Facial Treatments & Techniques Practice Questions

Explanation: Friction movements use firm pressure in small, circular or cross-fiber motions to generate heat, loosen adhesions, and stimulate circulation. Effleurage is a light, gliding stroke used to begin and end a massage and spread product. Petrissage involves kneading and lifting of tissue. Tapotement is a percussive movement (tapping, slapping, hacking).

Explanation: The standard sequence in a classic European facial is: Cleanse → Exfoliate → Steam → Extraction → Massage → Mask → Serum/Toner → Moisturizer/SPF. Steaming softens the skin and loosens pores before extractions, making comedone removal easier and less traumatic. Massage typically follows extractions, not precedes them.

Explanation: Aggressive manual extractions on inflamed, active pustules can spread bacteria, worsen inflammation, cause scarring, and increase infection risk. Inflamed pustules (Grade III–IV acne) should not be extracted. The esthetician should refer severe or cystic acne to a dermatologist. Light enzyme treatments, calming masks, and desincrustation on non-inflamed comedones may still be appropriate.

Explanation: AHAs work chemically — they lower the pH of the skin and break down the desmosomal bonds that hold dead keratinocytes together, allowing them to shed more easily. This reveals fresher cells beneath. AHAs do not physically abrade (that's mechanical/physical exfoliation). BHAs (salicylic acid) are oil-soluble and penetrate follicles, making them better for acne.