During which facial treatment step should thorough skin analysis take place?

Thorough skin analysis is a critical step in facial treatments as it helps estheticians understand the unique needs and conditions of a client's skin. Conducting this analysis after cleansing is ideal because the skin is in its cleanest state, free of surface dirt, oil, and makeup. This facilitates a more accurate assessment of the skin's actual condition, allowing the esthetician to identify issues such as dryness, oiliness, sensitivity, or any specific concerns like acne or aging.

By performing the skin analysis at this stage, the esthetician can then tailor the subsequent steps of the treatment—such as choosing appropriate masks, serums, and toners—based on the observed skin conditions. Starting the analysis after cleansing maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment, ensuring that each product is suited to the skin's current state.