You can’t have successful skincare results until you know the client’s skin type. It’s common for cosmetology professionals to choose a treatment or product and apply it to a client without really looking at the skin. However, if that decision is incorrect, the client will not see the results they are looking for and might experience even more of a problem. If it was a product, they may have irritation or an allergic reaction.
Knowing and understanding skin types is a vital skill for cosmetologists to learn.
Why Skin Types Are Important
Skin types vary widely based on the individual. It is impossible for one product or treatment to work in the exact same way for everyone because each client’s body is different. What may work great for one may have a completely different effect on another. The better understanding of skin types, the more tailored products and treatments can be for the person, which will produce better results. This is another one of the main principles of cosmetology, which means individualizing skin type.
The 5 Main Types of Skin
Even though skin varies quite a bit, it generally falls into 5 different types.
Normal Skin
Normal skin means the skin is fairly clear and has very few spots or blemishes. It may not have a lot of sensitivity or dryness. It is considered to have a healthy amount of moisture.
Dry Skin
This skin type is prone to dehydration because of lack of oils or moisture. Dry skin often has a rough texture, flaking, or dull tone.
Oily Skin
Oily skin has large pores and tends to be oily or shiny on the skin’s surface because of the high sebum production in the glands. Oily skin is prone to blemishes. However, this type of skin is not as susceptible to early aging signs.
Combination Skin
Clients with combination skin have oily skin in areas, typically the T-zone, and normal or dry skin in others, such as the cheeks.
Sensitive Skin
Those with sensitive skin react quickly to outside irritants, products, or treatments. Skin may become red, swollen, or stinging. It is important to use only gentle products and treat the skin very carefully.
Influences on Skin Type
While it’s good to know the skin type of a client, there are other factors that contribute to the condition of the skin which cosmetologists need to consider when assessing the needs of the client. These other factors can affect the condition of a person’s skin including:
- Climate
- Stress
- Diet
- Hydration
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Skincare habits
The understanding of these factors is essential when cosmetologists are making recommendations to their clients.
Client Consultations
While cosmetologists can see many things just by looking at a client’s skin, it is also important to ask questions before any kind of facial or skin treatment. For example, a good facialist knows the importance of asking questions such as lifestyle, what other products a person is using, their medical history, what their skin care goals are, what treatments they have had before, and more.
The more information that can be gathered, the better the consultation, which means better treatments and results.
Customized Treatment Plans
Modern cosmetology and skincare is really all about customization instead of just doing one set of procedures for everyone. Customized treatment plans take into account a client’s skin type, their individual skin concerns, and their personal goals. This helps improve results as they are more specific to the client. It also increases the chance that the client will see a better effect. The end goal is better skin, health, and confidence.
Conclusion
Skin type is one of the first things to consider before any kind of cosmetic procedure. The more cosmetologists understand their client’s skin and their specific needs, the better treatments and recommendations they can make in the best interest of their client and better care to the skin.