Before you do a treatment on a client, you need to do a thorough client consultation. Why are consultations important? The most important is to find out about any contraindication that the client may have. A consultation will help you to determine why a client may be experiencing skin problems. A client’s health, lifestyle, occupation and products they use can affect their skin.
What are contraindications?
Contraindications are medications, contagious diseases, skin disorders, medical conditions, and skin irritation that can all make a service inappropriate.
List of Contraindications
| Certain skin diseases, disorders, or irritations |
| Use of Accutane or any skin-thinning, exfoliating drug like Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Differin, and more. No waxing, exfoliation, peeling treatments, or any other stimulating treatments. |
| Pregnancy-No electrical treatments, questionable treatment without a proper physician’s written permission. |
| Metal bone pins or plates in the body- Avoid all electrical treatments |
| Pacemakers or heart irregularities- No electrical treatments for these individuals also |
| Allergies- Any allergic substances should be strictly avoided. Those with multiple allergies should use fragrance-free products designed for sensitive skin. |
| Seizures or epilepsy- No electrical and light treatments |
| Oral steroids usage- Such cortisones like prednisone need to avoid stimulating, exfoliating treatments, or waxing due to skin that may be fragile and can bruise easier. |
| Autoimmune diseases- Such as lupus need to avoid harsh or stimulating treatments |
| Diabetes- Because of their poor blood circulation they can heal slowly, may not readily feel pain. If needed, get physician’s approval from the client before treatment. |
| Blood thinners- No extraction or waxing |
Note: Legally you can’t ask a client about any contagious diseases they may have, but they themselves can list any of them on their client questionnaire. This of course will be confidential information.
Why contraindications need to be revealed
Recognizing contraindication is vital to avoid harm to clients and to yourself. Medications or peeling agents can make skin too sensitive for facials or waxing.
Certain medical conditions and illnesses can contraindicate stimulation to the face or body. Clients with open sores, fever blisters, or other conditions should see a physician.
Questions to ask during consultation
- Do you have allergies to products or scents?
- Why are you here? What brought the client in? Is it for deep cleansing, or relaxation.
- What are your skin concerns?
- What products do you use? What is the client’s home care routine? What are the ingredients? and how often are they used
- Have you had treatments before?
- Is this a normal state for your skin? Such as is it normally clearer? or is it usually less irritating?
- How does your skin feel during different times of the day? (The degree of oiliness or dryness?)