tablespoon of sugar with 1 tablespoon of honey.
3. Gently rub it on your hands for 2 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
4. Notice how soft your skin feels. This is the effect of exfoliation.

Evaluation

1. Describe the three steps by which acne forms.
2. Why should clients never squeeze pimples?
3. State two types of exfoliation and give one example of each.
4. How often should a client exfoliate in a week, and what can happen if they do it every day?
5. Why should a client with acne still use a moisturiser?

Assignment

1. Name one natural mask for each of these needs: oily skin or acne, dry skin, and brightening. State the ingredients.
2. Choose any two myths from the table and explain the truth about each.