Understanding Chemical Peels as an Esthetic Practice

A chemical peel can bring various benefits to one's skin, depending on its formulation and strength. It can heal the skin in many ways but is famous for unclogging pores, preventing and healing acne, lightening and evening out dark spots, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. 

Chemical peels require the application of chemical solutions to the skin. They come in various forms, such as gels, lotions, and cleansers, and function by dissolving the outermost layer of one's skin, allowing it to peel off the following days. 

In short, chemical peels work by removing old skin cells and revealing a fresher layer underneath. 

Three Types of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels have three different strengths: light, moderate, and deep. A licensed esthetician is authorized to perform the light and moderate peels, but only licensed physicians, such as dermatologists, can perform a deep chemical peel. 

Light Chemical Peel

This type of peel is what you generally encounter in salons, skincare clinics, and spas. It is also known as a lunchtime or superficial peel.

On Formulation

There are several chemical formulations for a light peel. The most common formulation contains a solution of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). 

AHA comes from natural sources, like sugar cane, milk, or tomato juice, but the most common AHAs are citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid. These are used to treat lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and texture, and they also help improve acne. 

BHA is for treating scars and acne-prone skin. It is a compound that controls the oil production of the skin and loosens dead skin cells. The most popular BHA is salicylic acid. 

On Application

A thin layer (or layers for some) of peel is applied onto the skin for a set period. 

Moderate Chemical Peel

Medium peels are different from light peels because they target the outer and middle layers of the skin to remove the damaged skin cells. 

On Formulation

This peel uses a formulation that includes glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), lactic or pyruvic acid, or a combination of two or more acids to make a Jessner Peel. 

Glycolic acid is a colorless and odorless AHA derived from sugarcane. The chemical exfoliant is responsible for dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be cleared away and revealing smoother and younger skin. 

TCA is what you use if you want to achieve a more pronounced result. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles, acne scars, and brown spots. It is also used in treating the eye and lip area to improve the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

You get a Jessner Peel when you combine salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. It is the formula used in treating advanced acne scarring, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and freckles. 

Facts to Know About Chemical Peels

While chemical peels are often used to heal and treat the skin from different types of damage, they also have the potential to cause infection and other skin blemishes, such as the following:

• Scarring

• Skin tone changes 

• Cold sore breakouts

• Swelling

• Skin sensitivity

• Burning, itching, or stinging sensations

Correct usage and proper training are essential to guarantee a safe chemical peel treatment. Patients should undergo a comprehensive consultation, including a thorough evaluation of their history, before proceeding with the treatment. 

During the consultation, the esthetician should cover all factors that could affect the outcome, while the client should discuss their desired result for the procedure. 

Here are some factors that should be considered:

• Current and past medical condition/s

• Current medications

• Allergies

• Chemical peel history

• Pregnancy or nursing status

• Current skincare regimen

• Pre-service preparations (this includes the 24-hours skin test)

• Client education (this includes letting the client know what to expect before, during, and after the peeling session)

Conclusion

The skin is a sensitive part of the body. As an esthetician who performs chemical peels, you must have an in-depth knowledge of the different chemical peel acids, their concentrations, and which to use on your clients. 

Learn more about Chemical Peel and earn a certificate in a 24-hour course offered in Northern Colorado Advanced Aesthetics Academy. Our school is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board. We provide advanced aesthetics certificate courses and more. Contact us today for more information. 

Our Guide to Offering Microdermabrasion in Your Practice

As an advanced aesthetics practice, you’ll want to offer only the most high-quality treatments in the industry. You’ll deliver only the best for your customers, which will increase overall client satisfaction and your business’s credibility. As you work in the field of skincare, it’s crucial to stay updated on the regular stream of new products, regimens, and treatments. That way, your practice will remain on the cutting edge.

One of the most famous treatments in most clinics is the microdermabrasion service. It is one of the gentlest cosmetic procedures available that is famous for being effective, yet non-invasive. Including this in your roster of services will help you attract new clients while earning yourself an even more stellar reputation. You’ll also position yourself as the go-to esthetician for the best skin treatments. 

Here’s what you need to know about offering microdermabrasion in your practice:

The Definition of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating technique that removes the outermost layer of the skin, including the dead skin cells. It then reveals the softer, smoother skin underneath. Microdermabrasion aims to produce a more even skin tone by improving collagen production, boosting the skin’s elasticity and texture, and stimulating blood flow.

Most microdermabrasion treatments are performed on the neck and face, although the hands and chest also benefit from this. This treatment reduces signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles while diminishing the appearance of shallow acne scars. It’s also useful for unclogging and tightening pores while minimizing the appearance of sun damage. 

The treatment is gentle to apply without using a topical anesthetic, and it’s known as the “lunchtime facial” because it typically doesn’t take any longer than an hour. There’s minimal discomfort, with patients reporting tender skin for only one to two days. 

The Process of Performing Microdermabrasion

When performing microdermabrasion, you’ll need a small, handheld glass or stainless steel wand to gently scrape the skin’s surface. The wand releases a stream of slightly abrasive crystals that remove the dirt and dead skin cells on the surface while vacuuming the crystals and debris out.

Most methods use corundum or aluminum oxide crystals in this process. However, other kinds of crystals—such as sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate—are also commonly used.

Other types of microdermabrasion include diamond-tip, which uses a handpiece tipped with a diamond to exfoliate. Although the equipment is expensive, some professionals prefer this method because it is more suitable for sensitive skin. 

Most people need multiple treatments to enjoy the full benefits of microdermabrasion treatment. Patients must schedule their treatments every two weeks to allow their skin to grow and shed the old cells. 

Your clinic’s expertise is essential to the success of microdermabrasion. Otherwise, you’ll risk causing discomfort, abrasions, bleeding, or even scarring in your patients. If you intend to offer microdermabrasion services to your clients, you must first assess their health status and consider any pre-existing conditions. You must also discuss a treatment plan with them, the outcomes, and any potential complications. If you believe that microdermabrasion is not the best treatment for them, be sure to recommend more suitable treatments.

The Advanced Training Needed for Microdermabrasion

Your estheticians must undergo a microdermabrasion training course to perform this service for your clients. Depending on state prerequisites, you may even need a master esthetician license and a microdermabrasion certificate. Regardless of the requirements, you’ll want to complete a diploma course or certification in microdermabrasion to expand your skills and gain the needed knowledge to offer the treatment. A certificate will also allow you to promote yourself as an advanced esthetician with microdermabrasion expertise. 

Courses generally last one to two days. Some of them are even online, making them more accessible. In most cases, only licensed estheticians and other skincare professionals can gain proper certification to take this course, so ensure that you qualify. 

Conclusion

Microdermabrasion is an incredibly popular treatment for achieving healthy, glowing skin. Offering the service in your clinic will help you meet your clients’ needs, as it’s an affordable and non-invasive way to improve skin texture and appearance. Now that you know the basics of microdermabrasion and the requirements to offer it in your practice, you’re more than ready to grow your business. 

If you’re looking for an esthetician school in Colorado, you’ve come to the right place. Northern Colorado Advanced Aesthetics Academy offers advanced certificate courses and programs for estheticians. As a top source for esthetics and advanced esthetics career training, we provide the best education and training for skincare professionals. Sign up for our classes today to grow your skill set and expand your expertise in the skincare industry!

What to Know if You’re Thinking of Becoming an Aesthetician

There are plenty of career options for someone with credentials from an aesthetic academy. If you relish giving other people makeovers, you can learn more than just putting on makeup. You can also train to be a lash technician, a brow or hair removal expert, and so much more. Here are a few things you should know when you get an aesthetics certificate.

Do aestheticians perform skincare procedures?

Yes! Aestheticians are primarily skincare experts. Before certification, they must study the physiology and histology of the skin. They also learn about how facial treatments and skincare ingredients interact with the skin's chemistry and with makeup applications.

Aestheticians are passionate about helping people create healthy skincare habits and building routines. They treat acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions, among other skin disorders.

What does a basic aesthetics program cover?

A basic program is excellent for people who have little to no experience administering skincare and cosmetic enhancements. Students entering this type of program are sure to leave with enough skills to enter the job market and land a technician role.

You can expect lessons on basic facials and massages, as well as a brief overview of advanced treatments and techniques. The basics will also cover hair removal, eyelash extensions, brow shaping, lash and brow tinting, manicures, pedicures, and makeup application. 

In addition to these, all aesthetics students get lessons about laws and regulations governing medical spas. They also learn salesmanship, ethics, interpersonal communication, and standard workplace disinfection, sanitation, and safety.

What does an advanced aesthetics program cover?

People who are already working in medical spas and salons or students who had taken the basics course can ramp up their skills with additional modules. Advanced programs include lessons on advanced facial techniques, skincare massage, and hair removal. 

There are also modules covering microdermabrasion, chemical exfoliation, medical intervention, and laser treatments. Microneedling, micropigmentation, and special effects makeup are also possible certificate courses to take after training in the basics.

Where do aestheticians work?

There are plenty of opportunities for skincare specialists, especially those with advanced skills. An aesthetician can work in a salon or a spa and use all of the skills they learned in school. However, some technicians prefer to focus on one or two skills and turn their passion into a lifelong career.

Beyond working at medspas and salons, an aesthetician could become the manager or owner of these establishments. Cruise ships, resorts, and waxing salons hire aestheticians as well. Some technicians work at dermatologists or plastic surgeons' offices, taking over the regular microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser removal procedures. Finally, some graduates opt to put up or work at aesthetics schools as instructors or admissions representatives.

Conclusion

An aesthetics certificate could be the key to a lifelong, fulfilling, and rewarding career for you. There are several skills you learn when you study to become an aesthetician. Whether you're passionate about skincare, love the sight of perfect brows or lashes, or can't get enough of creating the perfect makeup looks, there is a specialty out there for you!

Equip yourself with the skills you need in this field by enrolling with us. We offer advanced aesthetics skincare programs in Colorado, offering in-classroom and practical training to ensure that our students get the well-rounded education they deserve. Contact us today to learn more!

The Perks of a Special FX Makeup Certification

Like a standard undergraduate course, attending an aesthetic academy might set you back a pretty penny—but a special FX makeup certificate can work wonders for your career. Pursuing a certification doesn’t restrict your ability to penetrate different fields. Remarkably, mastering your craft will make you more desirable on the job market—here’s how. 

Employers Will Consider Your Specialized Education

On paper, a special FX makeup certification will impress any employer. Developing a passion for makeup is effortless—pursuing and completing professional training is far more inspiring. 

Unlike on the so-called YouTube Academy, a professional course will instill foundational techniques and skills that SFX enthusiasts overlook. YouTube tutorials are often too specific—with an experienced mentor, there is more room to explore. 

October is Your Best Month

Wedding planners are to the summer season, while accountants are to April. That leaves the entire month of October in the hands of SFX artists. Whether at a convention or trip down the block for trick-or-treating, now is the best time to showcase your talent. 

Granted, you should practice your newly-learned skills all year-round. But with enough in your arsenal, you can create a different look per day—that’s 31 mini-projects you can add to your portfolio. 

You Can Match Up With Industry Contacts

With every day, glam, and drag looks on top of their game; the SFX industry works to catch up faster than ever. Hundreds of Instagram-based makeup artists are becoming celebrities in their own right, making it even more difficult to claim your place under the spotlight. 

With a professional on your side, networking comes into play. Take the time to connect with your peers during every session and speak up on forums—tossing your name around will go a long way. 

You’ll Get Recognized

With certification, you’ll more likely receive invitations to work on editorial shoots, theater, television, and cinema. Whether early or later on, having your name listed on big or small productions can do a lot for exposure, reach, and portfolio. 

Well-known makeup artists often end up writing for magazine columns, collaborating with top-performing brands such as Sephora, and hosting television segments. With enough credit, you can stroll down the same path as you kick-start your career. 

You’ll Have a Portfolio Even Before Your First Gig

With loads of room to practice before you graduate, you can beef up your portfolio with your mentor’s expert eye. Unlike self-made artists, you have unrestricted access to master advice from credible professionals. 

With an impressive portfolio spread and some production credit, climbing the makeup ladder won’t be as challenging as you anticipate. 

Conclusion

If you know an opportunity will give you a leg-up in your career, sometimes it’s worth overlooking the price tag. With color theory, product knowledge, and comprehensive certification in your back pocket, your potential career opportunities are endless. 

At the Northern Colorado Advanced Aesthetics Academy, the road towards big-name horror productions or career-making theatrical runs is just within reach. For 8 hours a day over three days, you’ll learn all about special FX’s rich history and how best to apply it using modern techniques. 

How to Expand Your Beauty Career? Options for Your Next Step

If you think you are ready for your next career move but still unsure of what to do next, this article is for you. The great thing about a career in the field of beauty is that you have many ways to expand your journey. What cosmetologists do when they want to advance their careers is to step into a new direction. They either discover a new niche, advance their education, or shift the focus of their career. 

If you are from Colorado wanting to have advanced aesthetics knowledge, here are some education options you may want to look into.  

The Study of Esthetics 

A growing number of people today prioritize healthy skin. For this reason, the esthetics industry worldwide is expected to grow continuously. At Northern Colorado Advanced Aesthetics Academy, we created a thorough and detailed program for people to better understand the fundamentals of esthetics. 

You will learn the following in a six-hundred-hour course:

• Facial and skincare

• Facial makeup

• Hair removal

• Laws, rules, and regulations

• Management, ethics, interpersonal skills, and salesmanship

• Disinfection, sanitation, and safe work practices

Expect to attain a comprehensive and practical understanding of the different skin conditions and treatments you will offer later. 

Get Your Advanced Certificate Courses

If you want to elevate your training as an esthetician and have more job opportunities to explore, you can always get more education and experience in a specialized area. With our Advanced Esthetics Program, you can cover the requirements for the licensing you need to perform spa services in your area. 

The training, its inclusions, and duration will depend on your chosen class. Here are some of the advanced certificate courses you can explore. 

• Art of the Lash 

Turn yourself into a successful eyelash artist by learning the fundamentals and core techniques of this art. You will learn how to apply classic eyelash extensions, perm or lift eyelashes, and tint eyelashes and eyebrows in this course. You will also learn how to customize lash designs to fit your client’s eyes, and you will get hands-on practice with mannequins and actual models. You only need two days to finish this comprehensive training. 

• Chemical Peel 

In this course, you will learn to analyze skin properly, the pre- and post-treatment procedures, the treatment protocols, the right ingredients, and their proper application. This course will last three days with eight-hour classes. You will also experience hands-on training with actual models under a licensed instructor’s supervision. After the course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to perform chemical peels on your own for clients with different skin types and conditions. 

• Basic Cosmetic Laser or Light Training

If you want to learn a cosmetic laser/light technician’s skills, we have a five-day course that will cover everything you need to know about using laser/light as a treatment. It includes the following topics:

• Laser and skin physics

• Laser and light safety

• Safety protocols and parameters

• Client consultation and care

• Client selection and tissue interaction

• Indications and contraindications 

To learn more about our other offered courses, you can visit this link. 

The Time Frame

Each state requires a specific number of educational hours for the type of service. In general, aspiring estheticians need to complete at least a six-hundred-hour approved course of study for licensing. 

The number of hours for advanced education courses will differ, depending on the modalities or information necessary for the specific course. 

More Job Opportunities 

Successful completion of the courses will earn you the title ‘specialist’ for a given field. With your background, you can now explore other job opportunities, such as a clinical esthetician, laser hair removal technician, cosmetics buyer, spa manager, or state board licensing examiner. You can also offer consulting services after. 

Conclusion

A career in esthetics is something beauty professionals should explore. One certificate opens many avenues for growth and learning opportunities. It is a field with increased demand, so expect no dull moments in this career. If you love to learn about topics you are passionate about, a career in esthetics can give you that fulfillment. 

If you are looking for an aesthetic academy in Colorado for advanced learning and more career opportunities, enroll yourself in our academy. We offer classroom and hands-on training for a full-learning experience. Contact us to learn more. 

Should You Take a Dermaplaning Course? What You Should Know

Many women think that their favorite celebrities maintain their soft and clear skin because of special skin potions or high-tech procedures. In reality, you can get a dewy complexion from dermaplaning, one of the oldest beauty procedures around.

Dermaplaning is the go-to procedure for celebrities who want to maintain flawlessness, which is a must for harsh studio lights and HD cameras. It involves scraping away facial hair and dead skin cells using a sterile scalpel—it's safe and painless, despite how it sounds. Here is a closer look at this cosmetic procedure and why aestheticians should invest in a dermaplaning certification.

What is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning removes a "dead" layer of hair and cells that block nutrients, and it creates a fresher surface that receives skincare products better. It also benefits people with rough, dry skin, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

This procedure reduces hyperkeratosis, which is the thickening of the outer layer of the skin. It helps your skin produce more elastin and collagen, which means it greatly aids in preventing aging. Dermaplaning is also done before a chemical peel or a mask, to help the skin absorb the product more deeply.

Although they seem alike, dermaplaning is different from dermabrasion, which is a mechanical form of exfoliation. Where dermaplaning uses a scalpel, dermabrasion uses microcrystals to remove the epidermis.  

How does dermaplaning work?

A dermaplaning procedure begins with a mild cleanser. Aestheticians typically use one with alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids. These types allow your skin to loosen, which aids in peeling. The client's skin should be completely dry before moving to the next step since moisture on the skin can prevent the blade from moving smoothly. If you try to perform dermaplaning on damp skin, it can cause nicks or cuts.

Once the skin is ready, the technician takes a sterilized ten-gauge scalpel, holds it at a 45-degree angle, and starts moving the instrument on the skin surface. They hold the skin tight and use short, feathering movements, working against the grain of hair growth. 

The procedure should always be performed with a gentle hand, and the movements must be precise—this is something taught in an aesthetic academy. After the dermaplaning, the skin gets moisturized, and the client completes their session or proceeds to another treatment.

Should I get a certification?

The rules about dermaplaning vary from state to state. In some places, like Florida and Arizona, aestheticians can perform it as a cosmetic procedure. Meanwhile, others like California consider it as an invasive procedure. Therefore, they prohibit technicians from performing dermaplaning at all.

In Colorado, aestheticians can perform dermaplaning, but they must attend dermaplaning classes and get a certification. Formal courses will prepare you in any case, since the classes cover several specialized topics like skin analysis, pre- and post-care instructions, and standard procedures and protocols.

Conclusion

One of the best ways to be competitive in this field is to become an expert in a procedure such as dermaplaning. Specialists need proper execution, technique, and skin analysis to administer this safely and effectively. When you get certified, you'll undoubtedly open the door to more significant opportunities as an aesthetician.

Master dermaplaning and attend advanced aesthetics classes at the Northern Colorado Advanced Aesthetics Academy. We offer a comprehensive, 14-hour course on manual resurfacing techniques covering all aspects of dermaplaning and microdermabrasion. Get in touch with us to learn more.

5 Great Reasons Why You Should Become a Lash Technician

Being a lash technician allows you to work in an enjoyable and productive industry. Once you earn a certificate or license from an aesthetic academy, you will enjoy several career perks, which you won't get in a traditional work setting. If you're still on the fence about it, here are benefits you'll enjoy as a lash artist.

You control your workflow

A common reason people become lash technicians is the flexible schedule. Since you are essentially a freelancer, you can work as many or as little hours as you want in a day. Whether you're an early bird or a late riser, you will surely have work if you plan your sessions carefully.

When you gain enough clients, you can even invest in a physical space. If you are only starting, you can work out of a spare room in your house or even travel to clients' locations. 

There is unlimited potential for earning

If you work full-time, you can earn a substantial income from being a lash technician. Even if you do this on the side, you can still make good money. Most people cover their aesthetician school course fees after just four clients. Earning a certificate will help you gain skills that provide a great return on investment.

You get to interact with clients

Traditional jobs can have plenty of restrictions on how to act, dress, and even behave. If you are outgoing and have a colorful personality, this can be a little constricting. If you become a lash artist, you can do away with those guidelines.

Being a lash technician also allows you to interact with different people all day. This is perfect for social butterflies and people who love getting to know others. When you start developing a roster of clients, you gain access to a network that includes their contacts, which can open you to more opportunities and people to meet.

It is not an incredibly stressful job

For those who like laid-back careers, becoming a lash technician is a great option. Every day feels like Casual Friday; being a lash tech allows you to slow down and take a more relaxed approach to things. Some careers are fast-paced, which is great if you love solving problems and responding to situations as they develop. 

You can get certified quickly

Though getting a lash artist certification needs perseverance, just like in any career, it is still easier to complete a course in this profession than others. Many people find traditional schooling to be a drain on their finances; the prospect of racking large debts for a degree is not attractive. Thus, they end up skipping tertiary education.

For people who have financial constraints, becoming a lash tech is a viable alternative. It is quick and affordable to complete a course, and you do not have to wait for months to get into a school. Self-starters and people with an entrepreneurial spirit would undoubtedly go for this over having to put in years at a university or college.

Conclusion

Being a lash technician offers plenty of benefits. For one, it lets you decide the number of hours you want to work in a day, which is excellent for people who value flexibility in their schedule. It is also a role where you can express your creativity, meet people, and help them feel great about themselves.

The beauty and wellness industry always has room for skilled aestheticians. Here at the Northern Colorado Advanced Aesthetics Academy, we help our students learn how to deliver top-quality services. Sign up for our advanced aesthetics classes and help people discover their most beautiful self today!

Why You Should Get a Lash Extension Certificate Online

Personal care is one of the strongest industries today, and it is predicted to reach $438.38 billion by the end of 2026. Despite the downturn that the pandemic brought to many businesses, beauty and wellness products and services are still in high demand. Taking courses in relevant skills will yield a return on your investment.

One thing you can pursue is earning a lash stylist certification. Extensions add volume, instantly perking up the eyes and giving the wearer a confidence boost. Besides helping people feel good about themselves, lash artists can earn comfortably off this skill, making about $47,320 a year. For convenience, get your lash artist certification online.

Why take online lash extension training?

Online classes for the beauty industry might be a novel concept, primarily because most courses rely on demonstrations. However, training online is one of the best things you can do for your career as an aesthetician. Here are four great reasons why.

You can learn from the best even at home

There are so many high-quality lash extension programs, but not all are accessible on your commute. When you sign up for an online course, you can learn from industry leaders and top artists no matter where you are. Having this perk is particularly crucial if you see demand for lash extension services but no training programs near you.

You have access to courses on demand

It can be difficult balancing work and school. Even if you’re studying a topic related to your trade, you must still juggle meetings, classroom hours, and other responsibilities. With an online course, you do not have to be at your computer at a set day or time each week. You can log in before work starts, or you can schedule lessons after you’ve met with the last client of the day.

You control the speed of your program

People learn at their own pace, which can frustrate you when learning something practical like styling eyelashes. In a live class, you will have to keep with the instructor. Online, you can rewind and slow down your video as much as you want. What’s more, online classes do not have hard deadlines. You can revisit lessons and keep practicing without feeling embarrassed that you’re slowing down the class’s pace.

It is great for the budget-conscious

Lash extension classes are less expensive online. Virtual courses do not need to factor into their price the overhead from physical classrooms, materials for the sessions, and learning resources. With online lessons, you also do not need to think of commuting expenses.

For a lower rate, you get the same high-quality instruction that you would receive in a physical building, with the bonus of having access to repeated viewings.

Conclusion

Many people want natural-looking, beautiful lashes, which makes lash extension programs worth your time. Aestheticians who take classes for lash extensions reap plenty of benefits, and those who enroll online are at a distinct advantage. Learning on the internet allows you to fit lessons into your schedule and tailor your learning to your needs.

Customize lashes and learn all you have to know about extensions in the Northern Colorado Advanced Aesthetics Academy. Our comprehensive, two-day training program encompasses everything from eyelash anatomy, eyebrow assessment, disinfecting tools, and more. Get in touch with us today for more information.