ESTHETICS MASTERS PROGRAM: COURSE GUIDE

SPA THERAPY, ADVANCED ESTHETICS AND MEDICAL ESTHETICS

• Introduction to Spa – Provides an overview of techniques and services including Hydrotherapy, Balneotherapy, Thalassotherapy and Algotherapy. Indications and contraindications for such treatments are reviewed. Spa ambiance, sanitation, safety and client comfort are emphasized and retail strategies are underscored.
• Ayurvedic – Based upon Eastern techniques and philosophies, this class presents an overview of an Ayurvedic facial. The Guest Instructor is Hilary Garivaltis, Dean, Kripalu School of Ayurveda from the renowned Kripalu Wellness and Health Center in Lenox, MA. Hilary is an educator and expert on Ayurvedic techniques. She will demonstrate the Ayurvedic facial massage, explaining its origins in ancient Indian healing techniques. This unique program will expand the horizons of our Masters students.
• Body Polish and Body Wrap – Students will learn theory, watch demonstrations and practice performing full body exfoliations and body wraps. Indications, contraindications, ingredient analysis and techniques are covered in detail. Setup is designed to maximize a comfortable and safe environment. Guest Instructor Dawn Nooney, owner and founder of Renew.Calm a successful area day spa will describe ways to market these spa services and enhance your profitability – with or without shower facilities.
• Herbology – Students examine the ancient roots of herbal medicine and practices, their traditional uses and modern research and applications. Guest speaker and herbalist Nate Petley of Northampton’s Acadia Herbals lends his knowledge and expertise to this class. He will also demonstrate how to create an herbal treatment designed for skin care. 8
• Business Start-up and Menu Development – This class discusses an overview of the steps involved in starting a new business. Topics include contacting business resources, basics of a business plan, menu development and marketing ideas. Dawn Nooney serves as Guest Instructor.
• Advanced Histology – This class focuses on the composition and function of the stratum corneum, cellular components, cell types, differentiation, matrix formation, desquamation, barrier integrity and skin penetration routes. Students are guided through a detailed analysis in order to promote a thorough understanding of skin and an intelligent approach to treatment practices.
• Endocrine, Hormonal Milestones – This class includes an endocrine system overview, hormonal changes in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause and their effects on skin. An overview of endocrine glands, their functions, regulation methods and disorders are included. Hormonal milestones illustrate how estrogen, progesterone and androgens affect our skin.
• Confidentiality, Consultation, Documentation and Consent (included in AHA/BHA class)
• Consultation – Thorough and complete consultations ensure proper client selection for advanced esthetic procedures. Forms, techniques and interviewing practices are reviewed.
• Documentation – Any esthetics service, but especially advanced services, requires meticulous record keeping. Students will learn the importance of protecting themselves and their clients by documenting in a systematic and detailed manner.
• Consent – Informed consent is the cornerstone of sound esthetics practice. Obtaining consent for each and every procedure identifies risks and benefits and helps ensure compliance which protects you and your client.
• Glymed Product Knowledge (Introduction) – This class is an introduction to the clinical skin care line used in the Masters Program. Kits are distributed in preparation for AHA/BHA Treatments. Categories reviewed include cleansers, treatment products, masques and sunscreens. Students will perform skin typing and analysis and participate in the development of treatment plans for each other. Hands-on practice with Glymed products is included in this class.
• Alpha Hydroxy/Beta Hydroxy Acids: Theory, Demonstration and Practice (includes consult, documentation, informed consent) – Students will study the history of the use of AHA/BHAs in the esthetic industry along with an in-depth explanation of the mechanism of action. Types of hydroxy acids, sources, properties, uses, pH, indications and contraindications for usage are covered, as well as types of esthetic concerns that are best 9 treated with hydroxy acids. Other subjects covered include client selection for AHA/BHA exfoliation, application protocols, post care, and an extensive review of Glymed products.
• Acne Management – This class covers the theories of etiology and the pathophysiology of acne including a review of incidence, differential diagnoses, types of acne, aggravating factors and lifestyle influences. It also provides a thorough examination of the medical and esthetic treatment options available. A review of Glymed acne care products helps illustrate how the esthetician can educate their clients.
• Hyperpigmentation – Students will study histology, physiology, pathophysiology, and disorders of pigmentation. Esthetic and medical treatment options are explored. Students will study melanogenesis, types of melanin, functions of melanin and disorders of pigmentation. Fitzpatrick Skin Typing is expanded upon and an analysis of factors that contribute to the formation of pigmentation is reviewed. Students will study ingredients and products to treat hyperpigmentation as well as methods of prevention, including sunscreens and American Academy of Dermatology recommendations for protection against pigmentation and skin cancers. There will be a review of Glymed products for treating hyperpigmentation.
• Microdermabrasion – This class addresses history, theory, equipment, safety, procedures and protocols, contraindications, pre- and post-care, client selection, marketing and hands-on practice. Preparation of skin, procedures, benefits and contraindications are reviewed.
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – In this 3- day, 20-hour certification course, students will learn the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, techniques and hands-on practice for MLD of face, head and neck. MLD is a gentle manual treatment technique that improves the activity of the lymph vessels and, in the case of lymphedema, re-routes the lymph flow around the blocked areas into more centrally located lymph vessels that drain into the venous system. MLD is not only effective in the treatment of lymphedema but is also successfully used in the treatment of postsurgical and post-traumatic swellings, sports injuries, chronic venous insufficiencies, amputee stump edema, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and swellings of other genesis. Guest Instructor Kathryn Fleming, PT, CLT-LANA, teaches this class.
• Free Radicals, Antioxidants – This class provides an introduction and explanation of free radical formation, how free radicals damage our skin and body and their role in aging and disease. This includes a discussion of antioxidants and their increasing importance in skin care lines and in supplements for healthy living; a brief overview of current treatment approaches of Dr. Nicholas Perricone, Dr. Des Fernandez; and exploration of many forms of Vitamin C and other newly marketed antioxidants, such as Prevage.
• Medical Terminology – Medicine has a language that is unique and precise. Whether you are reading esthetic journals, or browsing the web for industry information, today’s esthetician must be able to understand and communicate as a professional. This class introduces vocabulary that is necessary for advanced theory and medical esthetics.
• Body Defenses and Immune Responses – This class presents an overview of the immune system with emphasis on the skin’s immune functions. The skin is the largest immunologic organ, and its role in passive and active defense, the types of immune cells and their protective actions are of vital importance to understanding our most basic safeguard.
• AIDS– Aids is used as an illustration of how the immune defenses are destroyed by the HIV virus. A brief history, infection rates and CDC recommendations for the prevention of HIV and hepatitis are covered. Complications, opportunistic diseases, and symptoms of HIV are reviewed with emphasis on the effects on skin. The class also includes an important discussion of dispelling myths surrounding transmission and spread of HIV, and how estheticians can ensure sanitation by employing Universal Precautions.
• Cancer and Skin Cancer – Students will learn the etiology and incidence of common cancers, types and sub-types of skin cancer, pathogenesis, treatments and prevention strategies. Therapies and prognosis are also reviewed. An astute esthetician can refer clients with suspicious lesions to a medical professional and should educate clients on sun safety and protection.
• Skin Disorders – This segment of the course covers skin disorders of importance to estheticians. Topics include: rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and Sjogrens syndrome. Students will study definitions, etiology, incidence, pathophysiology, prognosis and treatments.
• DermaSound – Innovative and non-invasive, this new technology combines the use of low frequency ultrasound and microcurrent for enhanced skin treatments with three distinct modes of action that provides exfoliation, deep product penetration and healing currents. 11
• Chemical Exfoliant Options (Physician-Level Peeling) – Superficial, Medium and Deep Peels are performed in the medical arena. Estheticians working in these medi-spas need an overview of the types, protocols, pre- and post-care of these clinical peel treatments. Indications, contraindications, client selection, documentation and safety are stressed, and the esthetician’s role is outlined.
• Cosmetic Fillers, Collagen, Fat, Botox and Cosmetic Surgery – Terminology, definitions, indications and contraindications for these increasingly in-demand procedures are outlined in terms of the esthetician’s role in the medical office or medi-spa. This introduction gives background for a lecture and slide show presentation by Dr. William H. Truswell (as his availability permits).
• Wound Healing – This class gives analysis and descriptions of wounds and the basic pathogenic responses, most significantly the inflammatory response, providing the Advanced Practical Esthetician with valuable information on how the skin heals under normal conditions. Stages of wound healing are described at the cellular level; there is a review of factors that influence wound healing, the microbiology of the skin, and complications that commonly occur in healing wounds.
• Dr. William Truswell – Facial Plastic Surgery Introduction to Cosmetic Procedures Dr. Truswell visits the Masters Program and provides a lecture and slide presentation of the marvels of cosmetic surgery: a combination of medical science, technology and artistry.
• Ingredient Technology and Retailing Strategies – This class reinforces how understanding product ingredients can improve your skill at treating a client’s specific issues.

Masters Program - Makeup II

• Advanced Camouflage for the Medical Esthetician – This course will cover the definition of camouflage makeup and the ideal candidate and conditions of the skin that will benefit from this technique. Students will also study the role of the medical camouflage therapist, challenges a therapist will encounter, how to conduct a consultation, detailed camouflage application techniques, demonstration and hands-on application.
• Makeup for Mature Skin – This course will teach students to recognize the visible characteristics of a mature client, re-analyze each aspect of a makeup application (foundation, concealer, blush, etc.) for the optimal results on a mature client and how to conduct a makeup lesson for effective client education. A demonstration and hands-on application is included in this lesson. Makeup educator Temple Bruner Staple is the Guest Instructor.
• Fantasy/Character Makeup – This course is an exercise in character development and a favorite among Masters students and staff! Students will be introduced to the basics of theatrical makeup applications. This course will include a fantasy makeup demonstration, introduction to professional theatrical makeup (Ben Nye) and hands-on application. Each student will choose their own theme, develop their own fantasy makeup and fashion and participate in a school photo-shoot. Guest Instructor is Rebecca Ciecko.