Facial Courses
Intro
People often overlook the skin as an organ that needs to be nurtured. Since it is the most exposed part of the human body, the face takes the brunt of it all. Our skin, which is a barrier that protects us from external elements, requires just as much care as other organ systems. As a result, it accumulates dirt and forms common acne. This is what facialists are for – to help customers with varying skin conditions return that clean, facial glow. If you are someone interested in performing such treatments, you are in the right place.
What are Facial services?
Generally, a facial includes steaming, exfoliation, cleansing, facial masks, and massages that aim to restore and give the face a deep clean. In addition to this, there are other options that focus on specific skin issues such as visible pores, signs of aging, and inflammation. Here are some examples:
Pore Minimizing Facial Treatments:
This type of facial reduces oiliness through deeply cleansing the skin, resulting in unclogged, less visible pores.
Vitamin C Facial Treatments:
According to Doyle (2018), Vitamin C helps reduce hyperpigmentation such as sunspots and age spots, which in turn gives the face a youthful and brighter glow. For this reason, a Vitamin C facial treatment is typically done for customers who have dull or sun-damaged skin.
Anti-Acne Facial treatments:
For those who are acne-prone, this facial uses salicylic and glycolic acid to treat and reduce acne by releasing excess oil build-up and dirt from the face.
Clients who want to take it a step further look for more advanced facial treatments. Aside from the above, many clinics also offer the following:
Diamond Facial Treatments:
A diamond-shaped tool filled with crystals is used to gently remove dead cells and toxins. It is a non-invasive treatment that improves the appearance of skin particularly for those who have fine scars, enlarged pores, breakouts, uneven complexion, and sun damage to name a few.
Color Light Therapy or LED:
Also a non-invasive procedure, this treatment uses specific wavelengths from light to address inflammation and breakouts.
Laser Skin Resurfacing:
On the other hand, this treatment uses a laser to remove the top layers of the skin and resurface the layers underneath. It also stimulates the production of collagen, which aids in skin elasticity and hyrdration (Elliott, 2020).
Microdermabrasion:
This is another treatment that removes age spots, acne scarring, and wrinkles. It also removes the top layer of the skin by using a handheld instrument that sprays small crystals and exfoliates the skin when the suction is used to collect exfoliated dead cells.
Before we get into further detail on these examples, we need to know more about the person behind these treatments.
What is a Facialist?
First and foremost, a facialist examines, diagnoses, and treats the skin accordingly through cleansing, exfoliation, peels, and masks that range from standard treatments to more high-tech procedures. These are done without surgery and include aftercare.
Beyond these methods, a facialist also dismisses the unachievable standards of a “perfect” skin, teaching clients that a consistent facial routine is healthier than instantaneous approaches. In doing so, facialists help in boosting the confidence and self-assurance of customers by giving proper, realistic advice on skincare.
How do you become a facialist? Step one: take a training course.
What do you learn in a facial course?
Facial courses are the way to go for beginners or experienced persons who want to provide an additional service to their clinic. They are good for people who are looking for a new career, or for those who want to start a small business. Furthermore, these courses can vary depending on location and program structure among other factors. Typically, the basic package includes the following:
Health and safety hygiene
To ensure correct sanitation of surroundings and top standards of the health of yourself and your clients.
Contraindications
Learn about symptoms or conditions that may be inadvisable in relation to skin diseases and disorders.
Skin Structure/relevant anatomy and physiology
Includes the circulatory and lymphatic systems, as well as skin, bone, and facial structure. Some programs include a more intensive study of the body, such as muscle and skeletal systems.
Skin analysis
Learn and examine the different skin types to provide the best treatment necessary.
Consultation techniques
Discussing the best procedures to use on your client and providing them with facial care needs.
Steaming, cleansing, toning, and exfoliation
Learn the proper procedures for warming the face, giving a deep clean, and removing dead cells for optimum results.
Applying peels, masks, and creams
Learn how and when to apply peels, masks, and creams.
Products and equipment
To ensure proper use of equipment and products in treatments and methods.
Work area set-up
Learn how to prepare tools, products, and seats in an organized set-up for and efficient and clean work environment.
Face, neck, and shoulder massage
To add relaxation and further nurturing.
Aftercare advice
Giving appropriate advice on skincare to retain results.
More intensive programs include other topics. These are usually found in longer term courses:
Pressure-point facial massage
Bacteriology and sanitation
Cell structure
Muscle and skeletal systems
European facial
Paraffin facial
Photoaging and pigmentation
But short-term does not mean poor quality. One-day programs can be just as intensive, providing you with everything you need in just a day. Looking for more options? Read on to find out more.
What are the different ways to study facial techniques?
Online classes
Most online courses give a lifetime access to study materials and video tutorials that teach the full facial treatment process. These are made available upon payment and can be viewed through a study portal in most websites. Because courses are online, you are given complete flexibility in learning. On-hand support through email is also available, with most programs providing guidance seven days a week.
Depending on the program, course activities may include case studies to be given to friends and family, as well as theory assignments. Online studying also gives you multiple chances to retake an exam until you pass, at which point you will be given a certification upon course completion.
However, starter kits and uniform are not provided and must be bought separate from the course fee. Facilities are also unavailable unless stated otherwise in the course program that face-to-face training can be provided.
On the other hand, online learning provided by an institute that also provides full in-person classes do not let you work at your own pace, as these programs teach a small class of at least 2-10 students. This means you will have to attend live videos from home at the same time as students who are training in school. In addition to this, you are required to attend these sessions before the rest of the online material is provided. And if you feel that you require more support, free additional training can be given.
In-person classes
If at-home learning is not for you, maybe on-campus would best fit your learning style.
The first few days of class are usually dedicated to theoretical backgrounds. While this can be done online or in a classroom, other programs include an e-book for you to read days before the actual course date. Note that this is typically required by programs so you can be ready for practical application of these theories in the following days.
Unlike the remote set-up, some in-person course programs include student facial kits, uniforms, and free use of facilities. However, you might be required to bring your own model to campus for demonstrations.
Hands-on training is given emphasis on campus. Aside from demos, students are expected to practice on their models under the supervision and instruction of lecturers during the 3–10-day program. At the end of the course, exams that consist of both theory and presentation need to be taken.
One-day diplomas
The beauty of a one-day certification is that it covers the basics and gives an intensive background on other related topics in just a day. But because of its exhaustive structure, these programs are only available on-campus to ensure that students can perform techniques correctly. This is also usually done in small groups so trainers can focus more on students.
The same benefits from in-person classes apply – starter kits, manuals, and even models are included in the package. However, this is not for you if you are looking to study at your own time or for a longer period.
What pre-requisites are there to study facial services?
There are no pre-requisites to study facial services and acquire a certification.
What accreditations can you get by doing facial courses?
A recognized certificate allows you to gain insurance and perform treatments to the public and charge. A beauty school can hold regional, national, and even international accreditation. However, these may differ per country.
Australia
Australia goes by AQF level or Australian Qualifications Framework. An AQF Level 1 graduate should have entry-level knowledge and skills for work, community involvement, and/or further learning. Furthermore, if the course is an RTO or a Registered Training Organization, your certification is automatically recognized nationally.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, a course certificate is accredited by one or more of the following:
- The Guild of Beauty Therapists
- Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT/VRQ)
- UK Beauty accreditation (UKBA)
- Associated Beauty Therapists (ABT)
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
These institutions meet the required standards to provide safe and professional services to others.
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, some courses allow for an upgrade to an NVQ/VRQ level 2 in facial courses once certification for the entry level is completed. This gives you a higher certification and authorizes you to perform higher level procedures such as Microdermabrasions and Electrotherapy, depending on the upgrade you choose to take.
United States
Accreditations in the U.S. vary in each state. For facialists, a completed program, proof of training hours, and exams are required to obtain a license. Centers such as the Beauty Industry Approval Ltd. allow for international recognition.
What will all of this cost?
Online classes – $69 – $136
Courses cost depending on location, method of learning, duration, accreditation, and structure. Generally, virtual classes are cheaper than in-person classes since facilities, kits, and models are not included in the package. This can range from $69 – $136 U.S. dollars, with a 30-day money back guarantee if you are hesitant in purchasing an online course pack.
In – person classes – $899 +
Meanwhile, in-person classes price much higher, but provide the tools and products needed during the duration of your training. Prices can range from $899 + U.S. dollars.
One-day diplomas – $200 – $1,299
Although same day certifications are quick and intensive, they are more expensive than online classes but cheaper than in-person classes. Fees usually include food and drink, manuals, and models for demonstrations. This can range from $200 – $1,299 U.S. dollars depending on the accreditations you can acquire upon completion. Again, most one-day programs offer free training if you feel you need more support.
Other than this, each course also requires a deposit before you can begin training. Additional fees are also listed if it is not included in the package.
What will you be able to do at the end of a facial course?
Whether you decide to take an online or on-campus course, the skills you will learn will undoubtedly be useful for enhancing your abilities and/or business. You will gain knowledge not just about skin anatomy and techniques, but also the commercial aspect of providing treatments to clients. Because of the accreditations you will receive, your business will be insured and chargeable, with a potential to give you a steady revenue stream.
Of course, this applies to inexperienced people too. There is no harm in acquiring a new skillset in the beauty industry, especially if it is a service you can perform to your friends and family.
How do I find the best facial course?
Personal interests/professional goals
Finding the best facial course depends on several factors. First, you need to know what your goal is. Who do you want to offer services to? A circle of friends or the public? Do you want to start a new career, a business, or a hobby? Figuring out what you want to achieve will help narrow down the list of programs available to you.
Program structure
After setting a goal, you need to decide on a set-up. Do you prefer online or on-campus? Short or long courses? Determine what your learning style is to get the best out of training.
Program structure also includes course contents. Do you want a course program that offers a general rundown of facial services? Or do you want something a little more intensive? These questions should coincide with your goal. If you want to serve the public, maybe it is better to choose a more intensive course.
Pricing and financial aid
Once a structure is chosen, list down your budget. If you are willing to go for higher prices, great! There are many options to choose from. But if you are on a tight budget, it is best to opt for cheaper programs or research on financial plans that courses offer.
Accreditation
Keep in mind the accreditations that are required in your country. Locations vary on what qualifications are needed for you to provide a service. In addition to this, take note of what accreditations a program has received and the certifications it can give you. You don’t want to sign up for a course only to find out you are unable to charge and provide treatments for the public.