Skincare Theory Curriculum Advanced Esthetics
Learn about what you will study in each of our online curriculum modules.
AESTHETICS INSTITUTE
Skincare Theory Curriculum Advanced Esthetics
The first seven weeks of the Advanced Esthetics course are entirely online, utilizing an instructor-supported curriculum that is 100% on-demand.
Students can complete their weekly assignments, readings, and quizzes from anywhere they can access the internet, on the days and times that best fit their schedule.
Skincare Theory Curriculum Online Modules
- Introduction to Advanced Esthetics & Laser Physics
- Structures of the Skin & Appendages and Anatomy, Physiology, & Histology
- Diseases and Disorders of the Skin, Dermatology Science, Wound Healing Therapies, and Fitzpatrick & Glogau Skin Classification Scales
- Safety, Sanitation, & Infection Control
- Oregon Rules & Regulations for Certified Advanced Estheticians
- Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Standards and HIPPA Compliance
- American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Standards & Protocols
- Laser & IPL Theory, Laser & Light Physics, History, Contraindications, and Safety Procedures
- Treatment Technologies including Ultherapy, Enhanced LED Treatments, Photodynamic Therapy, & Laser Therapy for Acne
- Medical Spa Consultation Best Practices, Client Care & Charting, and Ergonomics
- Laser & IPL Hair Removal Modalities and Protocols
- Photo-rejuvenation & Dyschromia Reduction and Pigmentation & Vascular Lesions
- Ablative vs. Non-ablative Skin Rejuvenation and Resurfacing Treatment Science and Certified Advanced Esthetician Scope of Practice
- Laser Tattoo Removal Science, Modalities & Protocols
- Cellulite & Body Contouring Technologies, Skin Tightening Modalities and Radiofrequency Science
- Medical Terminology & Procedures including Application Theory of Injectable Neurotoxins, Fillers, and Ultrasound Science
- Dermaplaning Advanced Techniques & Procedures
- Microdermabrasion Application with Diamond Dermal Infusion and Lymphatic Drainage Theory
- Collagen Induction Therapy with Microneedling Treatment Modalities
- Advanced Chemical Peels and Chemical Exfoliation Chemistry
- Personal & Professional Development, Salon & Medical Spa Business Essentials and Career Planning for Advanced Estheticians
Please note that this list serves as an overview of the program’s curriculum and is subject to change at any time and without notice. Please schedule a campus visit with one of our admissions representatives today to learn about the most up-to-date curriculum information included in this program.
The online portion of the program works in conjunction with our Advanced Esthetics Workbook, Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Lasers and Lights textbook, along with the internationally recognized Milady Advanced Esthetics digital textbooks.
The second half of the course consists of in-house, hands-on training in our professional medical spa facilities. You can read more about the services, skills, and modalities you will learn about during that hands-on portion of the program here.
This page provides a broad overview of each online curriculum module students will complete during their first seven weeks in the program. We want to help current estheticians and prospective students understand the comprehensive nature of our advanced educational program more clearly.
We have designed our Advanced Esthetics program for a diverse background of student skills and proficiencies. We understand that some advanced estheticians students will just have completed their general esthetics studies, and others will have worked in the industry for a few years and are now looking to move their careers forward.
Our program is even designed for those who may have worked in the beauty industry for ten or more years and have decided to return to school to learn more services to add to their successful practices or careers. No matter where you are in your esthetics career, our Advanced Esthetics program was designed for you!
Our comprehensive Advanced Esthetics academic curriculum offers an adaptive education to allow each student to gain the perfect amount of training to master the included services and modalities. It is also designed to accommodate those with a more robust background in esthetics or the medical field and may already feel more comfortable with the presented concepts, anatomy, and science.
Because the first seven weeks of the program are online, it allows each student to customize the amount of time they need to complete each module with confidence to move forward. Once students are in the building, there is ample time to practice skills and services on other students and paying clients in our professional medical spa.
No matter your comfort level at the beginning of the program or how long you have been a licensed general esthetician, our Advanced Esthetics program allows you to graduate skilled in multiple modalities and prepared to treat your clients with confidence!
We are one of three schools that offer Advanced Esthetics in the Portland area and only one of six in Oregon. We are local, family-owned, and only focus on skincare. We are not a big chain, and that allows us to provide individualized training and support to the students in our small, hands-on classes. Most of our Advanced Esthetics classes have between 6-8 students.
For nearly 40 years, this successful teaching model has produced more than 2000 graduates, and we are not about to change it. No matter how long you have been an esthetician, our Advanced Esthetics Program was designed to take you to the next level of your career.
Skincare Theory Curriculum Online Modules
- Introduction to Advanced Esthetics & Laser Physics
- Structures of the Skin & Appendages and Anatomy, Physiology, & Histology
- Diseases and Disorders of the Skin, Dermatology Science, Wound Healing Therapies, and Fitzpatrick & Glogau Skin Classification Scales
- Safety, Sanitation, & Infection Control
- Oregon Rules & Regulations for Certified Advanced Estheticians
- Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Standards and HIPPA Compliance
- American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Standards & Protocols
- Laser & IPL Theory, Laser & Light Physics, History, Contraindications, and Safety Procedures
- Treatment Technologies including Ultherapy, Enhanced LED Treatments, Photodynamic Therapy, & Laser Therapy for Acne
- Medical Spa Consultation Best Practices, Client Care & Charting, and Ergonomics
- Laser & IPL Hair Removal Modalities and Protocols
- Photo-rejuvenation & Dyschromia Reduction and Pigmentation & Vascular Lesions
- Ablative vs. Non-ablative Skin Rejuvenation and Resurfacing Treatment Science and Certified Advanced Esthetician Scope of Practice
- Laser Tattoo Removal Science, Modalities & Protocols
- Cellulite & Body Contouring Technologies, Skin Tightening Modalities and Radiofrequency Science
- Medical Terminology & Procedures including Application Theory of Injectable Neurotoxins, Fillers, and Ultrasound Science
- Dermaplaning Advanced Techniques & Procedures
- Microdermabrasion Application with Diamond Dermal Infusion and Lymphatic Drainage Theory
- Collagen Induction Therapy with Microneedling Treatment Modalities
- Advanced Chemical Peels and Chemical Exfoliation Chemistry
- Personal & Professional Development, Salon & Medical Spa Business Essentials and Career Planning for Advanced Estheticians
Introduction to Advanced Esthetics & Laser Physics
This module has all the information you need to get started on our online teaching platform. This will be your guide to refer back to any time you need direction on how to study for your tests, access your Zoom meetings, or how to get in contact with your instructor for any guidance you may need.
Your instructors are available weekly via Zoom office hours and by email for any specific questions you may encounter during your studies. Instructor welcome student interaction and are always happy to answer a question or help clarify a concept.
Instructor Explanation:
" You should either print or download your files to a device you can keep handy (ABLS, ANSI files, etc.). Make sure to refer back to “homework instructions” if you are having any trouble figuring out how to turn in homework via google docs.”
Instructor Explanation:
" You should either print or download your files to a device you can keep handy (ABLS, ANSI files, etc.). Make sure to refer back to “homework instructions” if you are having any trouble figuring out how to turn in homework via google docs.”
Structures of the Skin & Appendages and Anatomy, Physiology, & Histology
This module has everything an esthetician needs to know about anatomy, physiology, and histology, including all the components in a single cell to entire systems of the human body.
Make sure to pay special attention to the nerves and muscles of the face- these are concepts you want to feel comfortable with as an advanced esthetician. Also, download or print your open Staxx as this not only is how you’ll fill out your homework from this module, but it is also a document you will be referring to on your state test.
Ending this module with a lecture on the structures of the skin, you will learn everything from the adipose layer up to the epidermis and all of the structures contained in those layers.
Student Success Tip:
" You should definitely refer back to this lecture as you make your way through the in-house training portion of the program, as you’ll want to feel very comfortable with these concepts as an advanced esthetician.”
Student Success Tip:
" You should definitely refer back to this lecture as you make your way through the in-house training portion of the program, as you’ll want to feel very comfortable with these concepts as an advanced esthetician.”
Diseases and Disorders of the Skin, Dermatology Science, Wound Healing Therapies, and Fitzpatrick & Glogau Skin Classification Scales
This module will go over several things: skin classifications (both Fitzpatrick and Glogau scales), dermatology (different diseases and disorders of the skin), and wound healing.
With advanced esthetics, the Fitzpatrick scale comes into play with almost every service we perform, and feeling comfortable with identifying where someone lands on this scale is absolutely imperative to being an advanced esthetician.
Recognizing the different diseases and disorders of the skin is also a very important skill as an advanced esthetician, as we need to be able to recognize what we have the ability to improve vs. what needs to be referred out to a physician or dermatologist.
Finally, with wound healing, we look at one of the most important concepts in advanced esthetics. Almost every service we perform in advanced esthetics leads back to the concept of wound healing in the skin. You should refer back to this lecture as you continue through the rest of the course and start diving into the different services we provide that deal with the wound healing process.
Instructor Explanation:
" It is important to know the differences between an advanced esthetician and a dermatologist, along with what we can and cannot treat, and that an advanced esthetics certification permits treating the epidermis only.
Dermatologists can diagnose diseases or treat skin conditions with medication. It is important to know when a dermatologist is needed based on your knowledge of what different skin conditions look like.”
Instructor Explanation:
" It is important to know the differences between an advanced esthetician and a dermatologist, along with what we can and cannot treat, and that an advanced esthetics certification permits treating the epidermis only.
Dermatologists can diagnose diseases or treat skin conditions with medication. It is important to know when a dermatologist is needed based on your knowledge of what different skin conditions look like.”
Safety, Sanitation, & Infection Control
This module is a review of all the essentials an esthetician needs to know on safety, sanitation, and infection control. We’ll go over the expectations of the state vs. the expectations of the school when it comes to sanitation (this will include reviewing the extra steps the school takes to make sure all our tools and implements are kept as clean as possible.)
You will learn about the different products and machines used in performing and maintaining disinfection, sanitation, and sterilization, as well as how to mix the ones we use at the school. You will learn the importance of universal precautions and potential hazards.
Student Success Tip:
" Make sure to keep your sanitation mix homework sheets handy when you start hands-on, it’s your cheat sheet to prepare all the disinfectants here at school.”
Student Success Tip:
" Make sure to keep your sanitation mix homework sheets handy when you start hands-on, it’s your cheat sheet to prepare all the disinfectants here at school.”
Oregon Rules & Regulations for Certified Advanced Estheticians
This module is where you will learn all of Oregon’s rules and regulations as they pertain to advanced esthetics. Oregon Rules and Regulations are set forth by the Health Licensing Office of the Board of Cosmetology and regulate what we, as advanced estheticians, can and can’t do.
You will learn where to find all of these rules, how to read them, and what you need to know to operate safely within your scope of practice as a certified advanced esthetician. Make sure to keep all your laws and rules handy by either printing or downloading them to a trusted device. (OAR Chapter 331 – Division 001-030, ORS 676.630-660, OAR Chapter 819 – Division 005-050 and Ors 676.560-625 and 676.992)
Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Standards and HIPPA Compliance
This module will dive into the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as it pertains to advanced esthetics and a little bit of the history of the FDA itself. Be sure to take note of the difference between devices and technology that are registered by the FDA vs. being approved by the FDA.
You’ll also want to make sure you’re paying attention to the HIPAA lecture, as there are many positions in advanced esthetics where HIPAA applies. HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act) sets national standards for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronically protected health information.
American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Standards and Protocols
This module is our first jump into lasers and their procedures and standards. There is a big emphasis on laser safety within this module, with several videos pertaining to it.
Student Success Tip:
" You should definitely either print or download your ANSI document. This is a 148-page document that you will be referring to throughout school and your professional career as a laser technician. Having it with me in physical form at school really helped me with my review.”
Student Success Tip:
" You should definitely either print or download your ANSI document. This is a 148-page document that you will be referring to throughout school and your professional career as a laser technician. Having it with me in physical form at school really helped me with my review.”
Laser & IPL Theory, Laser & Light Physics, History, Contraindications, and Safety Procedures
This module will be covering the history of lasers and the science behind laser physics. This is where many students may start to feel a little confused- remember that this all starts making a lot more sense once you start your hands-on education at the Institute, these concepts will be reviewed many times over throughout your education, so don’t feel discouraged!
The majority of services in the advanced esthetics program utilize lasers and light, and safety is paramount at the Aesthetics Institute. While some may find this module a bit dry, it is critical to read and understand all of the standards we adopt with the practice of lasers and why they will keep both you and your clients safe and out of harm’s way.
Instructor Explanation:
" Reach out to your instructor if there are any concepts you would like to expand on further. Having strong background knowledge of why lasers do what they do and how they do it will serve you well as an advanced esthetician.”
Instructor Explanation:
" Reach out to your instructor if there are any concepts you would like to expand on further. Having strong background knowledge of why lasers do what they do and how they do it will serve you well as an advanced esthetician.”
Treatment Technologies including Ultherapy, Enhanced LED Treatments, Photodynamic Therapy, & Laser Therapy for Acne
This module is for diving into all the different machines, technology, and modalities you will come across in advanced esthetics.
From Ultherapy to enhancing LED treatments with photodynamic therapy, this module has all kinds of fun videos on many different treatments for advanced esthetics.
Medical Spa Consultation Best Practices, Client Care & Charting, and Ergonomics
In this module, we will start diving into one of the most important portions of esthetics- consultations. I highly recommend reviewing this module before starting your hands-on training and reviewing it once more before starting to take clients. Being comfortable with consultations will quickly put you in a very valuable position as an advanced esthetician.
Ergonomics is the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment. It is why we care about what chairs, tools, and machines we use and the proper posture to avoid injury later in our careers. Many estheticians’ careers have ended far too early due to injury from not paying attention to the importance of ergonomics.
Laser & IPL Hair Removal Modalities and Protocols
In this module, we will learn about laser hair removal. We will cover who is an appropriate candidate for this treatment, the different modalities used for laser hair removal, and review the anatomy of the hair and the different stages of growth.
Instructor Explanation:
" Make sure to pay attention to which types and modalities of laser hair removal are appropriate for darker Fitzpatrick scale clients.”
Instructor Explanation:
" Make sure to pay attention to which types and modalities of laser hair removal are appropriate for darker Fitzpatrick scale clients.”
Photo-rejuvenatio & Dyschromia Reduction and Pigmentation & Vascular Lesions
This module will be going over dyschromia reduction – aka discoloration of the skin as well and photo-rejuvenation techniques. You will have a lecture on both vascular and pigmented lesions.
Student Success Tip:
" I recommended watching the “Max G” and “Max Ys” videos before starting your hands-on training at the school for dyschromia reduction. These are videos demonstrating treatments with the machines you will be using at the school!”
Student Success Tip:
" I recommended watching the “Max G” and “Max Ys” videos before starting your hands-on training at the school for dyschromia reduction. These are videos demonstrating treatments with the machines you will be using at the school!”
Ablative vs. Non-ablative Skin Rejuvenation and Resurfacing Treatment Science and Scope of Practice
This module will be all about rejuvenation of the skin. We will be specifically focusing on resurfacing treatments. You will learn about both ablative and nonablative treatments, although ablative treatments are outside of your scope of practice, you will still graduate with all the knowledge behind the science.
Student Success Tip:
" I reviewed the lecture for this module and the video “1540 treatment” before starting the hands-on resurfacing at the school. The 1540 video will demonstrate a treatment on a machine you will be using at the Institute. That was super helpful!”
Student Success Tip:
" I reviewed the lecture for this module and the video “1540 treatment” before starting the hands-on resurfacing at the school. The 1540 video will demonstrate a treatment on a machine you will be using at the Institute. That was super helpful!”
Laser Tattoo Removal Science, Modalities & Protocols
This module covers everything you need to know about tattoo removal. This module will cover the science behind tattoo removal, as well as contains several videos demonstrating the procedure.
This module will cover a new concept in laser technology- using acoustic waves to break down chromophores into smaller particles. Be sure that you feel comfortable with this concept before moving on.
Cellulite and Body Contouring Technologies, Skin Tightening Modalities and Radiofrequency Science
This module will cover the theory of several different technologies in the world of body contouring. You will be learning about fat reduction, cellulite reduction, and skin tightening through several different modalities, such as CoolSculpting (theory only) or radiofrequency (theory and practical application).
Student Success Tip:
" Reviewing your Viora training videos before starting the hands-on training for body contouring is highly recommended. These are the exact machines you will use for performing body contouring treatments once you start the in-house portion of your course at the Institute.”
Student Success Tip:
" Reviewing your Viora training videos before starting the hands-on training for body contouring is highly recommended. These are the exact machines you will use for performing body contouring treatments once you start the in-house portion of your course at the Institute.”
Medical Terminology & Procedures including Application Theory of Injectable Neurotoxins, Fillers, and Ultrasound Science
This module will cover all the terminology and procedures that you will need to know and feel comfortable with when working in the field of advanced esthetics. Although many of these procedures may be out of your scope of practice, knowing and feeling comfortable with this terminology is imperative when working alongside medical professionals – being able to cross-sell outside of your scope of practice will truly help you stand out in the field.
Some concepts you will become familiar with in this module include injectable neurotoxins and fillers theory and ultrasound theory. Having a working knowledge of these treatments and the science behind them can be beneficial if you choose to work in a medical spa environment after graduation.
Dermaplaning Advanced Techniques & Procedures
In this module, we will be covering the theory behind dermaplaning, going over different techniques when dermaplaning, as well as watching several videos demonstrating how to dermaplane around the face and decollete- the two most difficult parts of the body to dermaplane.
Student Success Tip:
" Keep these videos handy to review before your in-house hands-on dermaplaning practice to double-check your technique.”
Student Success Tip:
" Keep these videos handy to review before your in-house hands-on dermaplaning practice to double-check your technique.”
Microdermabrasion Application with Diamond Dermal Infusion and Lymphatic Drainage Theory
This module will review the theory behind microdermabrasion while introducing the technology behind the most advanced form of microdermabrasion currently on the market- Diamond Dermal Infusion.
Instructor Explanation:
" The pattern the school teaches for microdermabrasion is done specifically to promote lymphatic drainage. Be sure to refer to this video if you’re ever feeling unsure about the direction you need to move across the face while performing this treatment.”
Instructor Explanation:
" The pattern the school teaches for microdermabrasion is done specifically to promote lymphatic drainage. Be sure to refer to this video if you’re ever feeling unsure about the direction you need to move across the face while performing this treatment.”
Collagen Induction Therapy with Microneedling Treatment Modalities
In this module, we will cover the theory and different techniques behind microneedling, aka collagen induction therapy. You will have training with Exceed microneedling pen as well as the SkinPen.
You will learn the indications, contraindications, and best layering techniques of this treatment. You will learn how to properly and safely apply the sterile 10-blade to the blade handle and how to hold the skin tight for a safe treatment.
Instructor Explanation:
" We utilize multiple modalities of the most advanced treatments at the Institute because we want you to be as comfortable as possible using a variety of machines you may encounter as a professional advanced esthetician after graduation!”
Instructor Explanation:
" We utilize multiple modalities of the most advanced treatments at the Institute because we want you to be as comfortable as possible using a variety of machines you may encounter as a professional advanced esthetician after graduation!”
Advanced Chemical Peels and Chemical Exfoliation Chemistry
This module will cover everything you need to know about chemical peel exfoliation. Starting with a lecture breaking down the science behind chemical peels, this module will be accompanied by several videos demonstrating different chemical peel procedures, along with a seminar from Epionce on optimizing chemical exfoliation.
Student Success Tip:
" This is where we gain access to Circadia's entire product training online database. This training is helpful when making product recommendations to clients during the hands-on portion of the course when we begin providing medical spa services to paying clients.”
Student Success Tip:
" This is where we gain access to Circadia's entire product training online database. This training is helpful when making product recommendations to clients during the hands-on portion of the course when we begin providing medical spa services to paying clients.”
Personal & Professional Development, Salon & Medical Spa Business Essentials and Career Planning for Advanced Estheticians
This module will include a lecture on starting your own business as an advanced esthetician as well as a lecture on how to apply for a job in the field of advanced esthetics. This module contains resources for continued education and resources for business development.
Instructor Explanation:
" We know that many of our graduates will choose to work for themselves at some point in their advanced esthetics careers, and we want to provide you with as many tools and resources as possible to guide you into success as a professional advanced esthetician. While we cover some of the resources available, we are always updating and adding to our database of business tools, so check back often.”
Instructor Explanation:
" We know that many of our graduates will choose to work for themselves at some point in their advanced esthetics careers, and we want to provide you with as many tools and resources as possible to guide you into success as a professional advanced esthetician. While we cover some of the resources available, we are always updating and adding to our database of business tools, so check back often.”