COMMON CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR FACIALS Ms. Wade Cosmetology Department Fullerton College
PREVENTION The following conditions cannot receive a facial treatment: Viruses Bacterial Infections Fungal Infections Inflamed Skin Conditions Flu Impetigo Ring worm Dermatitis Cold sores Boils Blephartis Eczema Warts Conjunctivitis Psoriasis Styes Severe acne
PREVENTION The following conditions cannot receive a facial treatment: contagious disease undiagnosed lumps or swelling open sores or bleeding fever facial cancer fresh bruising recent hemorrhage recent scarring unstable blood pressure known sensitivity or allergy to products tooth abscess broken jaw or other facial bone recent head injury recent neck injury recently consumed alcohol under the influence of drugs
EXFOLIATION The following skin conditions cannot receive any type of exfoliation (scrub or mechanical brush) during a facial: Clients using a prescribed chemical exfoliating product such as: Accutane Client should not receive any exfoliation for at least six months after they have discontinued use of Accutane Retin-A Client should not receive any exfoliation for at least three months after they have discontinued the use of Retin-A
EXFOLIATION The following skin conditions cannot receive any type of exfoliation (scrub or mechanical brush) during a facial: Skin with thread veins, open cut wounds, severe pustule acne or areas that have been recently shaved, waxed, or sun burned. Some types of antibiotics tend to make the skin much more sensitive, so find out the side effects of all your client s medications.
MASSAGE Clients should not receive any massage treatments if they have: Recent scarring (within the last nine months) Contagious skin conditions (i.e. cold sores) Circulatory disorders (including asthma, diabetes, etc.) Nervous conditions Swollen or bruised tissues Recent surgery of fractures
MASSAGE Clients should not receive any massage treatments if they have: While massage is effective in helping prevent varicose veins, clients with any established varicosity should also not be massaged, not only because the experience will be painful, but also as rigorous manipulation could result in dislodging a blood clot. Extremely thin, elderly or osteoporotic people must be treated with the utmost caution as massage could cause irreversible damage. Lastly, extreme pain that seems muscular in nature might be an indication of internal inflammation, and should be checked by a doctor prior to massage.
ELECTROTHERAPY Since the electric pulses course through the entire body, avoid all electrical treatments such as galvanic current, and high frequency if the client has: Heart problems Pregnant Diabetic Has a history of epilepsy Electrophobics Any cuts, abrasions or open sores Pacemaker Has mental problems Metal implants, pins or plates Any jewelry
SUN EXPOSURE Although not a treatment, sun exposure is an important consideration. If clients have sunburn prior to treatment, they should not receive exfoliation on those areas. Treatments involving heat should be undertaken with caution as they may still be suffering from dehydration and may experience unnecessary discomfort. Upon completion of a treatment, you should always reinforce the importance of sun protection to your clients, especially following any exfoliation or use of Aromatherapy, as the skin may be more photosensitive. Always check with the client s physician. When in doubt, check it out.
FACIAL CONTRAINDICATIONS QUICK REVERENCE CHART This is only a partial list of common conditions and treatments that should be avoided & use as a convenient reference
FACIAL CONTRAINDICATIONS QUICK REVERENCE CHART Conditions Heart/respiratory problems Kidney disorders Circulatory disorders (e.g. thrombosis) Nervous conditions (e.g. epilepsy) Telangiectasia (e.g. varicose veins) Treatments to Avoid Treatments involving heart, which raise the body s temperature and are stimulating, e.g. detoxifying wraps and saunas. Massage treatments, which increase blood circulation, potentially exacerbating an existing circulatory problem or disorder. Clients with heart conditions or pacemakers should not receive any treatments involving electrical currents.
FACIAL CONTRAINDICATIONS QUICK REVERENCE CHART Conditions Prescription exfoliants (e.g. Accutane) Sunburned skin Recent scarring or surgery (within 6 mos.) Treatments to Avoid Exfoliating scrubs, hydroxyl acids, or treatments that contain vitamin A, waxing (until sunburn has cleared), or prescription use discontinued for at least six months. Massage that can retard the formation of new tissue. Pregnancy Seaweed Most Aromatherapy Heat therapy Treatments involving electrical currents Specific massage training necessary.
FACIAL CONTRAINDICATIONS QUICK REVERENCE CHART Conditions Thyroid problems Iodine allergies Treatments to Avoid Treatments using seaweed, extracts; iodine may affect the function of the thyroid gland; may cause breakouts and /or rashes. Epilepsy Electrotherapy or excessive heat; wraps may trigger a claustrophobic response. AIDS, HIV, Cancer Speak to client s primary physician before treating. Ingested medications (e.g. antibiotics) Increased sensitivity, leading to increased redness and irritation.
FACIAL CONTRAINDICATIONS QUICK REVERENCE CHART Conditions Psoriasis Eczema Impétigo* Ringworm* Cold sore* Infectious skin disorders* Treatments to Avoid Not only can these skin conditions be made worse by over stimulation, but some are contagious*. Psoriasis and eczema can benefit from some spa treatments as long as there are no open wounds. Since psoriasis and eczema are not contagious, they may be treated safely. Clients will benefit from stress reduction treatments, as well. Claustrophobia Wraps, saunas, hydrotherapy tubs. Leave arms free; never cover the eyes.
FACIAL CONTRAINDICATIONS QUICK REVERENCE CHART Conditions Mild dehydration Alcohol use Nail disease Foot fungus Open lesions Pustules or cysts Recently consumed a big meal Treatments to Avoid Massage, Aromatherapy and wraps cause nausea and light-headedness. Do not expose to heat. If symptoms are severe, avoid all treatments. Highly contagious do not come into contact with infected areas. Do not come into contact with open lesions. Do not stimulate cysts or pustules with friction or heat. Heat treatments, massage on the stomach may cause nausea or fainting.