When should a skin analysis be performed?

A skin analysis should be performed after cleansing the face because this is the stage where the skin is most clean and free from any barriers that could affect the assessment. Cleansing removes makeup, oils, and impurities, allowing for a more accurate evaluation of the skin's condition. By assessing the skin in its cleansed state, an esthetician can identify specific concerns such as dehydration, sensitivity, or areas requiring more attention, ensuring that the treatments and products applied thereafter are tailored to meet the client’s needs effectively.

Performing a skin analysis before moisturizing, exfoliating, or after applying makeup would not provide the same clarity, as those factors can obscure the true condition of the skin and might lead to less optimal treatment decisions.