When choosing the best peel for a client, there are many factors that play a role. In order to choose the appropriate acid type, peel depth, formula, application method, and pre/post peel procedures, you must take into account the client’s skin condition, goals, tolerance level, adherence to recommended home care, and general health of the skin. Perhaps one of the most important tools in an esthetician’s peel selection toolkit is the Fitzpatrick Scale. Understanding Fitzpatrick skin types and how they relate to peels can prevent disasters in the treatment room, even those that begin with good intentions. Let’s explore the relationship between Fitzpatrick skin types and popular acids:
WHAT IS THE FITZPATRICK SCALE?
The Fitzpatrick Scale is a numerical classification for how easily a person’s skin burns or tans. An over-simplified description of the Fitzpatrick Scale is to say it is a classification of skin tone, ranging from Type I being the lightest, and Types V and up being the darkest. However, this description is misinformed. The Fitzpatrick Scale is much more complex than simply an assessment of how dark a client’s skin pigment is, as skin tone is not always the determining factor in whether someone burns or tans easily.
Les Nouvelles Esthétiques & Spa
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