Facial Care

Objective: Understand the esthetician’s role, the importance of skin care and professional responsibilities.

• Why take care of your skin?
• The importance of esthetic care and prevention.
• Overview of the esthetician profession.
• Role and limits of the professional scope of practice.
• Professional guidelines and ethics.
• Overview of the different types of facials.
• Communication and professional conduct with clients.
• Welcoming, introducing and settling the client.

Objective: Gain the scientific knowledge needed to understand how the skin works and the anatomical structures involved in facial care.

• General anatomy of the skin.
• Structure and functions of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.
• Skin cells and their functions.
• Cell renewal.
• Skin barrier and hydrolipidic film.
• Collagen and elastin.
• Hydration and skin physiology.
• Internal and external factors affecting skin health.
• Blood circulation and microcirculation.
• Lymphatic system and lymphatic drainage.
• Nervous system and sensory receptors.
• Musculoskeletal system of the face.
• Structure of the facial muscles.
• Bone structure of the face.
• Skin repair and healing process.

Objective: Apply hygiene, disinfection and infection-prevention rules in a professional setting.

• Fundamentals of infection control.
• Personal and professional hygiene.
• Handwashing and hand disinfection.
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
• Preparing the treatment room before and after each client.
• Sterilization: principles and methods suited to the equipment.
• Preventing cross-contamination.
• Handling instruments and accessories.
• Waste management.
• Basics of bloodborne pathogens.
• Introduction to hepatitis and transmission risks.
• Safety during extractions.
• Managing skin reactions and incidents.
• Procedures in case of an incident or accidental exposure.
• Respecting the limits of the esthetician’s scope of practice.

Objective: Learn to recognize the different skin types and conditions, understand their characteristics and adapt esthetic treatments.

A. Skin types

• Normal skin.
• Dry skin.
• Oily skin.
• Combination skin.

B. Skin conditions and imbalances

• Sensitive and reactive skin.
• Dehydrated skin.
• Congested skin.
• Mature skin.
• Skin with uneven texture.

C. Skin concerns

• Introduction to acne.
• Types and manifestations of acne.
• Factors that can contribute to acne.
• Recognizing signs of acne and the limits of esthetic treatment.
• Introduction to eczema.
• Characteristics and triggers of eczema.
• Recognizing signs that require a medical referral.
• Hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
• Specific needs of Black and mixed skin: hyperpigmentation, marks and scars.
• Photoaging and skin aging.
• Impaired skin barrier.

D. Adapting treatments

• Identifying the needs of each skin type.
• Recognizing contraindications.
• Knowing when to avoid or postpone a treatment.
• Adapting products and techniques.
• Recognizing situations that require a medical consultation.

Objective: Understand how cosmetic products are made, the role of active ingredients and how to use them for different skin needs.

A. Basic chemistry

• Introduction to cosmetic chemistry.
• Acids and bases.
• Understanding pH.
• Why pH matters in skincare products.
• Formulations and concentrations.
• Identifying potentially irritating or allergenic ingredients.

B. Active ingredients

• Hyaluronic acid.
• Glycolic acid.
• Salicylic acid.
• Mandelic acid.
• Azelaic acid.
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA).
• Beta hydroxy acids (BHA).
• Polyhydroxy acids (PHA).
• Niacinamide.
• Vitamin C.
• Retinol and derivatives.
• Peptides.
• Ceramides.
• Antioxidants.

C. Use and compatibility

• Functions and benefits of ingredients.
• Choosing actives by skin type.
• Combining ingredients.
• Precautions and contraindications.
• Skin sensitivity and irritation risks.
• Introduction to superficial chemical exfoliation.

Objective: Develop the skills needed to carry out a complete consultation and build a personalized care plan.

• Welcoming and communicating with the client.
• Consultation techniques.
• Health questionnaire and skin history.
• Screening for contraindications.
• Visual and tactile skin analysis.
• Using the magnifying lamp.
• Identifying skin needs.
• Assessing at-home care habits.
• Keeping and updating client records.
• Photographing the skin with consent.
• Building a personalized treatment plan.
• Documenting and following up on results.
• Recognizing when to postpone a treatment or refer the client.

Objective: Know the different families of professional products and learn to choose the right products for each treatment.

• Makeup removers and cleansers.
• Toners and lotions.
• Mechanical exfoliants.
• Enzymatic exfoliants.
• Professional masks.
• Serums and ampoules.
• Moisturizing creams.
• Nourishing creams.
• Ceramides and barrier-repair products.
• BB creams and tinted products.
• Sun protection products.
• Introduction to chemical peels and their limits.
• Introduction to dermal fillers (general knowledge only).
• Reading labels and understanding formulations.
• Storing and using products.
• Choosing products according to skin needs.

Objective: Discover the devices used in esthetics, understand how they work and learn the principles of safe use.

• Electricity and safety in esthetics.
• Basic treatment room equipment.
• Magnifying lamp.
• Vapozone and facial steam.
• High frequency.
• Ultrasonic spatula treatment.
• Cleansing and exfoliation devices.
• LED phototherapy.
• Introduction to aromatherapy.
• How the devices work.
• Maintenance, disinfection and safety of devices.
• Indications, precautions and contraindications.
• Safe use of devices within the limits of the training and the scope of practice.

Objective: Master the basic facial massage movements and develop good manual technique.

• Introduction to facial massage.
• Principles and benefits of esthetic massage.
• Preparing the client.
• Esthetician posture and ergonomics.
• Effleurage.
• Circular movements.
• Kneading adapted to the face.
• Relaxation techniques.
• Face, neck and décolleté massage.
• Esthetic lymphatic drainage techniques.
• Sculpting and skin stimulation techniques.
• Lifting and toning massage.
• Precautions and contraindications.
• Developing professional hand movements.

Objective: Learn to build and perform complete facials, from skin preparation to final recommendations.

A. Preparing the treatment

• List of basic facial equipment.
• Preparing the treatment room.
• Settling the client.
• Preparing products and materials.
• Consultation demonstration.

B. Core protocol

• Makeup removal.
• Cleansing.
• Skin analysis.
• Exfoliation.
• Extraction when necessary and appropriate.
• Facial massage.
• Mask application.
• Serum and cream application.
• Sun protection and final advice.

C. Personalized protocols

• Facial for dry skin.
• Facial for oily skin.
• Facial for dehydrated skin.
• Facial for sensitive skin.
• Facial for acne-prone skin, when an esthetic treatment is appropriate.
• Intensive hydrating facial.
• Purifying facial.
• Radiance and even-tone facial.
• Basic anti-aging facial.
• Soothing and revitalizing facial.

D. Practice

• Demonstration of complete facials.
• Practice on models under supervision.
• Case studies.
• Adapting protocols to the client’s needs.
• Assessing treatment quality.
• Organization and time management during a treatment.

Objective: Understand the factors that affect skin health, advise clients and gain the basics needed to develop a professional business.

A. Nutrition and skin health

• Introduction to nutrition.
• Essential foods.
• The link between diet and skin health.
• Vitamin A.
• Vitamin C.
• Vitamin E.
• Hydration and overall skin health.

B. Aftercare

• Recommendations after a facial.
• Sun protection and prevention of aging.
• Precautions after exfoliation.
• Tips to avoid irritation.
• Building a morning and evening routine.
• Choosing products for home use.
• Seasonal advice and skin changes.
• Monitoring skin progress and adjusting recommendations.

C. Professional development

• Client communication and loyalty.
• Retail product advice.
• Presenting and marketing your services.
• Professional photos of results, with consent.
• Managing client records.
• Introduction to running a spa or beauty salon.
• Developing a professional business.

Objective: Confirm the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to perform a professional facial.

• Theory exam on skin anatomy and physiology.
• Assessment of hygiene and safety knowledge.
• Practical skin analysis assessment.
• Identifying contraindications.
• Choosing suitable products.
• Creating and presenting a personalized protocol.
• Performing a complete facial on a model.
• Assessment of manual techniques and professional movements.
• Assessment of at-home recommendations.
• Validation of the professional skills acquired.